How to Make Chocolate Fudge {3 Ingredients}

The best, quick and easy chocolate fudge recipe, homemade with 3 simple ingredients. Rich, creamy, no bake plus no candy thermometer needed! Perfect dessert for Christmas holidays!

When it comes to traditional holiday desserts, fudge is probably the most popular! There are so many varieties and so many add-in options that the sky is the limit. Some of my family favorites are this White Chocolate Fudge and this Rocky Road Fudge.

What is chocolate fudge?

It's a smooth and creamy sugar candy or cooked chocolate confection that is made with milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. Traditionally, it was made in a saucepan over stovetop but my version is quicker and easier. It's made with chocolate chips, butter and condensed milk in the microwave.

How to make easy chocolate fudge in microwave?

1. Add ingredients into a bowl- In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the chocolate chips, butter and condensed milk
2. Melt in microwave- heat the ingredients in the microwave. Mix every 30 seconds until everything is fully melted
3. Pour into square pan- pour the mixture into an 8x8 square pan lined with wax paper.
4. Chill- place the fudge in the refrigerator to chill for 2-3 hours
5. Cut and Enjoy! Once cooled, cut with a sharp knife and dig in!

What is the difference between chocolate and fudge?

Chocolate is typically made of cacao beans and cocoa butter and these bars can easily be broken or snapped. However, fudge is more of a confection or candy that includes chocolate as an ingredient, and can be combined with other ingredients like nuts and dried fruits. It's softer and more malleable than chocolate bars.

Microwave Fudge Consistencies

Why is my fudge soft? Why won't it set? This could be a result of the mixture not being heated long enough. It needs to be heated to the point where the chocolate and butter is fully melted and mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Another reason for this could be inaccurate measurements. Perhaps more condensed milk was added than required and that would lead to a very soft consistency. A final possibility could be that it was not chilled long enough. It needs to be chilled to the point that it's firm so it can easily be sliced.

Why is my fudge grainy and crumbly? This could be a result of burning. If the mixture is overheated in the microwave, without stirring often, you will end up with burnt granules. Another reason for this could be that the fudge is too old and has become dry. Some people also say that over-mixing can cause the mixture to separate and become grainy. Only mix to the point that the mixture is smooth.

Variations

• Add nuts- Such as almonds or walnuts work well in fudge.
• Add dried fruits- Such as cherries, apricots, cranberries and/or raisins.
• Add sprinkles- Spread melted mixture into a pan and then, toss some colorful sprinkles on top. Gently press them down with your hands so that they stick securely.
• Add Oreos- Just roughly chip up Oreos or any cookies of your choice and mix that into the chocolate mixture.
• Add extracts - A little amount goes a long way. Start with 1 teaspoon and it will add a nice subtle flavor. Mint and chocolate is a divine flavor combination.
• Add zests- Such as lemon, lime or oranges for a subtle citrus flavor.
• Add marshmallows- Toss and press mini marshmallows into the mixture, after it's poured into the pan.
• Chocolate peanut butter fudge- Check out this recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge. It has swirls of chocolate on top. You can also add roughly chopped salted peanuts in the recipe below too.
• Milk chocolate fudge- Use milk chocolate chips.
• Dark chocolate fudge- Use dark chocolate chips.

Tips and Techniques

• Sweetened condensed milk vs. Evaporated milk- You much use condensed milk in this recipe. Evaporated milk does not contain the sugar that sweetened condensed milk has and it has a much thinner consistency. The fudge will not set, if evaporated milk or regular milk is used.
• Use unsalted butter- A salty fudge is not appetizing.
• Use best quality of chocolate chips- Godiva, Ghirardelli, Lindt, Scharffen Berger are all a bit expensive but taste incredibly rich and are my favorite. However, Nestle Toll House chocolate chips work well too.
• Can you freeze fudge? Yes! Fudge has to be double wrapped and stored in an air tight container to prevent freezer burns. It can also be stored as a whole block and then sliced after being thawed.
• How to store fudge? Place it in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Could fudge be cooled at room temperature? Yes! Fudge will soften slightly at room temperature but still maintain its firm shape. Remove from fridge 20 minutes before you are planning on serving.
• Lining pan is a must- Use wax paper because this prevents the mixture from sticking to pan. Overhang the wax paper on the sides so that it's easy to remove.
• Use sharp knife- For perfect slices and edges.
• How to package fudge? Since this is a popular food item that people gift one another during the holidays, check out these Food and Cookie Packaging Ideas (Easy). Plastic bags and wax paper would be your best choice for individual wrapping and then, they can be packed into pretty gift boxes.

More candy recipes

• Chocolate Bark
• Chocolate Mint Truffles
• Nougat Candy
• Microwave Peanut Brittle
• Candied Orange Peel and Slices
• Coffee Fudge
• Homemade Gourmet Chocolate

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