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Easy Fudge Recipe

4.92 from 282 votes
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posted: 12/16/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This Easy Fudge Recipe is the easiest way to make chocolate fudge. You only need three ingredients; it turns out so smooth and delicious.

a four level high pyramid of chocolate fudge

I have been working away in my kitchen, whipping up treats while listening to Christmas music for weeks now! It is my happy space this time of year.

(How lucky am I to have a job where I get to live in my happy space?!)

And as we get near the end of this parade of goodies – treats that are fun to make, and perfect to give – I needed to include an easy chocolate fudge recipe.

I have been making spins on this Easy Fudge Recipe for years! It is one of my favorite recipes to twist up because the possibilities are endless. With just three ingredients there is a lot you can do with this.

But the foundation fudge recipe is just as delicious.

Make this fudge anytime you need a quick treat to set out at a party or to gift. Your friends and family will thank you!

Ingredients for Easy Fudge

You only need three ingredients to make this fudge recipe. It’s like the cheater’s fudge, and I’m all about it. For the full measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post or click “jump to the recipe” above the first photo.

  • Chocolate Chips: You can use either milk chocolate or semi-sweet, it is just a matter of preference. While this works with all brands of chocolate, you might want to get a higher end chocolate for the best quality and taste.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Not only do I think that Eagle Brand works best here, I will go so far as to say that if you use another brand it won’t work out as well. If you do deviate from Eagle, I suggest another name brand like Carnation. I do not recommend using store brand sweetened condensed milk.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a perfect layer of flavor here. This is another ingredient that I wouldn’t skimp on.

How to Make Fudge

While a lot of my fudge recipes are made using the microwave, I encourage you to make this on the stovetop. Because of how few ingredients there are, you want the low and even heat of the stove top.

  1. Combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a small sauce pan. Place the sauce pan on the stove top over low heat.
  2. Stir consistently while the chocolate melts. After the chocolate has mostly melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Continue to stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
  4. Pour into a prepared 8 x 8 inch pan. Let the fudge set at room temperature (covered) for at least four hours.
  5. Cut the fudge into 36 equal pieces. You can see my video for an easy way to divide it into equal pieces or read below.
a four level high pyramid of easy fudge on a small white cake stand against a gray background

Cutting Fudge

After your fudge has completely set (this usually takes about four hours on the counter top), remove it from the foil and cut it into squares.

  • If you use a rounded baking pan, cut off just enough of the edge so that the fudge no longer has a rounded edge. Doing this will give every piece of fudge a nice flat bottom. Or you can using a baking dish with straight sides like this one.
  • Cut the remaining block of fudge into four equal squares.
  • Then cut each of the smaller squares into 9 pieces by cutting it into thirds one way, turning it and cutting it into thirds again.
  • This will result in 36 equal pieces of fudge. (The video in the post demonstrates this perfectly.)

How to Store Fudge

Store your fudge in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Fudge doesn’t need to be refrigerated. If you need to make it more than two weeks in advance, follow my instructions below for how to freeze it after making.

Freezing this Easy Fudge Recipe

This fudge recipe freezes really well. In fact, I have a batch or a variation of this recipe in my freezer all the time.

  • Place the batch of cut fudge into a one gallon freezer bag in a flat layer.
  • An entire recipe will fit in a one gallon bag perfectly if place in this way and the fudge will not stick together before freezing.
  • Store in the freezer for up to three months. If you use a vacuum sealer, the fudge can last for 6 months to a year in the freezer.
  • When you are ready to eat it or gift it, let it thaw on your counter for an hour or two.
a pile of fudge in a small teal colored dish on a cutting board with chocolate chips in the background

FAQ

Does fudge need to be refrigerated?

No, it does not. In fact, I think fudge tastes best when it is stored at room temperature.

Can you freeze fudge?

Absolutely! Freeze it in a single layer in an airtight container for up to three months.

How long does fudge last?

Fudge lasts for 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can you make this fudge recipe in the microwave?

You can! Just make sure to heat the chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk on half power for short intervals (like 30 seconds) and stir way more than you think you need to before putting it back in the microwave.

Can you add nuts or dried fruit to this chocolate fudge recipe?

Absolutely. Stir in about 1/2 a cup of your favorite chopped nuts and you don’t need to change anything else about the recipe.

Can you add alcohol to this fudge recipe?

Yes! We have several types of boozy fudge listed (and linked) in the section below. The recipe does need to be changed to accommodate the extra liquid, so make sure you check out the recipes listed below for the adjusted formula.

How do you make vegan fudge?

You can replace the sweetened condensed milk in this recipe with Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk and use vegan chocolate chips.

a very up close picture of a piece of chocolate fudge

Easy Fudge Made Boozy

This fudge is very easy to add liquor to with just a few tweaks. You can use really any liquor, the sky is the limit. The key is to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk, and stir the whole can before measuring out 1 cup.

