This quick and easy super creamy fudge recipe is made with chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, salt, and vanilla. Prepped in 15 minutes, this is a seriously simple must-have that’s perfect for holiday gifts!
Whenever I see a good fudge recipe I think of childhood vacations at the coast, and the tiny little fudge shop we would see on our way to buy sunscreen. The rich chocolate smell was incredible, and though I was raised by bakers, fudge is in a world of its own and can feel intimidating to make at home!
I have no shame in saying that I love to go the quick and easy route when it comes to fudge recipes. A simple base you can add to is key, and this is my go-to when I need to add just a little more variety to holiday treat trays!
Kitchen tools you’ll need
This list is short and sweet! Just grab a few items and you’re all set…
Seriously, this fudge recipe could not be better for first-timers, or those looking for a fast version of their favorite candy! It requires just a couple of quick steps and you’ll be prepped in 15 minutes; here’s what you do:
Melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt over low heat in a saucepan. It only takes a few minutes for it all to come together in one melted, smooth mixture.
Off heat, stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts, if you’re using them.
Spread the mixture in the prepared pan in a nice even layer.
Chill the fudge for at least 2 hours to ensure it’s firm and has set up completely.
That’s it! You’ll have rich, creamy fudge ready to go by the time dinner is done!
Tips & tricks for making the best chocolate fudge
To make this fudge in the microwave, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a medium glass bowl and heat for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
To make an even creamier fudge, melt 2 cups of miniature marshmallows along with the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
Substitute peanut butter chips for the chopped nuts.
If your fudge is crumbly, it was overcooked or overmixed. If it isn’t setting, it wasn’t hot enough when it cooked. In both instances, you can try melting it back down and trying again. If it has a distinctive burnt flavor or smell – you will need to start with a new batch.
Storing and packaging
The fudge can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
The fudge can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
To package for gifts, place some pieces of fudge in a clear treat bag and tie with a pretty ribbon.
This quick and easy fudge recipe is made with chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Options are included for using marshmallows and the microwave! Perfect for the holidays.
2. Place the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla and nuts (if using). Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until firm. Cut into squares and serve, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
To make this fudge in the microwave, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a medium glass bowl and heat for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
To make an even creamier fudge, melt 2 cups of miniature marshmallows along with the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
Substitute peanut butter chips for the chopped nuts.
Looking for a fudge recipe without sweetened condensed milk? I want to try this magical microwave fudge.
Freezing Instructions: You can freeze fudge in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
I agree that this fudge recipe is creamy & delicious!!! I make it every Christmas season ! I spoon it in a circle & decorate it like a wreath ! I put cherries & walnuts on top & refrigerate it.
After fully letting mine cool for the two hours in the fridge, I didn’t have any crumbly edges. I did use the 2 cups of marshmallows as described as an option below the main recipe. But, my squares were perfectly smooth. Perhaps the marshmallows had something to do with that? Or maybe yours wasn’t fully set when you cut it.
I’ve recently bought silicone molds for flavored ice cubes in an unsuccessful attempt to get my kids to drink more water,. Do you think I could use the molds with this recipe? If not, I guess it’s square fudge and unicorns & dinosaur ice cubes for me! :)
I had not made fudge in years. Found this simple and quick recipe. My children and wife loved it! Making another batch today. Might try milk chocolate chips in place of semisweet for next batch! Happy Merry Christmas and New Year!
Thank you for this easy recipe! After a not-so-easy and unsuccessful recipe attempt for fudge last year, I’m really looking forward to this one. Just printed it out. Happy holidays!
This is the fudge I have been looking for. I love the dark chocolate flavor of it. I made a few small adjustments, melted the butter first then added the milk and chocolate and then added about 3 heaping tablespoons full of creamy peanut butter while the chocolate was melting. I chose to do it in a pot on the stove. Tastes amazing!
This is the fugde my mom has made every year since I can remember. I love the creamy texture of it. This year I made “real” fudge out the Cook’s Country mag – I’m less excited about than I thought I would be. Maybe I’ll try again but the texture is not nearly a creamy and it was waaayyyy more work.
Anxious to try this. I do have a favorite recipe that makes about 5 pounds of fudge that I have been using since late 1960’s. I will try to remember to post for you within the next couple of days.
This is an easy recipe that even I, who has never made fudge, will attempt to make this for Christmas. Can I add a dash of peppermint for flavor, will it blend well in the recipe? Thank you.
Hi Annie, you could probably use peppermint or mint extract in place of the vanilla extract – I would substitute one for the other and not use both.
Caveat, I’ve never substituted the vanilla in the fudge I make, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Hi Annie, you could probably sub the vanilla out for peppermint or mint extract instead. I would only use one, not both extracts. Caveat, I have never subbed out the vanilla in the fudge recipe I make – although one year my mom and I forgot to add it! Fortunately, the lack of vanilla didn’t seem to affect the end product at all.
Oohh I am making this for my bro-in-law for father’s day. He loves fudge! I laugh because he is so disciplined about it. He can make a nice sized piece last for a week!
Sorry that I’ve been an absent commenter; I just finished up my law school exams and am finally getting around to my google reader. This treat looks fabulous! Can I admit to you that I like fudge made with sweetened condensed milk better than fudge made the “slow” way??
