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This easy microwave fudge recipe checks all the boxes! Just four simple ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and no candy-thermometer to mess with. It turns out intensely rich and irresistibly creamy every single time. Perfect for satisfying an intense chocolate craving or gifting to someone you love.
Kristen's Keys for Microwave Fudge
In order to achieve homemade fudge that is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, pay attention to the following key tips.
- Use full-fat sweetened condensed milk. The fat gives the fudge its silky mouthfeel, while low-fat versions can make the fudge a bit grainy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips are best. Not too sweet, not too bitter. Just what good fudge should be.
- Line the pan with parchment and leave a little overhang. Makes removal painless and keeps your knife clean when slicing.
- An overnight chill is best. Fudge firms and the flavors meld as it cools. Chilling overnight helps to ensure clean slices with tons of rich chocolatey flavor.
- Slice into 1-inch cubes. A little goes a long way, as fudge is intensely sweet and rich.
How to Make Homemade Fudge in the Microwave
Making homemade fudge in the microwave is exceptionally easy. This step-by-step section is simply provided to help ensure your fudge turns out perfect every time.
Step One: Combine and Microwave
Combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter in a large heat-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate begins to melt. Keep in mind, as you stir the chocolate, the residual heat will help to fully melt the chocolate chips.
👉🏻Wait to add vanilla. After the chocolate has fully melted, quickly stir in the vanilla extract to keep the flavor rich and prominent, which microwaving can destroy.
Step Three: Chill
Pour the fudge mixture into the baking dish lined with parchment paper, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Step Four: Serve or Store
Use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the baking dish and slice into small squares. Enjoy or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Fudge Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped roasted pistachios, peanuts, pecans, or walnuts after you stir in the vanilla.
- Rocky Road Fudge: Stir in 1 cup of mini marshmallows and ½ cup of chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, or almonds) to the fudge after adding the vanilla extract.
- White Chocolate Fudge: Swap semi-sweet chips for quality white chocolate (look for cocoa butter on the label). Add ⅓ cup of chopped pistachios and dried cranberries for texture, visual appeal, and to help cut the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- Marbled Fudge: Using my Christmas Fudge recipe as inspiration, make the base with half white chocolate and half semi-sweet chocolate. Layer or swirl together for a marbled effect.
More Easy Chocolate Treats
Easy Microwave Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 (14oz can) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 (14oz can) sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out with an offset spatula or knife.
- 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.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can I use salted butter
Hi Sandy. Yes, that small amount won't impact the overall flavor much. Enjoy.
If I double the recipe should I use a larger pan?
Hi CT! Yes, I would use a 9x13 pan to double this recipe. Enjoy!
this is the best homemade fudge and it is also super easy! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe
So happy you enjoyed, Jess!
The perfect homemade fudge! Loved it!!
Love this fudge recipe! I added marshmallows and it tasted amazing! Thank you for sharing
You are welcome, Oliva! I am happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe.