This milk fudge is a silky, indulgent sweet that comes together in just minutes—no oven, no gelatin, and no complicated steps. It’s a modern twist on traditional South Asian barfi, made with condensed milk, milk powder, and butter, yielding a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The flavor is rich and comforting, with hints of vanilla or cardamom depending on your preference.
Perfect for festive occasions, tea-time treats, or gifting, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can infuse it with therapeutic ingredients like turmeric or saffron, add nuts or dried fruits, or make it vegan with plant-based alternatives. Whether you’re preparing it for family, neighbors, or your online community, this fudge is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🧾 INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup milk powder – The base for creamy texture
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and sweetness
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted) – For smoothness and flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ tsp cardamom powder – For aroma and depth
- Optional toppings: crushed pistachios, almonds, coconut flakes, or saffron strands
- Optional wellness add-ins: ¼ tsp turmeric or ginger powder for therapeutic benefits
👨🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line a small square or rectangular dish (6×6 or 8×8 inch) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This will make it easy to lift and slice the fudge later.
2. Melt the Butter
In a non-stick pan over low heat, melt the butter gently. Avoid browning it—just melt until liquid and warm.
3. Add Condensed Milk
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously with a spatula or whisk. Keep the heat low to prevent sticking or burning.
4. Incorporate Milk Powder
Gradually add the milk powder, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 4–5 minutes.
5. Flavor It
Add vanilla extract or cardamom powder, depending on your flavor preference. For a wellness twist, stir in turmeric or ginger powder at this stage. Mix well until fully incorporated.
6. Set the Fudge
Once the mixture is thick and smooth, pour it into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to flatten and smooth the top. Sprinkle with crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or saffron if desired.
7. Cool & Slice
Let the fudge cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to speed up setting. Once firm, lift it out and slice into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve & Store
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It’s perfect with chai, coffee, or as a sweet finish to any meal.
🧘♀️ WELLNESS NOTES:
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based condensed milk and vegan butter.
- Therapeutic Add-ins: Turmeric adds anti-inflammatory benefits and a golden hue.
- Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use unsweetened condensed milk and add stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Cultural Flair: Add rose water or saffron for a South Asian twist, or orange zest for Mediterranean flavor.