Fool-Proof Homemade Fudge takes just 5 minutes to make and only requires a handful of ingredients for perfectly smooth and creamy fudge every time.
The tree is up and decorated, stockings hung, and twinkly lights are on the house, but nothing screams Christmas quite like homemade fudge. Fudge is one of those desserts that you just don’t ever see any other time of year; but between Thanksgiving and New Years, we are all about the fudge.
Let’s be honest, not all fudge is created equal. We have all experienced some gritty, sub-par fudge in our lives. It’s a very sad thing that we are here to rectify! Fool proof homemade fudge is quick, easy, and completely smooth. We know you’ve been led astray in the past, but trust us, this truly is the best and creamiest fudge ever!
Flavor Variations:
There are so many flavor variations for fudge, and we love them all!
Nut Fudges: stir in 1/2 cup roughly chopped nuts (pecan, walnut, or almond). Consider replacing all or part of the vanilla extract with the corresponding nut extract.
White Chocolate Fudge: replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
Marbled Fudge: make half of the recipe with white chocolate chips and the other half with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon each into prepared pan to dot the bottom then use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl together.
Mint Chocolate Fudge: replace vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon peppermint extract.
Peanut Butter Fudge: requires a slightly different recipe using 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 12 ounces white chocolate chips, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Where’s the sugar?
Sugar is what can make fudge gritty, and we definitely don’t want gritty fudge. By using sweetened condensed milk, you don’t need any additional sugar, and there is no grittiness! Win win!
Troubleshooting: My fudge didn’t set up!
This recipe requires only three ingredients so it’s important that you use the correct ingredients and avoid making any substitutions. The main reason why your fudge may not set up is that you may have inadvertently used the wrong ingredients.
SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK: We DO NOT recommend using a low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk. DO NOT use evaporated milk, milk, cream, or half and half. Only use full fat sweetened condensed milk. For a dairy-free alternative, sweetened condensed coconut milk has been reported to work, but results may vary.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: The flavor of your fudge will only be as good as the quality of the chocolate chips you use. This recipe works best when made using semi-sweet chocolate chips. DO NOT use carob chips, sugar-free chocolate chips, or other chocolate chip alternatives. Sometimes off-brand or cheap chocolate chips are not actually chocolate so be sure to read the label closely. Milk chocolate chips contain a different fat ratio and may cause your fudge to be on the softer side.
Storage Instructions:
Fudge needs to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, if you want to store it for longer than a month, your best bet is to wrap it in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze.
If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious holiday dessert recipes:
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
I’ve make the fudge once before it’s really tasty
love this recipe and made it many times. Its a no fail!! I made it using mint extract, orange extract with orange zest, cranberry and chopped nuts, and each time it was perfect.
I haven’t made this yet, but it looks easy and delicous!
Would I be able to use a double boiler to melt the chocolate chips?
Using a microwave is quick (less than 90 seconds) and easy but if you don’t have one, a double boiler will work well. It may take a bit longer but before I owned a microwave, I always used the double boiler method to make fudge. Yesterday I prepared the basic recipe as written and added walnuts. Today I made the basic recipe but substituted peppermint extract and didn’t add nuts. Both batches are now in the freezer, waiting to be gifted.
Absolutely delicious. My husband loves fudge but I don’t make the old fashioned kind anymore that must be stirred “forever”…age&arthritis😄. Your recipe has saved the day…wonderful, thanks, as are all your recipes. Blessings!
I used white chips and sprinkled huckleberry’s . It didn’t set up . It tasted great but in freezer it was soft.
Were the huckleberries juicy? Perhaps that’s why the fudge didn’t set up properly.
Amazingly easy and delicious. A wonderful recipe to use for last minute gifts.
Hi my name is David, 75 yrs. young. I live on Vancouver Island. I have an old fashioned fudge recipe. It’s a lot of work. But when I get it right, it’s awesome. And that’s only about 10% of the time. Your recipe was more than awesome, It was unbelievable and so easy. I have quit smoking for over 2 years. Now chocolate is my fix. In moderation. Thanks 🌈
Have you ever tried almond bark instead of chips? My mom’s old wonderful recipe just never turns out right.
This so delicious. I used bittersweet chips. At grocery store I couldn’t remember what you used but knew you said not to use milkchoc cuz it was too sweet. Bittersweet choc was super. Husband likes black walnuts 😝. Mixed few with English walnuts, worked out very well. Am making more for Christmas…..great last minute recipe. U R quite a gal!!! Merry 🎄, blessings😘
The Best Homemade Recipe for fudge. I added the nuts. Turned out perfect.
This has got to be the easiest and creamiest microwave fudge I have ever made, and no added sugar is a huge plus! I made a small, (8×8), pan of chocolate, a small pan of chocolate walnut, and a small pan of white chocolate peppermint. On the peppermint, I used 1/2 tsp peppermint extract and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract so it would not be so overwhelming on peppermint for those who aren’t so wild about that flavor fudge.