The Easiest Foolproof Fudge Recipe — Look no further than this recipe for the EASIEST and most FOOLPROOF fudge that takes less than 3 minutes to make!! Customize it with your favorite add-ins like cranberries and walnuts! Great for gifts and cookie exchanges!!
Easy Fudge Recipe
If you’re a fudge fan but have not had success with other recipes or have been afraid to try making it because it seems complicated, this is the recipe that will put all of that to rest.
This homemade fudge is so incredibly easy and literally comes together in couple of minutes in the microwave with just a handful of key ingredients.
You don’t have to worry about boiling anything, candy thermometers, or it not setting up. I promise you this is the easiest and most foolproof chocolate fudge ever with a rich, luxurious taste.
What’s in This Fudge Recipe?
There is chocolate of course, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. From there, you can customize the fudge with your favorite add-ins.
I added dried cranberries and Fisher Walnut Halves and Pieces to the fudge for flavor and texture. The dried cranberries add chewiness and the walnuts add crunch to the otherwise silky smooth fudge.
Fisher recipe nuts are a wonderful way to add flavor and texture to any dish without adding preservatives or salt. All Fisher recipe nuts are non-GMO Project Verified.
Look for their stand-up resealable bag and enjoy the lovely flavor these high-quality walnuts will add to all your recipes.
I’ve been working with Fisher Nuts for years. Check out this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Topping, Sea Salt Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies, Pumpkin Crumb Coffee Cake, and Salted Caramel Candied Pecan Carmelitas that I’ve made using their pecans.
How to Make Fudge
To make this microwave fudge recipe, simply melt the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips in a large bowl. I cooked my sweetened condensed milk fudge for 2 1/2 minutes in a large, glass, microwave-safe bowl. Because all microwaves vary in their intensity, and all ingredients and bowls vary, microwaving time can vary.
To be safe, I would start checking to see if you can stir the ingredients smooth after 2 minutes, but don’t be surprised if it takes longer. It’s better to heat in shorter bursts and check often than it is to accidentally overcook it because the chocolate could harden and seize up and you’d have to start over.
Once melted, mix in the pecans and cranberries. Turn the chocolate fudge into a greased 8×8-inch pan and let it sit at room temperature until firm.
Here’s a video that shows you exactly how I make the fudge.
Fudge Customization Ideas
There are so many ways to get creative with this fudge, including:
- sprinkling sea salt on the top
- incorporating Fisher Chopped Pecans rather than Fisher Walnut Halves and Pieces
- marshmallows
- chopped chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies
- holiday sprinkles
- chopped candy canes or peppermint bits
- toffee bits
- diced peanut butter cups
I wouldn’t try them all at once (peppermint and peanut butter would be pretty, ummm, interesting together) but if you’re a fudge fanatic, those are some easy variations to try.
Can I Make This on the Stovetop?
Yes, very easily! To make this easy fudge recipe on the stove, all you need to do is melt the butter, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Then, proceed with the rest of the instructions as listed.
How to Store Homemade Fudge
Fudge always makes great hostess gifts and works well in cookie exchanges in decorative bags because it keeps fresh for a long time.
I have stored it at room temp for about a month and in the fridge for even longer, at least two months. You do not need to store it in the fridge and it’s stable at room temp, but if you want it extra-firm or you live in a warmer climate, you may want to store it in the fridge.
As always, use your best judgment, but I am just sharing my personal experiences with storing it.
Tips for Making Homemade Fudge
It’s crucial that you buy sweetened condensed milk and NOT evaporated milk. They’re two totally different products, and evaporated milk would result in very runny fudge.
If adding peppermint extract or crushed peppermint candies to this chocolate fudge recipe, I recommend doing a test batch first to perfect your ratios. Peppermint can easily overpower a dessert, so add a little less than you think you’ll need to be safe.
To slice this fudge neatly, I simply lift the entire batch out of the baking dish (I put aluminum foil underneath) and cut it with a large knife. Easy peasy!
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The Easiest Foolproof Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi sweet chocolate chips, 18 ounces or 1 1/2 bags chocolate chips
- one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, diced into pieces
- 1 cup Fisher Walnut Halves and Pieces
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil or parchment for easier cleanup; set aside.
- To a large, microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and heat on high power to melt, about 2 1/2 minutes but all microwaves vary in intensity. Stop to check and stir after 2 minutes and heat from there in 30-second intervals, if necessary, until the mixture can be stirred smooth.
- Add the walnuts, cranberries, and stir to combine.
- Turn mixture out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula as necessary. Place on the counter to cool and set up fully, about 4 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can place the pan in the fridge to expedite it.
- Slice and serve after fudge has set up.
Notes
- Fudge will keep airtight at room temp for up to 1 month or in the fridge for at least 3 months. It is stable at room temp but if you prefer it firmer or live in a warmer climate, I recommend the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More Easy Holiday Desserts:
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25 Holiday Cookie Favorites – The tried-and-true favorites are all here! If you need a holiday cookie recipe, this collection has you covered!
Buckeye Fudge – Easy, no-cook, no-fuss, foolproof fudge that’s ready in 1 hour! Dense, chewy and full of rich peanut butter flavor with a smooth, fudgy chocolate topping! It’s irresistible!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks – Easy, no-bake treats that are a holiday favorite! They have it all: Salty, sweet, crunchy, and gooey with chocolate and peanut butter! Great for cookie exchanges or impromptu parties!
Loaded Christmas Bark – This easy, no-bake chocolate bark is loaded with goodies! Oreos, M&M’s, peanuts, pretzels, and sprinkles! Great for holiday parties and cookie exchanges! Salty, sweet, and addictively good!
Chocolate Saltine Toffee (aka Christmas Crack) – This stuff lives up to it’s name and is extremely addictive! Salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy and a holiday favorite everyone loves! Easy recipe!
Graham Cracker Toffee (aka Graham Cracker CRACK) – Sweet, buttery, caramely, perfectly chocolaty, topped with toffee bits for extra crunch! Lives up to its name and extremely addictive! An easy holiday and party fave!
White Chocolate Holiday Fudge — This EASY foolproof fudge recipe is perfect for Christmas and holiday parties!! A double dose of white chocolate with an Oreo Cookie crust for the WIN!!
Post is brought to you by Fisher. The recipe, images, text, video, and opinions expressed are my own.
Originally published December 12, 1018 and republished December 18, 2020 with updated text.