Easy Fudge Recipe (3 Minutes in Microwave)
This is a fantastic fudge recipe! I’ve made it a few times and have now started adding the ‘extras’. … Delicious & so easy to make. Jenny
How do you make an easy fudge recipe that’s creamy, foolproof, with 3 ingredients, 3 steps, 3 minutes and no candy thermometer? The secret is a microwave and sweetened condensed milk. It sets beautifully for clean squares, takes any add-in you love, and is perfect for gifting.
What to expect
- Foolproof & fast: 3 ingredients. 3 minutes. 3 steps. No thermometer, no graininess.
- Super easy method: Made in a microwave and avoids common fudge pitfalls.
- Customizable: Personalize with your favorite add-ins.
It’s also perfect for gifting (think Valentine’s Day or Christmas), and if you’re craving more easy chocolate treats, try our microwave brownie recipe in 8 minutes or chocolate rice crispy treats.
Ingredients – tailored to your taste
- Chocolate: Use any combination of chocolate – milk, dark or semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips. Do not buy melting wafers or candy melts.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This comes in a can. DO NOT use evaporated milk for this recipe.
- Flavors: I use vanilla extract, but see other options.
Substitutions
- Chocolate: Even a chocolate bar with fruit and nuts is fine. Or substitute some of the chocolate with other chocolate chip flavors like peanut butter chips, cinnamon chips, coffee chips, etc.
- Sweetened condensed milk:
- Vegan – can be found on Amazon.
- Fat-free can also be use
- Homemade: Here is a sweetened condensed milk recipe from scratch. The recipe in the link allows you to use dairy-free milk for a dairy free option. Or a sweetener for a sugar-free option. It lasts for a week in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
- Flavor options: Instead of vanilla, try orange, almond or mint extract.
Variations
- Add-ins: 1/2 cup/80 grams of raisins, dried cranberries, toasted coconut, any type of roasted nuts, peanut butter, crushed candy cane.
Step by step instructions
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer fudge (Ghirardelli, Lindt, or Godiva are great choices).
- Pure chocolate chips work well too – you can also combine chips with bar chocolate.
- Use the full amount of chocolate in the recipe for proper setting.
- Line your pan with parchment, foil, or wax paper, leaving “handles” to lift out the fudge easily for cutting and clean-up.
Recipe FAQs
What is sweetened condensed milk made of?
Sweetened condensed milk is made with concentrated milk, sugar and lactose. Water is removed from the milk to about 1/2 its original volume (source: science direct). It is NOT the same as evaporated milk (which is unsweetened).
What can I do if my fudge is too soft?
This recipe makes a soft creamy fudge, but if you find it’s too soft, keep it in the fridge instead of at room temperature. Someone also suggested adding 1/4 cup extra chocolate chips the next time you make it.
Other easy treats to make
If you’re looking for an easy recipe that will satisfy a sweet tooth, check out one of these.
- microwave brownie recipe (in 8 minutes)
- applesauce coffee cake (microwave for one, 3 min)
- cottage cheese chocolate mousse (3 minutes)
- cinnamon puff pastry rolls (30 minutes)
- lemon shortbread cookies (30 minutes)
- crispy buttery lace cookies (30 min)
Looking for more ideas? Check out our full list of sweets and treats (30 minutes or less)
Please leave a 5 star rating ***** with a comment in the recipe card below if you like the recipe, Thank you so much!
Easy Fudge Recipe (Microwave, 3 Min)
How do you make an easy fudge recipe that's creamy, foolproof with 3 ingredients, 3 steps, 3 minutes and no candy thermometer? The secret is a microwave and sweetened condensed milk.
Servings: 36 pieces (or 25 larger pieces)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces good quality chocolate, roughly chopped Note 1 (or 2 cups pure chocolate chips)
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk, Note 2 about 1 1/4 cups, 397g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup roasted nuts (67 grams), coconut, raisins, peanut butter and/or dried cranberries; Pinch of sea salt (I highly recommend the sea salt!)
Instructions
- PREPARE THE PAN: Spray an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) pan with cooking spray, especially the sides. Line it with a strip of parchment paper (or foil) that covers the bottom of the pan and hangs over two opposite edges. This will allow you to easily lift out the fudge once firm.
- MAKE THE FUDGE: Place chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a separate large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave another 30 seconds. Stir. If chocolate is still not fully melted, microwave in 30-second increments. When you have a smooth creamy texture, stir in vanilla (and sea salt, nuts and/or raisins if using). Pour chocolate mixture into prepared pan. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.
- CUT AND SERVE: Remove fudge from pan by lifting out side flaps of parchment. Cut into squares. (hide some for yourself for later!). Store in an airtight container. Refrigeration is not necessary.
Recipe Notes
- Chocolate – use any combination of chocolate bar – milk, dark or semi-sweet. Lindt and Ghiradelli are high quality brands. Godiva is another option. Pure chocolate chips are fine too – dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or milk chocolate (including other flavors such as peanut chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coffee chips, cinnamon etc).
- Sweetened condensed milk alternatives
- Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk
- Note that Canadian cans are slightly smaller than US cans (300 vs 390g), but fine to use in this recipe – no need to use extra.
- Here’s a recipe to make your own sweetened condensed milk from scratch if you prefer including a dairy free or sugar-free option option.
- You can also buy vegan sweetened condensed milk on Amazon for a vegan version – or make it yourself. Or a fat free sweetened condensed milk.
- Flavor options: A few drops of orange of different flavored extracts like almond, orange or peppermint (instead of vanilla extract).
- Is your fudge too soft? This recipe makes a softer, creamier fudge, but if it’s too soft for you, keep it in the fridge instead of at room temperature. Someone also suggested adding 1/4 cup/42 grams extra chocolate chips the next time you make it.
- Make Ahead: Make the chocolate fudge recipe several days ahead if you like, storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag at room temperature for 4-5 days. No need to refrigerate. It can also be frozen for several months.
Nutrition
Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 29IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?We’d love you to rate it above under ‘rate this recipe’ or in the comment section below. Thanks!
This chocolate fudge recipe is adapted from Chocolate Chocolate and More and now updated from Feb 2017.
This is a fantastic fudge recipe! Ive made it a few times and have now started adding the ‘extras’. Cranberries & sea salt today, used fruit & nut chocolate last time. Delicious & so easy to make.
Thank you
Thank you – so glad you liked it! Great that you’re experimenting with extras now 🙂
Easy and delicious! Impressed that there is no added sugar. Thanks for the treats!
Thanks Jordy! Glad you liked the fudge.