The Best Chocolate Fudge Recipe

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If you’re looking for the best chocolate fudge recipe, then look no further! And it’s easy to make as well. No candy thermometer is required! It’s made on the stovetop with just 5 ingredients.

chocolate fudge squares stacked on top of each other


 

When it comes to Christmas I love baking up a storm. Maybe it’s some homemade Salted Honey Parker House Rolls for Christmas dinner. Or an Old Fashioned Apple Pie to serve at the end. And of course, we can’t forget all the cookies – from peanut butter blossoms, to my Grandmaโ€™s Russian Tea Cakes, and some easy No Chill Drop Sugar Cookies.

But what do you when your oven breaks during the holidays? YUP. That’s what happened. Suddenly all my baking plans went up in smoke. Literally. There was a moment of what now panic that sent in. And then it all clicked. No bake recipes – like peanut butter fudge, Chocolate Covered Oreos, decadent but easy Oreo balls, delicious Buckeye Balls or maybe this crazy good chocolate fudge.

This is a wonderful, easy condensed milk fudge recipe that’s made on the stovetop. Many fudge recipes are made with marshmallow creme, but this chocolate fudge recipe is made without any marshmallow recipe and condensed milk instead.

So who needs an oven?? Not me. (Ok, for the record a new one has been ordered and is coming!) But for now..I’ll whip up this best chocolate fudge recipe and enjoy that while I wait.

chocolate fudge squares on a white plate, one has a bite taken out of it

Why You Will Love This Chocolate Fudge Recipe

  • Made on the stovetop (or could be made in your microwave)
  • Uses just 5 ingredients – it’s an easy fudge recipe made with condensed milk
  • No candy thermometer!
  • Great for gifting during the holidays
  • Takes minutes to mix together
  • Made in just one bowl (aka your saucepan)

Ingredients Needed

chocolate fudge ingredients

How To Make Chocolate Fudge

  1. In a medium saucepan, set over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk, and salt together.
  2. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. 
  4. Remove the fudge from the pan, lifting out the paper, and then cut into squares and serve.
step by step photos of making chocolate fudge

Recipe Tips

  • Line your pan with parchment paper. And make sure to leave some excess overhang so it’s easier to remove from the pan when it’s time to cut the fudge into squares.
  • Cut the fudge while it’s cold. When you remove the fudge from the fridge, immediately cut the the fudge into squares while it’s cold. It will be easier to cut when it’s cold.
  • Use a hot knife to cut the fudge. I run a sharp chef’s knife under hot water, then wipe clean, and then cut the fudge. The hot knife will slice cleanly through the fudge.
  • Use semi-sweet chocolate chips not milk. Milk chocolate chips will make the fudge too sweet I think. You could always try with half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate chips.
  • Cook over a medium-low heat. Do not turn the heat up too high or you may end up with burnt chocolate and your fudge may come out grainy.
chocolate fudge squares on a white plate

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking for ways to mix up this easy chocolate fudge recipe, made with condensed milk here are some ideas:

  • Chocolate Walnut Fudge – Stir in 1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts.
  • M&M fudge – When the fudge is spread into the pan, sprinkle on 1/2 cup mini or regular M&M candies.
  • Peppermint Fudge – Reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon, add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, and top the fudge with crushed candy canes.
  • Oreo cookies – Crush up 24 Oreo cookies and fold into the fudge before spreading it into the pan.
  • Nutella: Try making my Sea Salt Nutella Fudge!

Fudge Recipe FAQ’s

How long will this homemade chocolate fudge last?

You can store the homemade chocolate fudge will last in a covered container, at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Can I freeze chocolate fudge?

Yes you can freeze chocolate fudge for up to 3 months, in a covered container. Thaw at room temperature. Or you can thaw the whole block of fudge, and then when thawed, cut into squares.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but omit the additional salt.

Can I use chopped chocolate, and not chocolate chips?

Yes you can, just roughly chop the chocolate so it melts easier.

chocolate fudge squares on a white plate

More Recipes To Try

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Chocolate Fudge

This easy chocolate fudge recipe is creamy and delicous, and does not require a candy thermometer!
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 295kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (355 g, 18 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
  • โ…› teaspoon salt
  • 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside. I like to leave an overhang so I can easily lift the fudge out and cut it into squares.
  • In a medium saucepan, set over medium-low heat, combine the chocolate chips, butter and condensed milk, and salt together. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Remove the fudge from the pan, lifting out the paper, and then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Storage: You can store the homemade chocolate fudge will last in a covered container, at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
  • Freezing: Yes you can freeze chocolate fudge for up to 3 months, in a covered container. Thaw at room temperature.
  • Butter: If you only have salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe.ย 

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 2mg
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20 Comments

  1. Kathryn Smith says:

    5 stars
    Easy, simple, & solid recipe. I also made marshmallows & graham crackers to put in the fudge to make it s’mores. With that added into it, it became too sweet for me but that means a little piece goes a long way. Side note: after I had made the fudge Mrs. Heather posted on Facebook her recipe for s’mores fudge, what a coincidence.

    1. glad you loved it ๐Ÿ™‚ and yes we cut these into small squares for a reason haha

  2. Kathryn Smith says:

    5 stars
    Easy, simple, solid recipe. I also made some graham crackers & marshmallows to put in the fudge for s’mores. I cut the marshmallows & graham crackers all mini. It turned out really great. Side note: After I made the fudge I saw on the Boston Girl Bakes Facebook group that Mrs. Heather has shared a new recipe for s’mores fudge. What a coincidence.

  3. Can I put chopped pecans in the fudge?

    1. Hi Diane..absolutely! I would maybe 1/2 cup to 1 cup. I would also recommend toasting them first to help bring out the flavor..enjoy!

      1. Thank you. I will do that.

  4. I didnโ€™t know there was a recipe for fudge with out marshmallows.

  5. thanks a lot sure i will try it

  6. Kristen Wood says:

    5 stars
    This is the perfect fudge recipe — thank you so much! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Maria San Juan says:

    5 stars
    Perfect for Christmas season! Will definitely make this for Christmas Eve!

  8. 5 stars
    I could eat a whole pound of this fudge! So easy to make and incredibly delicious and addicting!

  9. 5 stars
    This really is the best chocolate fudge I’ve ever had! It was rich and perfectly sweet. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make!

  10. Jessica Formicola says:

    5 stars
    I absolutely love the simple ingredients this fudge has! Definitely making for my cookie trays!

  11. 5 stars
    Oh wow! You had me at just five ingredients. The texture of the fudge looks absolutely perfect.

5 from 13 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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