A quick and easy fudge you can make with few ingredients and little time.
INTRODUCTION
Easy Fudge is a simple candy you can make at home with just a few items. It sets up fast and tastes rich and smooth. You do not need to be a cook to make this. The recipe uses chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to make a creamy treat. If you like quick sweets, you might also enjoy an easy apple crumble recipe that uses few steps and feels cozy.
This recipe fits small kitchens and busy days. You can make it for a party, a gift, or a quick snack. It chills in the fridge and cuts into neat squares. You can add nuts or leave it plain. The result is bright, sweet, and chocolatey.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and simple. It does not need a candy thermometer, long cooking, or special tools. You melt the chocolate and milk together in a bowl and let it set. The texture is smooth and rich. It is easy to change the flavor by adding nuts, extracts, or a pinch of salt.
This fudge is great for last minute sweets. It is also a good recipe for kids to help with, since there is no high heat on the stove. It reminds you that good treats do not need hard work. If you like simple breakfasts and snacks, you will see that this is as easy as the banana chia overnight oats that save time in the morning.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Fudge
This recipe uses a microwave to melt the chocolate and condensed milk. The process is short and clear. You will stir until the chocolate is smooth and add vanilla and any mix-ins. Then press the mix into a small pan and chill until firm. The steps are safe and tidy, and you will have fudge ready in about an hour.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Microwave safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon for stirring
- 8×8 or 9×9 square pan
- Parchment paper
- Knife to cut the fudge
- Small bowl for nuts (optional)
These items are common in most kitchens. A microwave makes this fast, but if you do not have one you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stove and follow the same steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups chocolate chips, semisweet, 2 tsp vanilla extract, butter or cooking spray
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
Butter or spray a square 8×8 or 9×9 pan and line with parchment paper. This will make for easy removal of the set fudge. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Remove from microwave. Let sit for 1 minute and then stir to combine.
If needed put back in the microwave and heat an additional 30 seconds.
Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.
Add vanilla extract and combine.
Add walnuts or pecans, if using.
Pour fudge into prepared pan.
Place pan in fridge for at least an hour to cool and set.
Make sure fudge has cooled completely. Remove from fridge and get ready to cut your fudge into pieces. Next, slice into squares.
Enjoy every bite!
HOW TO SERVE Easy Fudge
Serve this fudge cold or at room temperature. Cut it into small squares for snack plates or into larger pieces for dessert. You can wrap the squares in wax paper or place them in small candy cups for handing out. A small plate with a few pieces goes well with coffee, milk, or tea. For a party tray, place the fudge next to other small sweets and cookies.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Fudge
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Place wax paper between layers if you stack pieces to keep them from sticking. To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to three months. To thaw, move the fudge to the fridge for a few hours or to the counter for about 30 minutes before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with coffee or black tea for a rich bite.
- Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries for a contrast of flavors.
- Create a dessert plate with small candies and nuts. For a colorful touch, serve it with festive sweets like a simple gumdrops nougat candy.
- Use small squares as a dessert for kids’ parties or gift them in small boxes.
Keep the presentation simple. Fudge looks nice on a plain white plate or on a tray with doilies. Sprinkle a few chopped nuts on top or dust with a light pinch of cocoa for a neat finish.
VARIATIONS
You can change this recipe in many small ways. Here are easy ideas:
- Nut Fudge: Add 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the mix before pressing into the pan.
- Mint Fudge: Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Heat 1/2 cup peanut butter and swirl into the melted fudge before it sets.
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips and add a drop of red food color for a holiday look.
- Layered Fudge: Make a half batch with milk chocolate and a half with dark chocolate and layer them in the pan.
These small changes keep the method the same. For savory and main-dish ideas to serve at a party with sweets, you can also offer small bites like crack chicken tenders on the same table. This makes a mix of sweet and savory that guests like.
FAQs
Q: How long will this fudge last in the fridge?
A: The fudge will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips?
A: Yes. Use milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge or dark chocolate for a richer taste. The steps stay the same.
Q: Do I need a candy thermometer?
A: No. This recipe uses a microwave and does not need a thermometer. Just stir until smooth.
Q: Can I make this without a microwave?
A: Yes. Melt the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a double boiler on low heat. Stir until smooth and follow the same steps.
Q: How thick should I spread the fudge in the pan?
A: Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This gives neat squares when cut.
Q: Can I add dried fruit or seeds?
A: Yes. Add dried cherries, cranberries, or toasted seeds for a chewy or crunchy change.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Fudge
You can make this fudge a day or two ahead. Store it in the fridge and slice just before serving for the best look. For gifts, cut into squares and wrap each piece in wax paper or place in small tins. If you want to freeze for longer storage, wrap the whole block tightly and thaw in the fridge before slicing.
Make the fudge the night before a party and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavor set and makes cutting easier. If you will travel with it, pack the pieces in a cooler or insulated bag with a cold pack to keep them firm.
Final note: This recipe is simple and forgiving. You can change the add-ins and the chocolate type to match your taste. It is a fast way to make a classic sweet that looks and tastes homemade.
PrintEasy Fudge
A quick and easy fudge that you can make at home with just a few ingredients. Rich and smooth, this treat is perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter or cooking spray
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Butter or spray a square 8×8 or 9×9 pan and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl, heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Remove from microwave, let sit for 1 minute and then stir to combine.
- If needed, put back in the microwave and heat an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and combine.
- Add walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour fudge into prepared pan.
- Place pan in fridge for at least an hour to cool and set.
- Once cooled, cut the fudge into squares.
- Enjoy every bite!
Notes
For variations, consider adding nuts, different extracts, or adjusting the chocolate type.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: fudge, dessert, quick recipe, easy sweets, chocolate