Here are the different versions we have so far:

Variations on this Easy Fudge Recipe

Of course if you want to make fudge the kids can enjoy too, here are some other ways I’ve spun this fudge.

If you make any of these easy fudge recipes, leave me a comment in the space below the recipe card and let me know what you think.

a four level high pyramid of chocolate fudge
4.92 from 282 votes

Easy Chocolate Fudge

Serves: 36 pieces
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
This Fudge Recipe is the easiest way to make chocolate fudge. You only need three ingredients; it turns out so smooth and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chocolate chips either semi-sweet or milk chocolate (18.6 ounces) see note 1
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (see note 2)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Line an 8 inch by 8 inch baking dish with aluminim foil or two pieces of parchment paper overlapping to make an X.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
  • Place the pan over medium low heat. Stir consistently until the chocolate is partially melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Continue stiring until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and starts to turn shiny.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. It will be very thick – if it doesn't pour well because of the thickness, don't stress, you're still on the right track. Once it is all in the pan, you can gently shake the pan back and forth to help it settle. You can also use a rubber spatula to spread it.
  • Allow the fudge to completely set. This can be done on the countertop and will take about four hours.
  • Remove the fudge from the pan and take off the aluminum foil. Trim off the rounded edges from the pan. Cut the fudge in half one way and then the other to make four equal squares. Cut each small square into 9 equal pieces by cutting into thirds one way and then the other. This will result in 36 equal pieces of fudge.
  • Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks. (See the post for instructions on freezing.)

Notes

  1. You will see the best results with higher end chocolate like Godiva and Ghirardelli, but this absolutely can be made with Nestle baking morsels.
  2. This recipe works best with Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk. I’ve tried this with other brands, and always get the best results with Eagle. Not all sweetened condensed milk is created equal. Additionally, double check that you are buying sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk
Serving: 1piece Calories: 155kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 21g (7%) Protein: 3g (6%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) Cholesterol: 5mg (2%) Sodium: 19mg (1%) Potassium: 55mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 1IU Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 4mg Iron: 8mg (44%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
a four level high pyramid of chocolate fudge

did you make this

Easy Chocolate Fudge

I’d love to see what you made! Tag me @lisasimplejoy and hashtag it #simplejoyrecipes!

Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Jane says

    Can I freeze this recipe

    • Lisa Longley says

      Yes! It freezes great and there are instructions for freezing in the post.

  2. Louise Kelley says

    I have made this with raspberry liquor and with triple sec, it’s deliciousl

  3. Jane lininger says

    Does this need To be kept refrigerated? I want to mail it to someone and it will take about 7 days. Will the cond. Milk go bad in it?

    • Lisa Longley says

      Nope, this can be kept at room temperature.

  4. Bill Garris says

    Hi Lisa,im new to pintrest,I have taken up some canning and now I want to do some fudge,I like your recipe but I dont understand the overlap thing,is it poss to see a photo of it ? Thank you

    • Lisa Longley says

      Hi Bill. You place two pieces of parchment paper in a square pan with their flaps going out over the edges. One will go lengthwise and one will go width wise. It will look like a cross. Otherwise you can just line the pan with aluminum foil as shown in the video in the recipe card.

  5. John Loucks says

    Can I ad pecans to this recipe?

    • Lisa Longley says

      You for sure can! I would go with about 1/2 a cup.

  6. Hayley says

    Tried this recipe, but unfortunately the fudge did not set.
    I left it in the fridge -overnight- to be safe, but in the morning it was more of a caramel syrup texture- It went nice with ice cream though at least lol.
    If anyone has ideas on why this didn’t work for me, please lmk- I followed the recipe exactly

    • Lisa Longley says

      Without me being there it’s really hard to know what went wrong. Two things that are common mistakes are using evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk – that is a really easy mistake to make but will result for sure in fudge that won’t set. Another common mistake is overheating the chocolate. This will make it difficult for the recipe to turn out the way you want.

  7. Sandra says

    I just found your site. Can’t wait to try thje fudge

    • Lisa Longley says

      I hope you love it!

  8. Mary says

    Where is the video to cut it? I don’t see any video.

    • Lisa Longley says

      It’s in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  9. Karee says

    5 stars
    First time making fudge my boyfriend loves fudge and he for sure gave this a 10/10 used The recommended condensed milk and chocolate brand. Turned out amazing

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so happy it was such a hit!

  10. R Jones says

    What reason would you give against using Evaporated milk rather then the (too much sugar) condensed milk?

    • Lisa Longley says

      Using evaporated milk won’t work and the fudge won’t set.

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