Fudge Icing Recipe
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Fudge Icing goes perfectly on so many desserts. Get this heirloom fudge icing recipe that is sure to become a family favorite
For as long as I remember, this Fudge Icing has been a special part of my Grandmother Verdie’s recipe collection. She’d make it each year to top my sister’s Chocolate Pound Cake Grandmother would make her for her birthday.
While the Chocolate Pound Cake was just delicious on its own, it didn’t hold a candle to when it was topped with her fudge icing.
Mercy!
Maybe that’s why I have this obsession with chocolate.
I will tell you though, this fudge icing is thick and rich – and heavenly! I make it while the chocolate pound cake is cooling and then begin pouring the fudge icing over the top once it is ready. By the end, I do end up having to just spoon bits of the fudge icing onto the cake it gets so thick.
Be sure to make this cake WITH the fudge icing soon. It is perfect for celebrations, reunions, picnics, taking on camping trips and just about anything else you can imagine.
Oh yeah – and it works like a charm for those instances when one child is jealous of another’s birthday party.
Believe me, I speak from experience.
How to Make Fudge Icing
- Stir together sugar, cocoa powder, and milk together in a large saucepan set over medium-high heat. Cook until large bubbles begin to form and the mixture reaches a hard boil.
- Boil for 1 minute at a hard boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Beat with a wooden spoon until thick and smooth.
- Pour over the cake. The fudge icing will firm as it cools.
This Fudge Icing also works perfectly on so many other desserts! Here are just a few ideas:
Practically just about anything you would use a ganache on, you can now use this fudge icing recipe. You won’t be sorry!
Here’s Grandmother’s Fudge Icing Recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!
Fudge Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (396 g) granulated sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons (16 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup (151 g) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, (1 stick) salted, cubed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix sugar, cocoa powder, and milk together in a large saucepan.
- Cook over medium-high heat until large bubbles form and reaches a hard boil. Boil one minute at a hard boil. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.
- Beat with a wooden spoon until thick and smooth.
- Pour over cake. It will harden as it cools.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Thank you for this recipe! I have a dear young man next door that mows for me for nothing. I am senior have a hard time finding someone in my small town. I wanted to do something special for him so I made a fudge cake and this icing. It turned out perfect by the way. His eyes lit up like a firecracker when I gave it to him. I love doing for others, especially when they are doing for me. May all your days be blessed.
Carol,
What a sweet thing for you both to do! Sounds like you both are such a blessing to each other. So glad he liked the cake with the fudge icing! Thanks! xo
Your recipes are fantastic. You should open a cooking school and give lessons to newly weds. Didn’t know a thing about cooking when I got married (many yrs. ago) , it was a struggle. Have to get bananas and make your banana pudding with the meringue. Thanks for an enjoyable site.
Thanks for your sweet comment, Ellie!
Can this be made with 1% milk?
I tried this recipe this afternoon while baking with my 2 year old son (needless to say, there was loads of finger/spoon licking!!) It was a bit runny to begin with but i let it set a bit before pouring it and it was perfect. I’m just wondering if its possible to store and reuse the icing at a later date -I would guess by warming it slightly? I have left over and can’t bring myself to chuck it out!!! Thanks 🙂
Can you freeze a cake after icing it.
Delicious
This is the best recipe for chocolate icing/fudge that I have used for a very long time. I made coconut macaroon bars which were a little gooey when I put them in the pan. A couple days later I put a layer of this fudge on top. It was great.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, C! It’s always been a favorite of mine too! Thanks!
Fantastic fudge icing – I use it to make chocolate fudge cake which my kids (18 and 23) love.
Could I use this fudge icing in between layers and the chocolate buttercream as an outer layer for the chocolate cake?
Hi Alex,
You can do that – you will just need to work quickly as it cools and hardens pretty fast. Enjoy it – it is delicious! xo
I plan to make this today and I’m a little worried about the consistency. I’ve made it before using my grandmother’s recipe, however she only estimated the amounts of the ingredients. She made it so many times that she didn’t need to measure. Anyway, it’s raining and humid in Villa Rica, Ga.. today! Will I need to boil longer than 1 minute? I have failed several times when making this in the past that I’m hesitant to try again. Sometimes it’s too hard and sometimes it’s sticky and doesn’t set. I know that once you start pouring it on the cake, there’s no turning back.
Thanks!
Hi Cindy!
It always turns out fine when I make it according to this recipe.
My grandmother made this a lot too! So delicious!
I hope you enjoy making – and eating – this icing. Thanks so much!