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 ⅓ 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.

More Easy Homemade Candy Recipes

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