Description
This foolproof Chocolate Fudge recipe creates smooth, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candy with just 5 simple ingredients. No candy thermometer required! Perfect for Christmas gifts, holiday parties, or any time you crave rich, velvety chocolate. Ready in just 2 hours with minimal effort.
Ingredients
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (18 ounces)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
2. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over low heat.
3. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula for 5-7 minutes until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Remove from heat immediately. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
5. If using nuts, fold them in quickly with gentle strokes to distribute evenly.
6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly into all corners with a spatula.
7. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Remove fudge from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before cutting. Lift out using parchment overhang.
9. Warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and cut fudge into 1-inch squares. Clean and rewarm knife between cuts.
10. Let cut pieces sit for 5 minutes before serving or packaging.
Notes
Store fudge in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or 1 month refrigerated.
Freeze individual wrapped pieces for up to 3 months.
For shinier fudge, add 1 tablespoon light corn syrup with the butter.
Making fudge on humid days may affect texture – choose dry days when possible.
Don’t rush the melting process – low heat prevents graininess and ensures smooth texture.
You can use milk chocolate chips for sweeter fudge or dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa) for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1-inch square)
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: chocolate fudge, easy fudge recipe, Christmas candy, homemade fudge, 5 ingredient fudge, no thermometer fudge, holiday candy, chocolate dessert, gift candy