If you’ve ever dreamed of making a rich, creamy, and utterly decadent treat at home without any fuss, this Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of ingredients that come together to create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth fudge with deep chocolate goodness. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, gifts for loved ones, or a centerpiece dessert, this recipe delivers on flavor and texture every single time.

A small white bowl holds eight thick, square pieces of brown fudge stacked in a neat pile, each piece showing a smooth but slightly textured surface with small cracks and slight gloss. The bowl is placed on a light wooden board, all set against a white marbled background. A few scattered dark brown coffee beans can be seen blurred in the background, adding depth to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential players in crafting the perfect fudgy texture and luscious taste. Each one brings its own magic, from creamy sweetness to smooth richness and the warm hint of vanilla that ties it all together.

Chocolate chips (3 cups): Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for that classic fudgy melt and rich chocolaty depth.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): This creamy, sweet base provides the smooth texture and luscious sweetness that fudge is all about.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a touch brings out the richness and adds a lovely aroma that makes the fudge irresistible.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil or overlapping pieces of parchment paper. This lining helps you easily lift the finished fudge out of the pan for clean, neat cutting later on, while preventing any sticking disasters.

Step 2: Combine Chocolate and Condensed Milk

In a medium saucepan, pour in the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. This combination is the heart of the fudge, blending sweetness and chocolate flavor in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Gently

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring consistently. You’ll notice the chocolate beginning to soften but not fully melt yet. This gradual heat ensures the chocolate melts smoothly without burning or seizing up.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Finish Melting

Once the chocolate is partially melted, stir in the vanilla extract. Keep stirring gently until the mixture is completely melted, smooth, and shiny. That beautiful shine is a sign that your fudge mixture is perfectly blended and ready to set.

Step 5: Pour and Even Out

Pour the thick mixture into the lined pan. It might feel dense and hard to pour, but no worries—that’s exactly what you want! Use a rubber spatula to spread the fudge evenly, and gently shake the pan to smooth the surface.

Step 6: Let It Set

Allow the fudge to cool and set completely at room temperature. This usually takes about four hours. Patience here will reward you with fudge that slices cleanly and holds its shape perfectly.

Step 7: Trim and Cut Into Pieces

Lift the fudge out using the foil or parchment paper. Trim any rounded edges for neatness. First, cut the fudge into four large squares, then cut each of these into 9 smaller pieces. This method gives you 36 perfect, bite-sized squares that are just waiting to be devoured.

Step 8: Enjoy or Store

Dive in immediately or store your treats in an airtight container, where the fudge will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks. And if you want to make even more, freezing works like a charm too!

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

A white cake stand with a smooth, glossy surface and a short pedestal base holds a pyramid of thick, square chocolate fudge pieces. The fudge is rich brown with a soft matte texture and slight cracks along the edges. The pyramid has three visible layers: the bottom layer has seven pieces arranged tightly in a circle, the middle layer has five offset pieces, and the top layer shows two pieces stacked neatly. The background and surface are white with a subtle marbled texture that contrasts with the dark chocolate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your fudge by adding colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a light dusting of sea salt on top right after pouring it into the pan. These simple touches add that extra flair and a pop of flavor or crunch to your already delightful Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe.

Side Dishes

While fudge is fantastic on its own, pairing it with a warm cup of coffee, creamy vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries creates a charming dessert spread that surprises and delights every palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual fudge squares in festive wax paper for charming little gifts or arrange them beautifully on a decorative platter for holiday parties. You can even stack them between sheets of parchment in a box to give as a sweet homemade present that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover fudge fresh by placing it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. It will stay soft and creamy for up to two weeks, perfect for snacking or sharing during those unexpected sweet cravings.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fudge in a tightly sealed container. You can even freeze it wrapped in parchment paper for extra protection. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. Freezing preserves its texture and flavor beautifully for up to three months.

Reheating

Usually, fudge tastes best chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it softer, warm individual pieces briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to melt it completely; you want it warm and soft, not runny.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can switch between milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each will slightly change the final flavor but keep the fudge delicious.

Do I need to refrigerate the fudge?

Fudge can be safely kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. If you live in a warm climate, refrigeration will help maintain its firmness.

Why is my fudge grainy instead of smooth?

Graininess often happens if the chocolate is overheated or not stirred enough during melting. Using low heat and consistent stirring helps keep your Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe silky smooth.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt after stirring the vanilla for a fun twist on the classic fudge.

How long does it take to set?

It typically takes about four hours for the fudge to fully set at room temperature. For quicker results, you can chill it in the fridge, but setting it slowly at room temperature develops the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe is truly like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy hug of chocolate bliss. It’s straightforward, fast, and absolutely reliable, perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. I encourage you to give it a try — once you taste this rich, creamy fudge, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 39 reviews

This easy chocolate fudge recipe is a quick and simple way to make rich, creamy fudge with just three main ingredients. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it combines melted chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, decadent treat that sets up perfectly in just a few hours. Ideal for sharing at parties or gifting during holidays.

Author: Ava
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes + 4 hours setting time
Yield: 36 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fudge Ingredients

3 cups chocolate chips (either semi-sweet or milk chocolate, 18.6 ounces)
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8 inch by 8 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or two pieces of parchment paper overlapping to form an X. This will help you easily lift the fudge out once it has set.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
Heat Mixture: Place the pan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips start to partially melt. Once partially melted, stir in the vanilla extract.
Melt Completely: Continue stirring until the chocolate chips are fully melted, resulting in a smooth, shiny chocolate mixture.
Pour into Pan: Pour the thick chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. It will be very thick, so don’t worry if it doesn’t pour easily. Gently shake the pan back and forth or use a rubber spatula to spread evenly.
Set the Fudge: Leave the fudge at room temperature to set completely. This process will take about 4 hours.
Cut the Fudge: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper. Trim any rounded edges, then cut the fudge in half both ways to make four equal squares. Cut each square into 9 smaller pieces by cutting into thirds both ways, resulting in 36 pieces.
Store or Serve: Enjoy the fudge immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. The fudge can also be frozen; refer to specific freezing instructions in the original post.

Notes

You can use either semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness.
Make sure to stir constantly while melting to prevent burning and achieve a smooth texture.
Setting the fudge at room temperature provides the best texture; refrigeration is not necessary but can speed up the process.
For longer storage, fudge freezes well in airtight containers for several months.

Keywords: easy chocolate fudge, homemade fudge, chocolate dessert, sweetened condensed milk fudge, no-bake fudge