When the mood strikes for something sweet but you want to avoid the usual routine, this 3-Ingredient Dulce de Leche Fudge—lovingly referred to as Churros Truffles—is your answer. I stumbled upon this delightful treat while dreaming of the warm, sugary churros from my favorite café in Brazil. Just the thought of their crispy exterior contrasted with the gooey decadence inside was enough to inspire a recipe that embodies those flavors in an easy-to-make fudge.
Imagine silky, rich dulce de leche swirling together with creamy condensed milk and rich butter, transforming into a fudge so indulgent, you’ll want to have it any day of the week. Coating these little bites of joy in sparkling sugar and cinnamon takes them over the top, giving a hint of nostalgia with every sweet morsel. Whether you’re gearing up for a gathering or simply treating yourself, this fudge offers a burst of flavor and nostalgia that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into creating this Brazilian-inspired dessert that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why is Dulce de Leche Fudge a Must-Try?
Unique Fusion: This recipe effortlessly blends the classic flavor of churros into a rich fudge, delivering a familiar yet exciting twist.
Three Ingredients: Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is—just three simple ingredients create a dessert that looks and tastes gourmet!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings, these truffles will impress both family and friends with their delicious flavor and charming appearance.
Versatile Coatings: Feel free to customize with various coatings or flavorings to suit your mood or occasion.
Quick & Simple: Whip up a batch in no time, making this recipe ideal for anyone needing a sweet fix without fuss!
Dulce de Leche Fudge Ingredients
• To create your delicious Dulce de Leche Fudge, gather the following ingredients:
For the Fudge
- Condensed Milk – This is your primary sweetener and the base for the fudge; use sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess.
- Dulce de Leche – Adds richness with its caramel-like flavor; you can use store-bought or homemade for the best texture.
- Unsalted Butter – This ingredient provides a silky smoothness; ensure it’s softened to mix effortlessly.
For the Coating
- Crystal Sugar – A sweet and crunchy coating that adds delightful texture; you can also use sprinkles or finely chopped nuts for a twist.
- Cinnamon Powder – Provides a warm, spicy kick; adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences.
Get ready to enjoy these sweet, indulgent bites of Dulce de Leche Fudge that will surely satisfy your cravings!
How to Make Dulce de Leche Fudge
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Mix Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the condensed milk, dulce de leche, and softened butter. Stir them together over medium heat until well combined.
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Cook Mixture: Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a rolling boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes—just keep an eye on it!
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Thicken: Lower the heat and continue stirring for approximately 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and looks shiny.
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Cool Fudge: Transfer the thickened fudge to a buttered plate and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for about an hour until it’s set.
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Form Truffles: Scoop out small portions of fudge using buttered hands, and roll them into bite-sized balls. Coat each ball in your sugar-cinnamon mixture until completely covered.
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Serve or Store: Place your delicious truffles in small baking cups for serving. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 15 days or freeze them for later enjoyment!
Optional: Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for added flavor before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Dulce de Leche Fudge?
Indulging in rich, sweet bites of fudge opens a world of delightful pairing possibilities to elevate your dessert experience.
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Crispy Churros: These classic treats offer a warm, crunchy contrast to creamy fudge while echoing the churros’ inspired flavor.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream adds a cold and creamy layer, balancing the fudge’s sweetness brightly.
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Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or sweet strawberries introduce a refreshing pop of flavor and a hint of acidity to cut through the richness.
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Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a cup of this warm beverage; its rich cocoa and spicy notes complement the fudge beautifully, creating a comforting experience.
A dessert platter with these pairings brings together warmth and sweetness, perfect for gatherings. Or simply enjoy these treats with family over a cozy evening at home.
- Coffee or Espresso: A robust coffee can enhance the flavors, offering a delightful contrast that amplifies the treat’s sweetness while providing a caffeine boost.
Pair your Dulce de Leche Fudge with any of these delicious options and watch your dessert spread become a memorable feast!
Dulce de Leche Fudge Variations
Embrace your creative side and customize this delightful fudge recipe with these tempting twists!
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Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
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Spiced Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the sugar coating for a surprising spicy kick!
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Cocoa Bliss: Substitute half of the sugar in the coating with cocoa powder for a chocolate-covered version that’s irresistible.
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Fruit Fusion: Blend in chopped dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for bursts of flavor and a chewy texture.
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Coconut Crunch: Roll the truffles in shredded coconut instead of sugar for a tropical twist that complements the fudge beautifully.
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Vanilla Bean: Infuse the fudge mixture with vanilla extract for a delicate, aromatic flavor enhancement that balances the sweetness.
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate a bit of orange or lemon zest into the mixture for a refreshing citrusy note that brightens up the fudge.
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Vegan Option: Use coconut milk instead of condensed milk and swap butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free version that’s creamy and delicious.
How to Store and Freeze Dulce de Leche Fudge
- Room Temperature: Keep the fudge at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor its creamy texture.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 15 days. This helps maintain the fudgy consistency and prevents it from drying out.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the truffles for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Thawing: To enjoy later, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and enjoy the delightful taste of your Dulce de Leche Fudge!
Expert Tips for Dulce de Leche Fudge
- Stir Constantly: To avoid burning, never leave the mixture unattended while cooking—constant stirring is key to achieving that perfect fudge!
- Perfect Cooling Time: Allow the fudge to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating; this helps it set nicely without becoming too hard.
- Use Buttered Hands: When forming truffles, buttered hands help keep the fudge from sticking, making the rolling process much easier.
- Check for Shine: The fudge is ready when it becomes shiny and pulls away from the pan’s sides—don’t rush this step to ensure a smooth texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the fudge mixture for an exciting flavor twist with your dulce de leche fudge!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Dulce de Leche Fudge truffles are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy homemade sweets without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the fudge mixture and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance—just store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture. Simply follow the initial steps of the recipe and, when you’re ready to serve, scoop and roll the fudge into balls and coat them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture. This way, you’ll have a sweet treat ready for gatherings or whenever the cravings strike, ensuring the fudge remains just as delicious and indulgent as when freshly made.
Dulce de Leche Fudge Recipe FAQs
What type of dulce de leche should I use?
Absolutely! For this recipe, I recommend using homemade dulce de leche for the richest flavor and creaminess. However, store-bought options work wonderfully too, especially when you’re short on time. Look for brands that use natural ingredients for the best results.
How long can I store my Dulce de Leche Fudge?
You can keep your fudge stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 15 days. This timing ensures you enjoy its delicious fudgy consistency. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the truffles for up to 2 months!
Can I freeze Dulce de Leche Fudge?
Very! To freeze your truffles, first, allow them to cool completely. Next, place them in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between each layer to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator for about 8 hours or overnight for the best texture.
My fudge didn’t set properly; what could be wrong?
Don’t worry; this happens! For a perfectly set fudge, ensure you cook the mixture until it reaches a shiny appearance and pulls away from the pan’s sides. If it doesn’t set, it may have needed a bit more cooking time. You can gently reheat the mixture, stir constantly until thickened, and then let it cool and set again.
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re making these truffles for someone with allergies, be mindful that this fudge contains dairy (a risk for those with lactose intolerance) and should be avoided for anyone with a dairy allergy. You can try using dairy-free condensed milk and butter alternatives for a kinder version for those individuals!
How can I tell if the ingredients are fresh enough to use?
For the best results, check that your condensed milk is not past its expiration date, and ensure that the dulce de leche doesn’t have any discoloration or off smells. Butter should be creamy and without any dark spots; if in doubt, it’s better to purchase fresh ingredients for this scrumptious Dulce de Leche Fudge!
Dulce de Leche Fudge: Easy Churros Truffles You’ll Adore
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine the condensed milk, dulce de leche, and softened butter. Stir them together over medium heat until well combined.
- Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a rolling boil (about 5-7 minutes).
- Lower the heat and continue stirring for approximately 15 minutes until it pulls away from the sides of the pan and looks shiny.
- Transfer the thickened fudge to a buttered plate and let it cool to room temperature; refrigerate for about an hour until set.
- Scoop small portions of fudge using buttered hands, and roll into bite-sized balls. Coat each ball in the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Place truffles in small baking cups for serving. Keep in the fridge for up to 15 days or freeze for later enjoyment.