This Easy Fudge Recipe delivers rich, velvety squares of chocolatey bliss in just 25 minutes of active prep and cooking. With a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deep, indulgent flavor, it’s the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The recipe’s simplicity means you can whip it up effortlessly, leaving it to set for a few hours while you enjoy the anticipation.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and a hint of decadence, making it ideal for sharing or savoring solo. Packed with 113 calories per square, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that feels luxurious. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this fudge is sure to impress with its effortless charm and irresistible taste.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups (12 oz / 340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) condensed milk
- ¼ teaspoon finely ground sea salt (or substitute regular table salt)
- 1 Tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted, plus extra for greasing the pan)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract (vanilla bourbon extract works great too!)
How to Make It
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×5 pan with foil and lightly grease the foil with butter. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, sea salt, and butter. Stir continuously to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- Melt and mix: Keep stirring until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour and smooth: Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
- Cool and set: Allow the fudge to cool completely. Let it set for several hours to firm up (you can speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator).
- Slice and enjoy: Once firm, cut into pieces and enjoy your homemade fudge!
Creative Toppings and Mix-Ins
Take your fudge to the next level by adding fun toppings or mix-ins! Sprinkle crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before it sets, or mix in mini marshmallows for a rocky road twist. For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel over the cooled fudge. Pro tip: Press whole nuts or edible glitter into the surface for a stunning presentation.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
This fudge is a crowd-pleaser on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For a dessert platter, slice it into small squares and serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. Bonus idea: Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. If you’re stacking layers, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the fudge in a sealed container for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Quick Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Speed up the setting process by placing the fudge in the freezer for 1-2 hours instead of waiting for it to cool at room temperature. Note: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing to avoid cracking. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the ingredients in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, for a faster prep.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter, so you may want to reduce the condensed milk slightly.
What if my fudge is too soft?
Pop it back in the fridge for a few more hours to firm up. If it’s still too soft, it may need a bit more chocolate next time for a firmer texture.
Easy Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 12 oz (340 g)
- 1 14 oz can condensed milk 396 g
- 1/4 teaspoon finely ground sea salt you can substitute regular table salt if needed
- 1 Tablespoon butter salted or unsalted will work, use whichever you have on hand plus additional for buttering pan
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract I like using vanilla bourbon extract whenever I have it on hand
Instructions
- Prepare an 8×8 or 9×5 pan by lining with foil and lightly greasing the foil with butter. Set aside.
- Combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, sea salt, and butter in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Keep the heat low (or at most, medium low) and stir continuously because if the chocolate gets too hot it will seize and your fudge will not turn out.
- Stir constantly until chocolate chips are completely melted and smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Once ingredients are melted, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Immediately pour into prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out fudge.
- Allow fudge to cool completely and allow several hours to set and firm up completely (this can be expedited by placing your fudge in the refrigerator). Once firm, slice and enjoy!