Description
This Easy Chocolate Fudge recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and decadent treat that requires minimal ingredients and only 15 minutes of active preparation. Combining smooth melted chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, this fudge sets to a perfect, sliceable consistency. Ideal for chocolate lovers looking for a quick homemade dessert or giftable sweet, this fudge recipe yields 36 bite-sized squares, perfect for sharing or storing.
Ingredients
Fudge Ingredients
- 3 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, 18.6 ounces)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8 by 8 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or two overlapping pieces of parchment paper, forming an X shape. This lining helps you easily lift the fudge out once set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Place over medium-low heat.
- Start Melting the Chocolate: Stir consistently as the mixture warms to prevent burning, until the chocolate chips begin to partially melt. Then stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate its flavor.
- Fully Melt and Smooth: Continue stirring gently until the chocolate is completely melted, the mixture is smooth, glossy, and begins to shine, signaling it’s ready to pour.
- Transfer Mixture to Pan: Pour the thick fudge mixture into the prepared pan. If the fudge is too thick to pour easily, don't worry; use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly and gently shake the pan side to side to help it settle smoothly.
- Set the Fudge: Allow the fudge to sit at room temperature to set completely. This will take about four hours for the consistency to firm up properly.
- Cut the Fudge: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan by pulling on the foil or parchment. Trim the rounded edges and cut the fudge in half lengthwise and widthwise to form 4 large squares, then cut each large square into 9 smaller pieces by dividing into thirds both directions, yielding 36 equal-sized fudge pieces.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container. The fudge keeps well for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage, following freezing instructions found in the full recipe post.
Notes
- You can use either semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on your preferred chocolate intensity.
- Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess; substitute with caution as it affects texture and flavor.
- The fudge will be very thick when pouring, so use a spatula and gentle pan shaking to even it out.
- Allow sufficient setting time at room temperature for best texture; refrigeration can speed this but may alter texture.
- Store fudge in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.