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    Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe

    Desserts November 2, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 7 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Homemade Fudge is a decadent dessert meant to be shared! Everyone loves this rich, silky chocolate fudge and you will love how easy it is to make! Made in the microwave with just 4 ingredients, this easy fudge recipe turns out creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet.

    This microwave fudge recipe is the BEST! With just four ingredients and no candy thermometer needed, this homemade fudge is rich, creamy, and super easy to make.

    Fudge cut into cubes on white plate with nuts and chocolate chips in background.


    When it comes to fudge, it should be rich, sweet, and decadent. While this recipe for microwave fudge is all those things, it is also easy to make.

    Reasons to Love Microwave Fudge

    • Only 4 Ingredients Needed. And they are all extremely easy to find at any grocery store.
    • Super Easy Recipe. Unlike old-fashioned boiled fudge, this fudge recipe is made in the microwave with only minutes of prep.
    • No Candy Thermometer Needed. Just like my recipes for Saltine Cracker Toffee and Peppermint Bark, you don't need a candy thermometer to make this homemade candy.
    • Perfect for a Gifting or Indulging. Not only does this simple recipe for fudge satisfy the most intense craving for chocolate, but it is also a treat neighbors, coworkers, or friends will appreciate receiving.
    • Insanely Delicious. The only thing you are giving up with this recipe is prep time. Microwave fudge is chocolatey, creamy, rich, and melts in your mouth, just like classic chocolate fudge.

    Notes on Ingredients and Equipment

    Ingredients for easy homemade fudge labeled on counter.
    • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not condensed milk. Sweetened Condensed Milk is rich, thick, and filled with notes of caramel. It makes the perfect base for this easy microwave fudge recipe. Also, use full-fat, not fat-free sweetened condensed milk for the creamiest texture.
    • Chocolate Chips: This recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips as written. I find that semi-sweet chocolate compliments the sweetened condensed milk and produces the richest chocolate fudge. Milk chocolate can make for an overly sweet fudge and dark chocolate can be a bit bitter and overpowering. 
    • Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract helps to enhance the overall chocolate flavor in the fudge.
    • Butter: Adding a touch of unsalted butter to the fudge helps to produce the glossiest, smoothest fudge and helps to balance out the sweetness a tad bit. 
    • Parchment Paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper will make it easy to remove your fudge from the pan once it sets up.

    Microwave Fudge Flavor Variations

    • Add Nuts: A lot of people love the added crunch and flavor that chopped nuts lend to a rich, chocolate fudge. To add nuts to this homemade fudge, stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the chocolate mixture when you stir in the vanilla extract. 
    • White Chocolate Fudge: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. Just be sure to use quality white chocolate with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients for the best flavor. White chocolate fudge is delicious with â…“ cup each of chopped pistachios and dried cranberries folded into the fudge mixture as well. 
    • Marbled Fudge: To make a beautiful marble fudge, make half the recipe using white chocolate chips and the other half with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Layer the semi-sweet chocolate layer first in the pan and then spoon the white chocolate fudge over the semi-sweet layer. Use a butter knife to swirl the two flavors together. This will create a stunning and delicious marbled finish.
    • Add Marshmallows: Gently fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows to your chocolate mixture before transferring the prepared pan. Be careful not to overmix, as your marshmallows may begin to melt.

    Tips for Making Fudge in the Microwave

    The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    • Use a large heat-safe bowl. A large bowl will allow for the chocolate to melt evenly, whereas a heat-safe bowl will ensure your bowl doesn't crack when heated.
    • Stir the fudge mixture every 30 seconds. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, return to the microwave, and repeat until the chocolate is fully melted. This will prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing up.
    • Let the fudge set up overnight. While the fudge may set up as quickly as 2 hours, I find it is best to chill overnight. This will allow the flavor to really develop and make the fudge super easy to slice. 
    • Slice into 1-inch cubes. Keep those portions small, as fudge is intended to be a sweet, rich dessert.
    Collage of four pictures showing steps to making homemade fudge.

