Homemade Chocolate Fudge
This Homemade Chocolate Fudge recipe is a rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet treat that can be prepared quickly with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for satisfying last-minute dessert cravings or gifting, it delivers a smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor with easy customization options.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 small squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Basic Ingredients
- 2 cups high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds (for Nutty Delight)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (for Peanut Butter Swirl)
- Few drops peppermint extract (for Minty Fresh)
- Caramel sauce and sea salt (for Salted Caramel)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (for White Chocolate Mix)
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your fudge sets cleanly and releases easily.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat or using a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring frequently to avoid scorching until smooth.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Customize (Optional): Fold in nuts, peanut butter swirl, peppermint extract, caramel drizzle, or white chocolate chips according to your preference.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least two hours or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into small squares. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose quality chocolate: The better your chocolate, the richer the fudge flavor will be.
- Low and slow melting: Keep the heat low to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter and pure vanilla extract make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t skip chilling time: Allow the fudge to fully set to get the perfect firm yet creamy texture.
- Cut with a warm knife: Warm the knife with hot water and wipe clean after slicing for smooth edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1 inch)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: homemade chocolate fudge, easy fudge recipe, quick dessert, chocolate dessert, creamy fudge, no bake fudge