The “honest-to-goodness-from-scratch” fudge is so good and not as hard as many people think, once you know how to do it. That’s how I’ve been doing it since I learned when I was a kid, I’ve never used sweetened condensed milk, chocolate bars, marshmallows or marshmallow fluff in my fudge, it’s just not the same as from scratch! Can’t wait to see when you try it from scratch, hope it goes well.
My friend’s family always made the most delicious fudge at Christmastime, but were rather secretive about their recipe. Your photo looks just like their fudge, so I’m going to give this a try. Thank you!
This recipe was SO easy and the resulting fudge was delicious!
This recipe was SO easy and the resulting fudge was delicious! Perfect consistency.
yummy fudge,…
The hardest part is sharing ! (my cat pressed send on my keyboard!)
I have made this fudge recipe for years and it is as perfectly delicious as it is easy!
the hardest part is
making homemade chocolates is great, i really like them the taste is great and the way is very simple thanks for writing this article.
My mom used to make multiple batches of this: milk chocolate chips, bittersweet chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips (my favorite!)
I agree that this fudge recipe is creamy & delicious!!! I make it every Christmas season ! I spoon it in a circle & decorate it like a wreath ! I put cherries & walnuts on top & refrigerate it.
Looks delicious! Do you have any tips for cutting the fudge so the sides are sharp and crumble free?
After fully letting mine cool for the two hours in the fridge, I didn’t have any crumbly edges. I did use the 2 cups of marshmallows as described as an option below the main recipe. But, my squares were perfectly smooth. Perhaps the marshmallows had something to do with that? Or maybe yours wasn’t fully set when you cut it.
I’ve recently bought silicone molds for flavored ice cubes in an unsuccessful attempt to get my kids to drink more water,. Do you think I could use the molds with this recipe? If not, I guess it’s square fudge and unicorns & dinosaur ice cubes for me! :)
Hello,
Love that recipe been making this for awhile and lots of people love it.
Made it for gifts to my daughters’ friends, the family loved the leftovers from the spoon and pan! Very easy! Thanks for posting!
I love it. Very simple and delicious. I used marshmallow fluff with mine.. GREAT!!
How do I fine grinch Christmas cookies
The fudge sound so yum! Thank you for sharing the recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
I had not made fudge in years. Found this simple and quick recipe. My children and wife loved it! Making another batch today. Might try milk chocolate chips in place of semisweet for next batch! Happy Merry Christmas and New Year!
Thank you for this easy recipe! After a not-so-easy and unsuccessful recipe attempt for fudge last year, I’m really looking forward to this one. Just printed it out. Happy holidays!
This is the fudge I have been looking for. I love the dark chocolate flavor of it. I made a few small adjustments, melted the butter first then added the milk and chocolate and then added about 3 heaping tablespoons full of creamy peanut butter while the chocolate was melting. I chose to do it in a pot on the stove. Tastes amazing!
This is the fugde my mom has made every year since I can remember. I love the creamy texture of it. This year I made “real” fudge out the Cook’s Country mag – I’m less excited about than I thought I would be. Maybe I’ll try again but the texture is not nearly a creamy and it was waaayyyy more work.
Anxious to try this. I do have a favorite recipe that makes about 5 pounds of fudge that I have been using since late 1960’s. I will try to remember to post for you within the next couple of days.
Love the photos of your family and furry members.
Will be waiting for your fudge recipe my dad also had a secret one to and died with it and made a rocky road
This is an easy recipe that even I, who has never made fudge, will attempt to make this for Christmas. Can I add a dash of peppermint for flavor, will it blend well in the recipe? Thank you.
Hi Annie, you could probably use peppermint or mint extract in place of the vanilla extract – I would substitute one for the other and not use both.
Caveat, I’ve never substituted the vanilla in the fudge I make, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Hi Annie, you could probably sub the vanilla out for peppermint or mint extract instead. I would only use one, not both extracts. Caveat, I have never subbed out the vanilla in the fudge recipe I make – although one year my mom and I forgot to add it! Fortunately, the lack of vanilla didn’t seem to affect the end product at all.
Can I substitute butterscotch chips for the chocolate? If so, would you alter the recipe in any other way?
Seriously? That is all there is to it? Why havent’ I seen this recipe before!
Oohh I am making this for my bro-in-law for father’s day. He loves fudge! I laugh because he is so disciplined about it. He can make a nice sized piece last for a week!
Sorry that I’ve been an absent commenter; I just finished up my law school exams and am finally getting around to my google reader. This treat looks fabulous! Can I admit to you that I like fudge made with sweetened condensed milk better than fudge made the “slow” way??
Wow, this looks delicious. Great photos!
I always make fudge for people at christmas time, but I totally have the same memories as you down the jersey shore :)
OH YUM!! That looks fantastic!!
The “honest-to-goodness-from-scratch” fudge is so good and not as hard as many people think, once you know how to do it. That’s how I’ve been doing it since I learned when I was a kid, I’ve never used sweetened condensed milk, chocolate bars, marshmallows or marshmallow fluff in my fudge, it’s just not the same as from scratch! Can’t wait to see when you try it from scratch, hope it goes well.
Then post your from scratch fudge how to make it
Looks great Chelle!
My friend’s family always made the most delicious fudge at Christmastime, but were rather secretive about their recipe. Your photo looks just like their fudge, so I’m going to give this a try. Thank you!
http://www.cookincanuck.com
Fudge is one of those no fuss treats that is a definite crowd pleaser. I’ve never made it but this recipe seems so easy. thanks so much for posting.