    Storage Instructions

    It is best to store homemade fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If your house is on the cooler side, you can store the fudge at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

    I do not recommend freezing fudge, as it can crystalize and become a bit grainy once defrosted. 

    Fudge cut into cubes on white plate with nuts and chocolate chips in background.

    More Easy Homemade Candy Recipes

    • Buckeye Candy
    • Saltine Cracker Toffee
    • Easy Chocolate Bark
    • Homemade Peppermint Bark
    • Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

    If you enjoyed this recipe for homemade microwave fudge, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.

    Fudge cut into cubes on white plate with nuts and chocolate chips in background.

    Easy Microwave Fudge

    Made in the microwave with just 4 ingredients, this easy fudge recipe turns out rich and creamy every time.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Chilling: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 7 minutes minutes
    Servings: 36
    Calories: 64kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 (14oz can) sweetened condensed milk
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
    • In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips.
      Glass bowl with chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
    • Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the vanilla.
      Bowl of melted chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and butter.
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out with an offset spatula or knife.
      Chocolate Fudge mixture spread out in parchment lined 8-inch glass baking dish.
    • Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate until the fudge is set, 2-3 hours. I find overnight is best, in terms of flavor and firmness of the fudge.
    • Once set, remove the fudge, using the parchment paper from the pan cut it into 1-inch pieces.
      Fudge on parchment paper before cutting into slices.
    • Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Equipment Needed

    • Parchment Paper
    • 8x8 baking pan

    Notes

    Sweetened Condensed Milk: Be sure to use full-fat sweetened condensed milk, not low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk for the best texture. 
    Variations: 
    • Add Nuts: Stir ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the chocolate mixture when you stir in the vanilla extract. 
    • White Chocolate Fudge: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. Just be sure to use quality white chocolate with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients for the best flavor. White chocolate fudge is delicious with â…“ cup each of chopped pistachios and dried cranberries folded into the fudge mixture as well. 
    • Marbled Fudge: Make half the recipe using white chocolate chips and the other half with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Layer the semi-sweet chocolate layer first in the pan and then spoon the white chocolate fudge over the semi-sweet layer. Use a butter knife to swirl the two flavors together. 
    • Add Marshmallows: Gently fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows to your chocolate mixture before transferring the prepared pan. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 0.001mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
    « Easy Shortbread Cookie Recipe
    Homemade Hot Chocolate »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Sandy

      January 08, 2023 at 11:59 am

      Can I use salted butter

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 08, 2023 at 12:29 pm

        Hi Sandy. Yes, that small amount won't impact the overall flavor much. Enjoy.

        Reply
    2. jess

      December 21, 2022 at 1:26 am

      5 stars
      this is the best homemade fudge and it is also super easy! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 21, 2022 at 7:15 am

        So happy you enjoyed, Jess!

        Reply
    3. Jamie

      December 18, 2022 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      The perfect homemade fudge! Loved it!!

      Reply
    4. Olivia

      December 16, 2022 at 12:10 am

      5 stars
      Love this fudge recipe! I added marshmallows and it tasted amazing! Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 16, 2022 at 6:46 am

        You are welcome, Oliva! I am happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe.

        Reply

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    Homemade Fudge is a decadent dessert meant to be shared! Everyone loves this rich, silky chocolate fudge and you will love how easy it is to make! Made in the microwave with just 4 ingredients, this easy fudge recipe turns out creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet.

    Meet Kristen

    Kristen Chidsey with apron on in front of vegetables in kitchen.

    Hi! I'm Kristen. It is my honor and passion to share easy, wholesome recipes with you to in turn share your loved ones. These tried and true recipes will help you make delicious, family-friendly meals without stress! Read more

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    Homemade Fudge is a decadent dessert meant to be shared! Everyone loves this rich, silky chocolate fudge and you will love how easy it is to make! Made in the microwave with just 4 ingredients, this easy fudge recipe turns out creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet.

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