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Foolproof Chocolate Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 - 8-inch pan, approximately 16 small squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. 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.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large, heatproof bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and unsalted butter. Set the bowl aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the fudge until completely set, about 2 hours.
  8. 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