Easy Fast Fudge Recipe (2024)

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This fool-proof homemade fudge recipe is the easiest fudge recipe to make with only three ingredients! The best part is that it is so versatile, you can customize it in so many ways. This is one of the easiest, and best Christmas fudge recipes ever!

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Recipe Contents show

Why I Love this Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Fudge is one of my favorite Christmas treats and I include it every year on my Christmas Cookie tray, along with my Melt Away Christmas Cookies,Gingerbread Sugar Cookies, and Microwave Soft Caramels, that I make for my friends and neighbors. Everyone calls it “Christmas Fudge”.

But with all of the baking that I do during the holidays, I needed an easy homemade fudge recipe that didn’t require me to stand over the stove watching a candy thermometer.

That’s where this fudge recipe has become a life saver! Yes, this cooking process requires you to stand over the stove, but it’s only for a minute or two to melt the butter and the chocolate chips.

It seriously comes together in less than ten minutes!

How to Customize Fudge

Another great thing about this sweet treat is that you can customize it pretty easily.

This basic fudge recipe can me taken up a notch with the addition of a few ingredients.

Like dark chocolate? Use dark chocolate chips.

Like pecans? Chop some up and add them to the fudge or you can even try mixing up a batch of homemade brown sugar fudge!

Want to add some holiday flare? Add some peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive touch this time of year.

The possibilities are endless!

Things to Add to Homemade Chocolate Fudge

M&M’s
Reese’s Pieces
Pecans
Walnuts
Peanuts
Coconut
Crushed Candy Canes
Festive Sprinkles
Dried Fruit
Extracts (vanilla, peppermint, almond)
White Chocolate Chips

Fast Fudge Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Make Easy Fast Fudge

[Step 1] Begin by first. spraying your square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

[Step 2] Measure and cut a piece of parchment paper that will cover the bottom and come up the sides of the pan. This makes it easier to remove the fudge to cut it into squares later.

[Step 3] Melt the butter in asaucepanover medium heat.

[Step 4] Once the butter is melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the chocolate chips.

[Step 5] Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir the fudge with a wooden spoon until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

[Step 6] Remove from heat and add any custom ingredients at this time. I added 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.

[Step 7] Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and use yoursilicone spatulato spread it around so that it is level. Refrigerate the fudge for at least two hours.

[Step 8] When the fudge has set, remove the dish from the refrigerator.

[Step 9] Carefully run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen any fudge that is touching the side of the dish.

[Step 10] Use the ends of the parchment paper to lift the fudge and place it on a cutting board.

[Step 11] Cut the three ingredient fudge into little pieces. I ended up with 64 squares of fudge which fit perfectly into mini cupcake liners!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does fudge last?

The shelf life of fudge is about 2-3 weeks, if stored properly in an air-tight container.

Can fudge go bad?

Fudge can go bad if it is not stored properly. If fudge starts to develop mold, it should be thrown away.

Can you get sick from eating old fudge?

If fudge has gone bad, it can make you sick.

How do you know if fudge has gone bad?

Fudge that has gone bad will show signs of spoilage like developing mold on the surface of the fudge. The fudge will also have a sour smell. If you see either of these, discard the fudge.

Can I freeze fudge?

Yes! Fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the fudge tightly in a couple layers of plastic wrap and store wrapped in aluminum foil, a freezer bag, or a plastic container to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I store fudge?

The best way to store leftover fudge is in an airtight container in a cool place at room temperature.

Can I make this fudge without sweetened condensed milk?

No, you need sweetened condensed milk to make fudge. Evaporated milk will not work the same.

My fudge is too soft/hard, what happened?

If your fudge is too soft, it was not cooked long enough. If it is too hard, it was cooked for too long. Both can be fixed by cooking the fudge for a little longer or shorter next time.

My fudge is grainy, what happened?

If your fudge is grainy, it means that the sugar has not dissolved properly. This can be fixed by cooking the fudge for a little longer or adding a little more butter.

My fudge is not setting, what happened?

If your fudge is not setting, it means that it was not cooked long enough. Cook the fudge for a little longer next time.

This delicious recipe is sure to please everyone and is the perfect holiday treat!

It is quick and easy to make, with only three ingredients needed and is sure to become a family tradition on your Christmas dessert table or as a last-minute gift for friends and neighbors.

This fudge recipe is perfect for the holidays, or any special occasion!

More Easy Recipes for Christmas:

Microwave Soft Caramels
Christmas Melt Away Cookies
Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Dutch Apple Pie
Christmas Disneyland Churros
Holiday Mickey Beignets
Cool Whip Chocolate Truffles

Yield: 64 Pieces

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

A fool proof homemade fudge recipe that is quick and easy to make with only three ingredients!

Ingredients

1/4 Cup Butter
1 Can (14 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 Cups Chocolate Chips

Instructions

Spray asquare baking dishwith nonstick cooking spray. Measure and cut a piece ofparchment paperthat will cover the bottom and come up the sides of the pan.
Melt the butter in asaucepanover medium heat. Once the butter is melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the chocolate chips.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to stir the fudge until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and add any custom ingredients at this time. I added 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and use yoursilicone spatulato spread it around so that it is level. Refrigerate the fudge for at least two hours.
When the fudge has set, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Carefully run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen any fudge that is touching the side of the dish. Use the ends of the parchment paper to lift the fudge and place it on a cutting board.
Cut the fudge into your desired size. I ended up with 64 squares of fudge which fit perfectly into mini cupcake liners!