Fudge (2024)

This top-rated fudge recipe is unbelievably easy to make with just three ingredients and five minutes of prep time.

What Is Fudge?

Fudge is a type of homemade candy with a smooth and creamy texture. It's usually made on the stove with sugar, butter, and milk. There are many varieties of fudge, but the most popular type is chocolate.

This simplified version comes together quickly in the microwave with just chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.

Fudge Ingredients

This impressive fudge recipe is easy to make with ingredients you may already have on hand:

  • Chocolate chips: This classic fudge recipe starts with three cups of semisweet chocolate chips.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: A can of sweetened condensed milk ensures a sweet, creamy, and absolutely decadent chocolate fudge.
  • Butter: Butter is melted with the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, creating an even richer texture.

Recipe Tip

Walnuts are optional, but they add welcome crunch.

How to Make Fudge

You'll be shocked how easy it is to make fudge with sweetened condensed milk. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this easy fudge:

Melt the chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter together. Add walnuts if desired. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish, then refrigerate until the fudge is set. Cut into squares.

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Does Fudge Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, fudge doesn't need to be refrigerated. Store it in an airtight container (with wax paper between layers) at room temperature for one to two weeks.

Can You Freeze Fudge?

Yes! You can freeze fudge for up to three months. Wrap the fudge tightly in wax paper, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. Place the foil-wrapped fudge in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in another layer of foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

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Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This fudge tastes so good and people are amazed that it was made in a microwave," says StanConn. "I took the advice from one of the reviews about melting the butter first before adding the other ingredients. I think it really prevented the fudge from turning out grainy."

"I used milk chocolate chips and sprinkled crushed peppermint candy on top," says LizaJ. "It made a nice gift to share with neighbors. Quick and easy recipe to make with kids."

"This is perfect fast fudge," according to weelittlejess. "No, it's not 'old-fashioned' fudge, but who has the time? Not me. It turns out creamy, glossy, and lovely. I like to stir in a cup of peanut butter chips at the last moment before putting it in the pan."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Fudge (2024)

FAQs

What is fudge usually made of? ›

Fudge is a dense, rich confection typically made with sugar, milk or cream, butter and chocolate or other flavorings. The base for fudge is boiled until it reaches the soft-ball stage (135 to 140 degrees F), then stirred or beaten as it cools to minimize the formation of sugar crystals.

Is fudge just chocolate? ›

Chocolate uses elements of the cacao bean; even in creating white chocolate, cocoa butter from the cacao bean is the main ingredient. Fudge, however, is a confection made both with and without cocoa or other chocolate elements. You can substitute vanilla or peanut butter, for example, for the chocolate.

Why is it called fudge? ›

The exact origin and inventor of this delicious confection are hotly debated. However, many believe the first batch of fudge was created by accident when American bakers “fudged” a batch of caramels. Hence the name “fudge.”

What is the secret to perfect fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

What do Americans call fudge? ›

Fudge is a rich, chocolate candy made with plenty of sugar, cream, and butter. Fudge is usually cut into squares and eaten in small quantities. While fudge comes in many different flavors, it's usually chocolate. In the US, another kind of fudge is smooth, melted chocolate that can be poured over the top of ice cream.

What the heck is fudge? ›

Fudge is a type of confection that is made by mixing sugar, butter and milk. It has its origins in the 19th century United States, and was popular in the women's colleges of the time.

Does fudge go bad? ›

Signs That Your Fudge Has Gone Bad

Signs of spoilage include a dry, crumbly texture, discoloration, and an off smell or taste. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the fudge to avoid any potential health risks.

Is fudge healthy? ›

Whether it's chocolate, nut-filled or even swirled with peanut butter, fudge is a holiday favorite. But clocking in at around 130 calories and 5 grams of fat per ounce, this rich treat is far from a healthy choice. ... Fudge also boasts very little in terms of health.

Was fudge made by mistake? ›

That appetite for fudge dates back more than a century. Food historian Joyce White says fudge is based on a recipe for chocolate caramels, which was very similar. "What probably happened is that there was someone in Baltimore, messed it up, or 'fadged' it," she said. "Fadge is a word that means you messed up.

Why is fudge so hard to make? ›

Making fudge can be a challenging endeavor, requiring precision and attention to detail to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. The process of making fudge involves a delicate balance of cooking, cooling, and beating, and the smallest mistake can result in fudge that is too soft or too hard.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What is the best pan to make fudge in? ›

Saucepan: Choose a heavy, straight-sided metal saucepan that holds about twice the volume of your fudge recipe.

What is Dairy Queen fudge made of? ›

Dairy Queen's fudge sauce is made using high-quality cocoa powder, sugar, and butter, resulting in a rich and creamy texture. The fudge is poured over the soft-serve ice cream, creating a delectable swirl of chocolate goodness that will leave you craving for more.

What's the difference between fudge and brownies? ›

Fudge doesn't contain very much besides chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and if you want some inclusions like nuts, marshmallows, cookies, cacao nibs, peanut butter, dried fruit and so on. Whereas brownies contain cacao powder (no chocolate!), flour, eggs, butter or oil, baking powder and nuts.

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.

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