Easy Fudge Recipe (3 minutes in microwave)
How do you make an easy fudge recipe? We're talking chocolate fudge that's creamy, melt-in-your mouth, no-fail with 3 ingredients, 3 steps, 3 minutes and no candy thermometer. The answer is a microwave and sweetened condensed milk. This method avoids several fudge making pitfalls.
Servings (change as needed): 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.
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 this fudge several days ahead if you like, storing it in a sealed container or bag. No need to refrigerate. It can also be frozen for several months.
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