Making Belizean Fudge: A Step-By-Step Guide

Belizean fudge is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Unlike traditional chocolate-based fudge recipes, Belizean fudge is primarily made with condensed milk, peanuts, sugar, and often includes shredded coconut, raisins, or walnuts. This unique and interesting treat is a favourite in Belize and can be found on food carts, in stores, or made at home. It is easy to make, including only six ingredients, and is the perfect sweet treat to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients: condensed milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg, raisins, peanuts, coconut

Belizean fudge is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is a popular treat in Belize. Unlike typical fudge recipes, it does not contain chocolate. Instead, it is a creamy and rich sweet made with condensed milk, sugar, butter, vanilla, nutmeg, and optional raisins, peanuts, and coconut.

To make Belizean fudge, you will need the following ingredients:

• 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative)
• 2 cups of white sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon of butter (or coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of raisins, peanuts, or shredded coconut (optional)

The first step is to prepare your cookie sheet. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or grease it with butter and set it aside.

Next, combine the condensed milk, sugar, and grated coconut (if using) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring for about 7 minutes, or until the mixture turns a caramel colour and starts to pull away from the edges of the pot.

To test if the fudge is ready, scoop a small amount with a spoon and drop it into a glass of cold water. If it hardens immediately, it's ready; if not, continue stirring.

Once the fudge is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly add the butter (or coconut oil), vanilla extract, and any optional add-ins. Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from hardening too quickly.

Immediately pour the fudge onto your prepared cookie sheet and spread it evenly. Allow the fudge to set for a few minutes before cutting it into diamonds or squares.

Your delicious Belizean fudge is now ready to be enjoyed! It will yield one small cookie sheet of fudge, serving 8-12 people, depending on the size of the pieces.

Combine ingredients in a non-stick saucepan

To make Belizean fudge, you'll need to combine all your ingredients in a non-stick saucepan. This includes a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of raisins, peanuts, or shredded coconut (optional).

Before you begin, grease a cookie sheet with butter and set it aside. You'll need this once your fudge is ready to be poured out and cut into squares.

Now, back to the saucepan. Combine your condensed milk, sugar, and grated coconut (if you're using it) in the saucepan. It's important to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for this step, as you'll be cooking the mixture over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching as you bring the mixture to a boil. Keep stirring for about 7 minutes. You'll notice the mixture starting to turn a caramel colour and pull away from the edges of the pot. This indicates that the fudge is beginning to form.

To test if your fudge is ready, use a spoon to scoop a small amount of the mixture and drop it into a glass of cold water. If it hardens immediately, you're good to go. If not, continue stirring for a bit longer.

Once your fudge has passed the water test, it's time to add the remaining ingredients: butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, and any optional additions like raisins, peanuts, or freshly grated coconut. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from hardening too quickly.

Now, you're ready to pour your fudge onto the prepared cookie sheet. Spread it evenly and let it set for a few minutes before cutting it into your desired shapes—diamonds or squares.

Cook on medium heat until bubbling

To make Belizean fudge, you'll need to cook the ingredients on medium heat until bubbling. This is a crucial step in the process of making this delicious treat, and it requires your constant attention and care to get just right. Here's a detailed guide to help you through it:

First, make sure you've gathered and prepared all your ingredients. You should have a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, your choice of 2 cups of white sugar or 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and optional add-ins like 1/8 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, ¼ cup of raisins, peanuts, or shredded coconut. Grease a cookie sheet with butter and set it aside—this will be your workspace for the bubbling mixture.

Now, combine all your ingredients in a heavy-bottomed, non-stick saucepan. The saucepan is important because you want to distribute heat evenly to get the best consistency in your fudge. Turn your stovetop to medium heat and place the saucepan on it. Continuously stir the mixture as it heats up. This step is crucial because you don't want your mixture to scorch or burn. Stirring constantly will also help you monitor the consistency and colour changes in your fudge.

As the mixture heats up, you'll notice it starting to bubble. This is a key indicator that your fudge is beginning to form. Keep stirring for about 7 to 12 to 15 minutes. You'll notice the mixture turning a caramel colour and starting to pull away from the edges of the pot. This is a good sign! It means your fudge is almost ready. To test if it's done, scoop a small amount with a spoon and drop it into a glass of cold water. If it hardens immediately, your fudge is ready for the next step. If not, continue stirring until it passes the water test.

Once your fudge has reached the right consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. You've successfully cooked your Belizean fudge on medium heat until bubbling! Now, quickly add your butter or coconut oil, vanilla extract, and any optional add-ins you've chosen. Keep stirring the mixture to prevent it from hardening too quickly.

Belizean fudge is a delightful treat, and cooking it on medium heat until bubbling is a crucial step in the process. It may take a bit of practice to perfect, but with patience and these detailed instructions, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Belizean fudge master!

Stir constantly for 12-15 minutes

Now that you've combined all the ingredients in a nonstick saucepan and cooked them over medium heat, it's time for the next crucial step: stirring constantly for 12-15 minutes. This step is essential to achieving the perfect Belizean fudge consistency and preventing your sweet treat from sticking or burning.

As you stir, you'll notice the mixture starting to change colour and transform in texture. It will go from a light, bubbly concoction to a richer, darker brown—a sign that your fudge is coming together. The constant stirring ensures that the heat is distributed evenly and that none of the sugars or milk solids burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. It's a delicate balance, as you want to give the fudge enough time to cook and reach that perfect, creamy texture without letting it scorch.

While stirring, keep a close eye on the mixture. You'll know it's ready when it pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. This visual cue indicates that the fudge has reached the ideal stage of doneness and is ready to be poured onto your prepared cookie sheet. If you notice the mixture starting to stick or burn, adjust your heat source accordingly—every stove is different, and you may need to reduce the heat slightly to ensure even cooking.

Remember, this process should take around 12-15 minutes of constant stirring. It's a labour of love that will result in a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Don't be tempted to stop stirring or step away from the stove, as the mixture can quickly scorch or burn. With a little patience and a steady hand, you'll be rewarded with a batch of delicious Belizean fudge that's worth the effort.

Pour onto a buttered cookie sheet to cool

Now that your fudge is ready, it's time to pour it onto a buttered cookie sheet to cool. Grease a cookie sheet with butter and set it aside. Make sure to do this before you start cooking, so it's ready when your fudge is done.

Once your fudge mixture is ready, immediately pour it onto the prepared cookie sheet. Spread the fudge evenly across the sheet. Allow the fudge to cool and set for a few minutes. This will ensure the fudge has a chance to firm up before you cut it.

After a few minutes, you can cut your Belizean fudge into diamonds or squares. For a uniform look, cut the fudge into 2-inch squares. This will give you bite-sized pieces that are easy to serve and store.

Your delicious Belizean fudge is now ready to be enjoyed! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container. This fudge is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and makes a great treat for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions