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Coal Candy (Black Fudge)

Coal Candy (Black Fudge)

Easy no-thermometer Coal Candy made with white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and black food coloring. Perfect Christmas gag gift that looks like coal but tastes like creamy fudge!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 8 hours
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 64 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Fudge Base
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
  • 24 ounces white chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons black gel food coloring adjust to desired darkness
For Topping
  • 2 tablespoons black or silver sprinkles optional

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, butter, and salt. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
  3. Continue stirring gently over low heat for 8-10 minutes until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy mixture with no lumps. Be patient—low heat prevents burning and graininess.
  4. Remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, then add 2 teaspoons black gel food coloring. Whisk vigorously until color is fully incorporated and fudge is jet-black. Add more coloring if needed for deeper color.
  5. Pour black fudge into prepared pan and spread evenly with spatula. Sprinkle with black or silver sprinkles if desired while fudge is still warm.
  6. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight until completely firm.
  7. Lift fudge out of pan using parchment overhang. Place on cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife. Warm knife under hot water and dry between cuts for cleanest edges.
  8. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Color Tip: Use gel food coloring, not liquid—gel is more concentrated and won't thin the fudge.
Altitude Note: At higher altitudes, melting may take longer. Be patient and keep heat low for smoothest results.