Description
This Foolproof Chocolate Fudge recipe creates a rich, creamy, and perfectly smooth homemade fudge that’s easy to make using simple ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate, and butter. The fudge is gently melted in a double boiler to prevent burning and ensure a velvety texture. Optional additions such as chopped nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt add delightful texture and flavor contrast. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a decadent treat, this fudge sets in the refrigerator and can be stored for up to a month or frozen for longer preservation.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Base
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 20 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
Optional Mix-ins
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or crushed candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing the excess paper to overhang the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heatproof bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and unsalted butter. Set the bowl aside.
- Heat Water for Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan about 1/4 full with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a barely simmering level.
- Melt the Mixture: Place the heatproof bowl containing the fudge ingredients over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is almost fully melted, leaving just a few small pieces, about 4 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or melt fully on the heat to avoid greasy fudge caused by separation.
- Finish Melting and Smooth: Remove the bowl from the heat and continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, approximately 2 more minutes.
- Add Mix-ins and Transfer: Stir in any optional mix-ins (chopped nuts or crushed candies) if using. Then scrape the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the fudge until completely set, about 2 hours.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, gently run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the fudge. Lift the fudge out using the overhanging parchment or foil, peel off the lining, and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, for the proper creamy texture and sweetness.
- Do not overheat the chocolate mixture in the double boiler to prevent the fudge from becoming greasy due to chocolate separation.
- Allow the fudge to set thoroughly in the refrigerator for best slicing results.
- Optional flaky sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor with a savory contrast.
- Experiment with mix-ins like nuts or crushed candies to customize your fudge.
- Store fudge well-wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small square (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
