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Decadent Chocolate Fudge: A Simple and Irresistible Treat

Welcome to chocolate heaven! Indulge in the creamy delight of homemade chocolate fudge—it’s truly the ultimate dessert retreat. With just three basic ingredients, this recipe is as straightforward as it is scrumptious. Whether you’re a seasoned pastry chef or just dipping your toes into the world of baking, this easy chocolate fudge will impress everyone around.

Feel free to share this delightful treat with your family and friends, or you might find yourself wanting to keep it all to yourself—trust me, I won’t judge!

Square pieces of creamy chocolate fudge on parchment paper on a wooden board.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Fudge

Rich, Sweet Flavor: The semi-sweet chocolate combined with sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth, luscious fudge that dances on your taste buds.

Endless Customization: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily add nuts, switch up the type of chocolate, or incorporate other delicious mix-ins to create your own flavors.

Hassle-Free Preparation: Just three simple pantry staples and about 10 minutes at the stove. It truly doesn’t get easier than this!

Perfect for Sharing: This classic confection is always a favorite at parties, making it a hit among guests. Plus, it’s an amazing gift option for friends and loved ones.

Ingredients

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are key to achieving that rich chocolaty flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient helps to hold everything together while adding delightful sweetness and a silky texture.
Butter: A dose of butter brings an even creamier and richer texture to the fudge.
Vanilla Extract (Optional): Adding a splash enhances the overall taste profile.
Salt (Optional): A pinch helps to balance the sweetness perfectly.

Rich and creamy 3-ingredient chocolate fudge on a wooden board.

How to Make Chocolate Fudge

If there’s one dessert that I can’t resist, it’s chocolate fudge. I don’t care how full I am—there’s always room for this treat! This recipe has become a go-to for satisfying my chocolate cravings because it’s incredibly easy to whip up and consistently delicious.

Let’s dive into the steps to creating this melt-in-your-mouth wonder:

Prepare Your Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang. This will make removing the fudge a breeze.
Melt the Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir gently until everything is melted and combined into a smooth mix. If you’re using vanilla and salt, stir those in last.
Spread It Out: Pour the melted goodness into your prepared pan, using a spatula to evenly spread it out.
Chill: Allow the fudge to cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours or until firm.
Slice and Serve: Gently lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares, serve, and enjoy!

Chocolate fudge squares stacked on a wooden board.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Fudge

This fudge is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment. Adding chopped nuts for some crunch, a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even dried fruits for a chewy touch can elevate the flavor. Plus, there’s no need for a candy thermometer with this one!

Opt for Quality Chocolate: For the richest flavor, select high-quality brands such as Guittard, Ghirardelli, or Valrhona. They melt beautifully and taste divine.
Choose Your Chocolate Wisely: Because the milk is quite sweet, I recommend sticking with semi-sweet chocolate. However, feel free to swap in milk or dark if that’s your preference.
Don’t Over-Stir: Stir just enough to combine the ingredients until smooth. Use a heatproof spatula and keep scraping the sides and bottom of the pan.
Troubleshooting: If your fudge is too soft, it likely didn’t heat long enough. If it’s too hard, it might have been overheated. In either case, you can always remelt it and try again!
Perfect Cutting: For pretty squares, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water, wiping it clean between cuts.
Get Creative: Before the fudge sets, try sprinkling on toasted coconut, crushed cookies, or even mixing in peanut butter or mint extracts for extra flavor.

How to Store

This fudge is perfect for making ahead for special occasions or even just to have on hand as a sweet treat. You can wrap it up and store it for one to two months to save yourself time when you need a quick dessert option!

To Store: Keep your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, ideally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, wrap individual pieces in wax paper and store them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Freezing: To freeze your fudge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for about 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge before serving!