Chocolate Fudge

Table of Contents

1. Chocolate Fudge Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Chocolate Fudge
4. How to Serve Chocolate Fudge
5. Storage
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7. MORE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Chocolate fudge is a classic candy recipe that is simple to make. A melt-in-your-mouth delight, this old-fashioned favorite is made with just 3 simple ingredients. A popular treat around the holidays, this yummy fudge is easy to make at any time of the year. 

If you love rich homemade fudge then you’ll also want to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Oreo Fudge, and Rocky Road Fudge. 

Chocolate Fudge Ingredients

You will need:

PRO TIP: Check how many squares the chocolate is for your particular brand because different brands the ounces can vary per square!

Substitutions and Additions

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but some of our family members make this with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.  

PEPPERMINT: You could also add in a hint of mint to this easy fudge recipe with 2-3 drops of peppermint extract.  

MIX-INS: Other variations of this old-fashioned fudge include adding mini marshmallows or nuts, walnuts, pecans, or other desired add-ins to this basic recipe.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge

PRO TIP: Double the recipe for thicker slices of fudge. In a 9×9-inch square pan, this fudge sets to pieces about ¾-inch thick.

STEP ONE: Get a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper hanging over the sides so it’s easy to remove after it has been chilled. 

STEP TWO: Place the mini chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium microwave-safe bowl.

STEP THREE: Heat for one minute, allow the bowl to set for one additional minute, and then stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is fully combined. Stir in vanilla extract immediately. 

STEP FOUR: Spread melted chocolate mixture into the prepared pan.

STEP FIVE: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the fudge to set in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour. Two hours is ideal.  

PRO TIP: To make cutting easier, score the top of the fudge with a sharp knife before chilling.

STEP SIX: Lift by the parchment paper and cut into pieces. 

How to Serve Chocolate Fudge

Homemade chocolate fudge is a favorite on holiday dessert trays as well as for gifting to friends and family. Put it in a festive tin or a food-safe box tied with a pretty ribbon. This fudge recipe is so easy to make that it’s perfect to enjoy as a special treat for no reason at all. 

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Keep leftover homemade fudge in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 2 weeks. This is a SUPER SOFT fudge. Keep it in the refrigerator between servings. (Even in the freezer, it doesn’t firm up). 

IN THE FREEZER: The fudge will also keep in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Chocolate fudge is smooth and creamy with a rich chocolate flavor. Practically foolproof, the best chocolate fudge recipe is made with only three ingredients, chocolate chips, sweetened, condensed milk, and vanilla. Practically foolproof, this homemade fudge is the perfect thing to make any time you have a chocolate craving. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is my fudge not getting hard? 

If your fudge isn’t getting hard, it’s likely because it’s undercooked. If this happens, return the chocolate mixture to the microwave and add a little bit of milk, then stir the hot mixture until it reaches 236 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer, and then proceed with the rest of the steps.

Can I keep this delicious fudge at room temperature? 

This old-fashioned fudge is on the soft side and is best kept in the fridge so it doesn’t get too soft.

Can I freeze this fudge? 

This fudge can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months in the freezer.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
• Chocolate Peanut Clusters
• Gingerbread Fudge
• Ooey Gooey Chocolate Brownies