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Easy Fudge Recipe

4.9 from 236 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
4.90 from 236 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. Chris says

    Can you add marshmallows or will they melt?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I know you can for sure add mini marshmallows to fudge, but I will be honest that I’ve never done it with this recipe.

  2. Cathy Hamilton says

    5 stars
    This recipe is quick and easy! Not to mention delicious :)

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad you liked it, Cathy!

  3. Catherine says

    3 stars
    I made mine exactly as the recipe stated, and using the recommended brands, but it did not set. Any ideas?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you, Catherine. I’m not sure what could have gone wrong without being there. Is it possible that you used less chocolate than is called for?

  4. Caroline says

    1 star
    Absolutely worst fudge recipe ever. Wasted a ton of money trying again and again – it never turned shiny, just instantly grainy and oily. Tried medium-low, tried on low. Before you blame me for not buying high quality ingredients, I used Ghirardelli chocolate and Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, plus extremely high quality vanilla extract. Every single time.

    I think I’ll go back to the extremely intensive recipe I always use. It might take longer but at least I won’t waste upwards of $40 on ingredients only for it to come out as a disgusting oily mess. Thanks!

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so sorry that this recipe didn’t work for you, Caroline. Without me being there, it’s hard for me to know what went wrong. I will say that I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and watched my husband and kids make it with no problems.

  5. Betsy Cadle says

    5 stars
    I just made your Chocolate Fudge, and boy is it good. Thank you for sharing your recipe! Also can I make Peanut Butter Fudge like this and if so how?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad you liked it! You can find that recipe here: Peanut Butter Fudge.

  6. Liz says

    Can you leave out the foil or paper, pour onto a disposable foil pan, and leave it in the pan as a ain’t?

    • Lisa Longley says

      I think it will be really hard to get out of the pan.

  7. Melissa says

    5 stars
    The recipe worked perfectly (I used Eagle Brand condensed milk) and the only thing i changed was I added cashew pieces. I used the melting the chocolate on the stove method. Thanks for the video, it was helpful in seeing how melted the chocolate should get before adding in the vanilla!

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Melissa!

  8. Carol says

    Im going to give this a try. My question is when do you add the 1/2 cup of nuts

    • Lisa Longley says

      Right after step four.

  9. SHIRLEY BAILES says

    Yes, 3 ingredients, easy, the taste is not fudge. It is just, well a chocolate bar! Not fudge at all. I am rather disappointed. I’ll have to find a different recipe.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so sorry that you didn’t enjoy this, and I guess we will have to agree to disagree.

  10. Nyelli says

    2 stars
    I literally made 3 batches and each time it was coming out very grainy and chunky like it was burnt. I stood there constantly stirring and watching.. even turned down the burner.. and I did go out of my way to buy the ghirradelli chocolate rather than great value. Supposed to be simple yet it was so hard. Now I’m just waiting for everything to cool to see how it comes out but I’m definitely fearful of disappointment.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so sorry to hear this! I’m not quite sure what went wrong without being there. I’ve made this dozens of times, watched my husband and kids make it without any problems. I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you.

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