Here’s a classic South African fudge recipe 🇿🇦 — the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth kind sold at school fêtes, church bazaars, and farm stalls.

Traditional South African Condensed Milk Fudge

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 tin (385 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 cups white sugar
• 125 g butter
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Prepare your tin

• Line a 20 cm square tin with baking paper.
• Lightly grease.

2️⃣ Cook the fudge

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, condensed milk, butter, and milk.
• Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly (very important!).
• Boil for 10–15 minutes until thick and caramel-coloured.

3️⃣ Test for setting

• Drop a little mixture into cold water.
• If it forms a soft ball that holds shape, it’s ready.

(Or use a thermometer: 116–118°C – soft ball stage.)

4️⃣ Beat & flavour

• Remove from heat.
• Add vanilla and salt.
• Beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens and loses its glossy shine.

5️⃣ Set

• Pour into prepared tin.
• Score into squares while still warm.
• Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Local Tips

• Stirring non-stop prevents grainy fudge.
• Humid coastal weather may require slightly longer cooking.
• Many South African home cooks add chopped pecans or a spoon of Amarula for a festive twist.
• A tiny pinch of Aromat gives a nostalgic salty-sweet touch (optional but very local!).