Chocolate Fudge

This is the easiest chocolate fudge you’ll ever make - Just 4 ingredients and a microwave. No stovetop, no stress!

It’s rich, creamy, and ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for when you need a quick chocolate fix without breaking a sweat.

Melted chocolate chips and a can of condensed milk create the creamy, indulgent base for this simple chocolate fudge. From there, you can customize your homemade fudge however you want.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This is the best chocolate fudge recipe because it combines simplicity and versatility, making it accessible for any home cook.

With just 4 ingredients, you can whip up a delicious treat in no time. The quick preparation—typically taking less than 15 minutes—means you can satisfy your chocolate cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, this homemade chocolate fudge recipe works because you can easily adapt the base recipe by adding spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper, incorporating different extracts like coffee or orange, or mixing in extra elements like nuts, marshmallows, or even dried fruits. This flexibility allows you to create a fudge that suits your taste preferences or dietary needs, whether you're making a classic creamy chocolate fudge or a unique variation.

Ingredients

Chocolate Chips:

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are often used as they ensure that your creamy chocolate fudge has a smooth, deep chocolate taste while still being sweet enough to enjoy. If you prefer a different flavor profile or want to customize your homemade chocolate fudge, you can try bitter-sweet, dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. Additionally, you can experiment with butterscotch or mint chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist.

Condensed Milk:

The best chocolate fudge recipes include sweetened condensed milk because its thick consistency helps create a smooth, creamy chocolate fudge that's easy to work with and sets nicely. However, if you don’t have condensed milk or want to try something different, there are several alternatives you can use. Evaporated milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream all work well, as does a mixture of milk and sugar that have been simmered together.

Vanilla Extract:

Vanilla extract is added to this chocolate fudge recipe because it adds a layer of warmth and richness that complements the chocolate, making your creamy chocolate fudge taste more complex and well-rounded. You can also experiment with other flavors by using almond, orange, or coffee extracts instead. You can even replace the extract with flavored liqueurs, like Bailey’s or Kahlua.

Nutmeg:

Add a warm and earthy flavor to your easy chocolate fudge with a sprinkle of nutmeg. You can expand on that warm, subtle, spiced flavor by adding cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to the mix. Additonally, you can create a Mexican-inspired chocolate fudge by adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper for some added heat.

Mix-Ins and Toppings:

To further customize this simple chocolate fudge recipe, you can add more texture and flavor by experimenting with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Add some fruit, such as cherries, strawberries, or orange slices, to bring some color and freshness to your fudge.

Roasted, salted, or candied nuts of any variety, like peanuts, almonds, or pecans, can be used to create a satisfying crunch. You can even add your favorite sweet treats like marshmallows, gummy worms, caramel sauce, sea salt, candied bacon bits, or cookie crumble to create some fun.

Any mix-ins can be gently folded into the melted chocolate mixture before pouring it into the parchment-lined baking dish, while toppings can be sprinkled on top while the fudge is still slightly warm and soft.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge

Step One: 

Combine the chocolate chips and condensed milk in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute, stopping to stir the mixture 30 seconds in. If additional time is needed to melt the chocolate, microwave the mixture for additional 30-second increments, stirring in between until it is completely melted.

Step Two: 

Stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg.

Step Three: 

Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish, spreading evenly along the bottom.

Step Four:

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the fudge has set.

Step Five: 

Cut your homemade chocolate fudge into squares, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low. This prevents the fudge from becoming grainy and ensures a smooth, creamy chocolate fudge. For better results, you can melt the chocolate and condensed milk using a double boiler if you have one. If you don't, you can still use this method by melting the mixture in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water. This gently melts the chocolate without burning it.
• Let the fudge set at room temperature before refrigerating for best results. This ensures the fudge has a smooth finish, perfect for a simple chocolate fudge recipe.

What to Serve With Chocolate Fudge

When serving chocolate fudge, pairing it with complementary treats can enhance the overall dessert experience. You can also pair your fudge with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious combo. If you're aiming for variety, try offering chocolate fudge alongside shortbread cookies or candies nuts for added crunch and flavor contrast. For a holiday twist, serve chocolate fudge with peppermint bark or spiced hot chocolate to create a festive dessert spread.

FAQs

Can I make vegan chocolate fudge?

Yes, by using dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk instead of condensed milk, you can create a vegan homemade chocolate fudge.

How do I fix chocolate fudge that won’t set?

If your fudge is too soft, try refrigerating it for longer. If it still doesn’t set, you may need to re-melt the mixture and add more chocolate.

What's the best way to store leftover chocolate fudge?

You can store your leftover chocolate fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Dessert Recipes

This easy fudge recipe is an excellent one to have on hand when you need to cure your sweet tooth craving fast. For more easy sweet treats, check out this collection of our favorite dessert recipes.

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