This easy fudge recipe produces smooth, creamy chocolate fudge every time. It uses just three ingredients and can be made in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add chopped nuts or candies for variation — this chocolate fudge is always a crowd-pleaser.
Almost all year I skip making homemade candy, but about six weeks before Christmas my kitchen turns into a fudge factory. Fudge makes a perfect hostess gift, a thoughtful Secret Santa present, or a cozy treat when you curl up under a blanket with a holiday movie. Creamy chocolate fudge is delicious any time of year, and with this simple method there’s no reason not to make it.
The Best Easy Fudge Recipe
This chocolate fudge recipe is one of the simplest you’ll find. Why it works so well:
- Only three main ingredients, plus any mix-ins like nuts or crushed candy.
- No candy thermometer required.
- Can be prepared either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Yields reliably smooth, creamy fudge every time.
Anyone can make this recipe and achieve perfect, creamy chocolate fudge with very little effort. The ingredients are the same whether you choose the microwave or the stovetop: semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Below are clear instructions for both methods, followed by the full recipe details.
How to Make Fudge in the Microwave
Place the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds, then remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts on medium, stirring each time, until the mixture is just melted and smooth. Pour into a prepared pan and chill until set.
Note: Use medium power in the microwave. High power can cause the chocolate to overheat and become grainy instead of melting into a silky mixture.
How to Make Fudge on a Stove Top
For stovetop fudge, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan over very low heat. Add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, and gently stir as they melt together. Once the mixture is smooth and fully combined, remove from heat and pour into the prepared pan to chill and set.
If you want a dependable, easy fudge recipe for the holidays or any special occasion, this chocolate fudge delivers every time.
Easy Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
In the Microwave
- Line an 8×8-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Place the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds, then remove and stir. Repeat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is just melted and smooth. Do not use high power.
- Pour into the prepared pan and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours, or until set.
On the Stove
- Line an 8×8-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Melt over very low heat while stirring gently until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove from heat, pour into the prepared pan, and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours, or until firm.