Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2024)

by Ashley Manila 103 Comments

This Foolproof Chocolate Fudge is made with semi-sweet chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, salt and vanilla extract. Nuts are optional! A great holiday gift for chocolate lovers!

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (1)

Chocolate Fudge

It’s the holiday season! And in our house that means so many things… including lots and lots of homemade fudge!

I learned how to make chocolate fudge when I was in first grade! And have been making it ever since. I joke that my mom can credit this easy chocolate fudge recipe for turning me into the chocoholic I am today. It’s rich in chocolate flavor and melts in your mouth! But it’s not crumbly or soupy. It’s truly the perfect fudge recipe! So without further ado, let me teach you how to make it!

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2)

How to make Chocolate Fudge

To make this recipe you’ll need:

  • Chocolate: you may use semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate. If you want milk chocolate fudge, I suggest using a combination of milk and semi-sweet, so that it’s not overly sweet. But this is up to you! You could also use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but I suggest sticking to high-quality chocolate if possible.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: I love eagle brand! Unfortunately I do not have a substitution for this ingredient.
  • Butter: unsalted or salted will work.
  • Salt: to balance out the sweetness! Don’t skip it.
  • And vanilla extract: which enhances all of the other flavors.

You can also add in a 1/2 cup of chopped nuts! Stir in the nuts and vanilla at the same time, if using.

This is what I like to call “shortcut fudge”, because the method doesn’t require a candy thermometer or tons of stirring. Instead the method is super simple and straightforward. You’ll simply combine the chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk into a large heatproof glass bowl. Then place the bowl over a large bowl of gently simmering water. Essentially you’re making a double-boiler.

Once the chocolate and butter have completely melted, you’ll remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla.

The mixture will be very thick! Use a strong spatula to scrape the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

You’ll need to place the fudge in the fridge for at least 2 hours! During this time the fudge will set. Once set, simply cut into small squares and serve!

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (3)

Does fudge have to be refrigerated?

Nope! Almost all fudge recipes will keep at room temperature. So itdoesnotneed to be refrigerated. But you definitely can keep it in the refrigerator! Especially if you enjoy biting into a cold square of chocolate fudge! Just be sure you store it in an airtight container. Because cold air will dry out fudge faster.

Can you freeze fudge?

You sure can! It’s best tofreeze the entire block of fudge. Then slice it into small squares after it has been thawed.To ensure your fudge stays fresh in the freezer, be sure to Fudge tightly wrapped the block in two layers of plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. It will keep for 2 months!

To thaw, place the block of fudge in the refrigerator for 12 hours, then let it sit at room temperature for an hour before slicing.

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (4)

More Fudge Recipes:

  • 6-Ingredient Butter Pecan Fudge
  • Creamy Kahlua Chocolate Fudge
  • Chocolate Caramel Fudge Sauce
  • Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

If you try this Foolproof Fudge Recipe, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bakerbynature on instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day ♥

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (5)

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge

Ashley Manila

This Foolproof Chocolate Fudge is made with semi-sweet chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, salt and vanilla extract. Nuts are optional! A great holiday gift for chocolate lovers!

5 from 17 votes

PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Inactive Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • (1) 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 20 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling, optional

Instructions

  • Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the excess paper to overhang the sides, set aside.

  • In a large, heatproof bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chocolate, and butter; set aside. Fill a saucepan with a little water (you want it about 1/4 full) and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to barely a simmer. Place your heatproof glass bowl holding your ingredients on top of the pot. Stir frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is completely smooth, about 8 minutes.

  • Remove from heat. The mixture will be very thick. Using a sturdy spatula, scrape the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with sea salt, if using. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

  • Gently run a butter knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Remove the fudge and transfer it to a cutting board.

  • Peel off parchment paper, then slice the fudge into small pieces. Serve at once or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. You may also freeze the fudge, in an airtight freezer safe container for up to two months.

Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature

19K Shares

Other Posts You May Like

Candy

Easy Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Candy

Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe

Candy

Chocolate Caramel Fudge Sauce

Candy

6-Ingredient Butter Pecan Fudge

Bar Desserts

Salted Caramel Turtle Fudge Bars

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (11)Ken says

    Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (12)
    Great recipe, easy to do, and people love it. I use it as Christmas gifts and people are asking for more. 🙂

    Reply

  2. Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (13)Sherry Ange says

    In the narrative you add the vanilla after heating the rest of the ingredients. But in the recipe all the ingredients are heated. So which is it? Because I don’t do fudge without walnuts and instructions say add nut with vanilla??? B

    Reply

« Older Comments

Foolproof Chocolate Fudge - An Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to non grainy fudge? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What's the difference between fudge and chocolate fudge? ›

Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.

What ingredient makes fudge hard? ›

As water gradually evaporates, sugar is concentrated and the temperature of the mixture rises above 100°C (212°F). If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

How do you make fudge creamy and not grainy? ›

Grainy Fudge

To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon. You can use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar that sticks to the sides of the pot.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

You should mix the cream, butter, and sugar when making your fudge, but put down the spoon once it has reached its boiling point. Stirring while your sugar mixture is boiling will only form sugar crystals and make your fudge crunchy rather than silky smooth.

What makes fudge softer? ›

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

What is traditional fudge made of? ›

At its simplest, fudge is a dense, soft candy, often made with sugar and dairy products like butter and milk. Nowadays, fudge is usually flavored with chocolate, but you can utilize pretty much any flavor, such as peanut butter, pumpkin, even birthday cake.

Which is better chocolate or chocolate fudge? ›

Fudge typically contains more sugar than chocolate, so it may not be the best choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake. On the other hand, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation.

What makes fudge taste like fudge? ›

Fudge (Chocolate and Otherwise)

Aside from these ingredients, fudge is generally comprised simply of milk, sugar, and butter as the base. To this basic recipe, one can add chocolate chips, butterscotch, peanut butter chips, white chocolate, or even espresso powder to create compelling flavor combinations.

When should you not make fudge? ›

Humidity can cause fudge to boil over in the pan or stay soft when set, so try to avoid working on humid days if at all possible. If waiting for a less humid day isn't feasible, you'll need to boil your fudge at a slightly higher temperature than usual — or just order some delicious fudge from Wockenfuss!

What can you do with failed fudge? ›

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

What is the best pan to make fudge in? ›

Secondly, the pot's material should allow for good heat distribution hence your top choice should be copper cookware or a pot with a copper core. Copper's exceptional heat conductivity offers unparalleled temperature control, an asset when working with finicky ingredients like sugar.

What makes high quality fudge? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Last Updated:

Views: 5938

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Pres. Lawanda Wiegand

Birthday: 1993-01-10

Address: Suite 391 6963 Ullrich Shore, Bellefort, WI 01350-7893

Phone: +6806610432415

Job: Dynamic Manufacturing Assistant

Hobby: amateur radio, Taekwondo, Wood carving, Parkour, Skateboarding, Running, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.