Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge (No Fail)
A foolproof chocolate fudge recipe that requires no candy thermometer. Rich, creamy, and perfect for last-minute holiday gifts.
Emily Neat
Author
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips (good quality)
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Optional: Walnuts, sea salt, or peppermint extract
Instructions
- 1 Prep: Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- 2 Melt: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
- 3 Heat: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring vigorously in between. It usually takes 60-90 seconds total. Stop as soon as the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- 4 Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract (and nuts if using). Work quickly as the mixture will start to set.
- 5 Set: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- 6 Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- 7 Serve: Lift the fudge out using the parchment liner. Cut into small squares.
Traditional fudge making is an art form that involves candy thermometers, precise temperatures, and a lot of anxiety about “seizing” chocolate.
This recipe? This is the “I need a delicious gift in 10 minutes” version. And honestly, most people prefer the creamy, dense texture of this condensed milk fudge over the traditional kind!
Customization Ideas
This base recipe is a blank canvas. Here are my favorite variations:
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately after pouring into the pan.
- Mint Chocolate: Swap vanilla for 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and crush candy canes on top.
- Rocky Road: Fold in mini marshmallows and peanuts at the very end.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the warm fudge and swirl with a knife.
Troubleshooting
- Grainy Fudge? This usually happens if you overheat the chocolate. Microwave in short bursts and stir, stir, stir. The residual heat helps melt the chips.
- Too Soft? It needs to stay cold. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
This fudge keeps in the fridge for 2-3 weeks, making it the ultimate make-ahead holiday treat!
About Emily Neat
Professional Organizer
Certified Professional Organizer and home economist. Sharing hacks for a cleaner home and easier life, from kitchen to closet.
