Silk Fudge with Dry Fruits: Perfect Festive Treat, No Condensed Milk Needed

If you’re searching for a homemade festive sweet that’s rich, indulgent, and easy to make without condensed milk, this Silk fudge with dry fruits is the recipe you’ve been looking for. Using Cadbury Silk chocolate as a base, it delivers that melt in your mouth creaminess while toasted nuts and dry fruits lend texture, warmth, and festive flair. Unlike traditional fudge recipes that rely on condensed milk or complicated sugar stages, this version is simplified, yet full of depth. The trick lies in the slow melting of high quality chocolate, balanced with a hint of fat and milk to create the perfect fudge consistency, all while keeping the dry fruits at the center of attention. This Silk fudge with dry fruits is everything a sweet should be. It’s decadent, elegant, easy to prepare, and joyfully shareable. One bite in, and you'll know why it deserves a place on your table.

Ingredients:

• 250 g Cadbury Silk chocolate (any variant like plain, roasted almond, or caramel)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup whole milk (dairy or plant based)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the dry fruit mix:

• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped dried figs or dates
• 1 tablespoon golden raisins
• Optional: a few strands of saffron or a pinch of cardamom for extra aroma

Method:

1. Dry roasting your nuts and fruits elevates their flavor and prevents them from turning soggy in the fudge. So in a dry pan over low to medium heat, add all the chopped nuts. Toasting the nuts not only enhances flavor but also helps them retain crunch inside the soft fudge. Stir continuously until golden and aromatic, for about 5 minutes. Add raisins and chopped figs or dates during the last minute, just enough to plump them slightly.

2. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
3. Now melt the chocolate. Silk chocolate is incredibly smooth and creamy, but it requires a little care during melting to avoid splitting or seizing. Break the Cadbury Silk chocolate into small pieces. In a heavy bottomed pan, melt ghee or butter over very low heat. Add the milk and allow it to warm up, just until small bubbles appear at the edges. Add the chopped chocolate and stir gently, allowing it to melt slowly into the milk and ghee mixture. Keep the flame low and stir constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil. The chocolate should melt evenly and become glossy.

4. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, add a pinch of salt and the vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
5. Turn off the heat and add your toasted dry fruit mixture. Fold everything together until the nuts and fruits are evenly coated with chocolate. At this stage, the mixture should be thick, pourable, and glossy, ready to set into fudge.
6. Line a tray or dish with parchment paper or lightly greased foil. Pour the chocolate mixture into the tray and smooth the surface with a spatula. Garnish with a few slivers of almond or pistachio on top, and press lightly so they adhere.
7. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm to the touch. Once fully set, remove from the tray and cut into squares or diamonds with a sharp knife.
8. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days. To serve, bring to room temperature for 15 minutes so the chocolate softens slightly. These also freeze beautifully. Just layer the pieces between parchment paper and freeze in a sealed box. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Notes:

• Soak a few saffron strands in warm milk and add them during the melting stage for an aromatic twist.

• Add 1/2 tsp of orange zest for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the richness of the chocolate.
• Try a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chai masala for a warm, festive flavor profile.
• Most fudge recipes rely on condensed milk for creaminess and sweetness. This one skips it entirely by leaning into the smoothness of Cadbury Silk and a touch of milk and ghee.
• Thanks to the naturally sweet figs and raisins, you won’t need to overload with sugar, so be mindful about how much you add.