Easy Fudge

By
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich is a food writer, recipe video producer, and culinary school instructor with more than 20 years of experience in the food industry.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 10/4/21
Tested by Tara Omidvar
Easy Fudge

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Chill: 60 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 36 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
120 Calories
6g Fat
17g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 36
Amount per serving
Calories 120
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Sodium 30mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 47mg 4%
Iron 0mg 3%
Potassium 108mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Creamy, rich fudge is a beloved holiday treat, but you don't have to wait until the holidays roll around to make and enjoy it. The confection is forgivingly easy to make, especially if you use this recipe. The main ingredient in chocolate fudge is (you guessed it) chocolate. This recipe combines chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk for the signature decadent texture and sweetness.

This fudge recipe couldn't be easier—there's no baking and no candy thermometer or mixer required. Just melt the chocolate, add the other ingredients, and chill. It's also easy to customize by swapping out the type of chocolate or adding mix-ins like nuts. The fudge only takes a few minutes to mix up—just allow at least an hour for it to set up in the fridge. It keeps well, so feel free to make it ahead.

Whip up this easy chocolate fudge for your next gathering, Christmas party, or give it a fun gift. It's a fun recipe to keep in your back pocket and make whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

"This fudge is extremely easy to make and tastes amazing! You can add nuts to the recipe, sprinkle sea salt on top, or just leave them as is. I wrapped the bite-sized pieces in waxed paper and kids loved them! Store the fudge in the fridge or freezer if you can avoid eating them all." —Tara Omidvar

Easy Fudge
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Easy Fudge ingredients

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  2. Line a 9-inch square baking pan or dish with plastic wrap.

    baking pan lined with plastic wrap

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  3. Combine the chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the chocolate has melted.

    chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  4. Remove from heat. Add the butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

    fudge mixture in a pan

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  5. Pour the fudge into the prepared dish, spreading evenly and smoothing the surface with a spatula.

    fudge mixture in a baking pan

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  6. Refrigerate until firm, at least one hour.

    fudge in a baking pan

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

  7. Turn out of the pan, remove the plastic, and cut into squares.

    Easy Fudge pieces on a cutting board

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Recipe Variations

  • For some texture, add up to one cup of toasted, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
  • Add up to 3/4 cup of shredded coconut.
  • Swap out some or all of the semisweet chocolate chips for milk, dark, or white chocolate chips.
  • After spreading the fudge into the pan, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt.
  • Swap the vanilla extract for 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or mint extract.

How to Store and Freeze

  • Store fudge in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week.
  • You can also freeze fudge for longer storage. Wrap well and place in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months, defrosting in the fridge before enjoying.

What Exactly Is Fudge?

Fudge is a candy that's made by combining sugar, butter, and milk. Most fudge is made using chocolate as well, but it is not required. Traditional fudge recipes cook the mixture until it reaches soft ball stage, creating the signature soft, almost chewy texture. Shortcut recipes use ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and chilling in the refrigerator to create no-boil fudge.