This easy fudge recipe is ready in 3 minutes with only 3 simple ingredients: chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. If you’re looking for a homemade fudge that comes out perfect every time, this is it.
Fudge is one of those classic treats I never get tired of making, especially when it’s this easy. This recipe calls for just three ingredients, comes together in minutes, and sets up like a dream. It’s rich, creamy, full of chocolate flavor, and perfect for the holidays, gifting, or honestly… just because. No candy thermometer, no complicated steps—just melt, stir, pour, and let it chill. I’ve been making this for years, and it turns out perfectly every single time. If you’ve been looking for a go-to fudge recipe that’s foolproof and tastes amazing, this is it.
What Makes This a Winning Fudge Recipe?
- Ready in 3 minutes. This chocolate fudge is so easy to make, it takes all of about three minutes! A minute to prepare the pan and ingredients, a minute to melt the chocolate, and a minute to spread it out into the pan. Seriously – SO EASY!
- Only 3 ingredients. Not only is this fudge ready in 3 minutes…you also only need 3 ingredients to prepare it! It really doesn’t get easier than this.
- The BEST chocolate fudge. Dense, rich, chocolatey, delicious! What more could you ask for from a fudge recipe?!
- Perfect for the holidays. This easy fudge recipe is one of my favorite things to gift during the holiday season. EVERYONE loves this fudge!
What You’ll Need
You’ll only need 3 ingredients to make this easy fudge recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Do not use milk chocolate chips in this recipe, they won’t create the appropriate texture and firm up properly.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Helps sweeten the fudge and create the perfect creamy consistency. Do not substitute with evaporated milk, they are not the same.
- Vanilla extract
How To Make Chocolate Fudge
Here’s an overview of the few steps to making this easy fudge recipe. You can find the printable version of the instructions in the recipe card below.
- Prep. Line a square pan with parchment paper, covering the sides of the pan.
- Melt the chocolate. Microwave the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk for one minute. Stir to combine. If needed, microwave for an additional 30 seconds until the chocolate is completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Chill. Quickly transfer the mixture to the pan. Spread evenly. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, until firm, before cutting.
Tips for Success
- Let the parchment paper hang over the edges. When lining the pan with parchment paper, let it come up the sides and over the edges. This will allow you to easily lift it from the pan once it sets.
- Don’t over-melt the chocolate. It should only take 60-90 seconds for the chocolate to melt completely. Be sure to stir it vigorously after the first 60 seconds to use the heat already added to the mixture to allow it to melt. Once it’s smooth and creamy, do not heat it more.
- Work quickly. Once the chocolate is melted, add the vanilla right away and then pour it into the prepared pan. You don’t want the mixture to cool and start to solidify before you transfer it.
- Cut while cold. I recommend cutting the fudge while it’s cold, even if you prefer to store and eat it at room temperature. The softer the fudge, the harder it will be to make clean slices.
Can I Make This With White Chocolate?
This particular recipe won’t work with white chocolate. It won’t firm up properly. If you’d like a white chocolate version, check out my White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. You can leave out the cranberries and mix in your favorite candies, marshmallows, etc.
Why Did My Fudge Not Set?
There are a few possible reasons. Any one, or all of them, could be the issue.
- The type of chocolate – Be sure to use semi-sweet. If you use milk chocolate, it won’t firm up properly. If you use dark chocolate, it may be too firm.
- Amount of chocolate – You also need to be sure you used the right amount of chocolate. If you under measure, it may not firm up. If you over measure, it could be too firm.
- The milk – Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. It won’t set otherwise.
How To Store Homemade Fudge
- Room temperature. This easy chocolate fudge can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 weeks. Note that the fudge will be a little softer stored this way.
- Fridge. If you prefer firmer fudge or want it to last longer, you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before enjoying if you’d like
- Freezer. This easy fudge recipe can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw on the counter or in the fridge.
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
More Fudge Recipes To Try
Chocolate Fudge Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (12oz) semi sweet chocolate chips (do not use milk chocolate)
- 1 can (1 ¼ cups) sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 square pan with parchment paper that covers the sides of the pan.
- Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl and microwave for one minute. Stir well to combine and allow the heat to melt the chocolate chips. If needed, microwave for another 30 seconds or so, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then quickly transfer the mixture to the lined pan and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate the fudge until firm, 2-3 hours.
- Cut the fudge while it’s still cold (right out of the fridge) and store in an air tight container. Fudge can be stored at either room temperature or the fridge. It will be softer at room temperature.
Video
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Enjoy!
Categories:
Christmas, Holidays, No Bake Desserts, Other Sweets, Recipes, Recipes with video, Sweets and Treats,
I added walnuts to mine will it still set
Yes, it should.
Hay I was wondering is there a way to put cookie dough in it for my special Christmas fudge
I imagine that would be fine but I might use an eggless cookie dough.
Sooo good and easy the best compliments to the first chef also you can put some nuts on top before refrigerating and cutting it yum! 😋
Sounds good 👌🏽
Can I do this recipe stove top? If so how😊
That should be fine. Just melt the chocolate over a double boiler and then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
This the best fudge you will ever make in three minutes!!!!
I have used it ever since I was a kid.
If you haven’t done it yet, GET CRACKING!!!!!
Can i put powder suger in this to make it
I don’t recommend using powdered sugar.
Mine hasn’t set?
The first two things I’d check are that you used sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk, and that you used semi sweet chocolate and not milk chocolate.
Going to try. I can do easy desserts so it sounds perfect. Thank you
So how do we adjust for the new size in 2022 – 10oz bag of choc chips?
I haven’t noticed a smaller size bag in our grocery store. That’s a bummer. You will still need 12 ounces for this to turn out correctly.
I’m trying this recipe for Thanksgiving, but I was wondering what if I want to do white chocolate? What do you recommend?
You could try my white chocolate cranberry fudge and just remove the cranberries. https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/easy-white-chocolate-cranberry-fudge/
What if.. I didn’t read the directions fully before buying and making it and I accidentally used milk chocolate? What happens then?! lol
Cross your fingers and hope it hardens enough. 🙂
I made this recipe and added unsweetened but salted toasted coconut and Rice Krispies. Turned out perfect. Because of this, I am bringing the fudge to work. Otherwise, I will eat every bit of it.
DO NOT MAKE THIS !
(you will eat it up too fast…especially if you add walnuts) but anyways, I bought ALL of the ingredients at aldis and it is just fantastic !
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it!
Does the fudge have to be refrigerated after it is firm from being in the fridge? I would like to bring these on a park picnic but not sure if they will melt or not. This chocolate fudge is so easy and simple to make!
No, it doesn’t have to be refrigerated. So glad you enjoyed it!
I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put forth in your knowledge to post your recipes. I followed your instructions exactly as you layed them out. Can you tell me why it came out thin and droopy? You probably don’t have your website anymore.
If the fudge doesn’t turn out correctly, then you either didn’t add the correct amounts of the ingredients or you used a different ingredient. Be sure to use semi sweet chocolate, not milk chocolate. Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk or some other kind of milk.
why would it be bad to use milk chocolate?
Milk chocolate has less cocoa solids in it. Therefore it will not firm up as much.
Can you add peanut butter to this recipe? If so, how much?
I haven’t tested it, so I can’t say. But likely other adjustments would be needed.
If I desire to make it with peppermint extract, how much would I need, 1/2 TSP? Also, would I need to omit the equivalent vanilla extract in order to do so successfully?
It depends on how strong you want the peppermint flavor. 1/2 tsp should be plenty. I would still use the vanilla extract. It’ll help the peppermint flavor not seem too toothpaste-y.
Fudge loved it