Easy Chocolate Fudge made with condensed milk is the best simple chocolate fudge recipe around! Learn how to make it with nuts or without! Everything tastes great in this simple chocolate fudge or it tastes just fine on its own. You really have to try it!
Easy Fudge with Condensed Milk
This was and is the first fudge recipe, and it was so easy and I was so excited to include it on this site, so long ago. For that reason this will always be the best chocolate fudge recipe.
This simple fudge is basic and requires only a few ingredients. Just chocolate, sweetened condensed milk and some kind of extract if desired whether it be vanilla, almond, peppermint etc. if desired.
I didn't realize, way back when, that by adding flour or cookie mix etc. to the fudge that you could improve the firmness or make the consistency of the fudge denser yet still have a the desired creamy, smooth texture.
This fudge still tastes great and lasts a long time which is why I prefer making an easy fudge with condensed milk over other homemade methods, especially when they involve a candy thermometer!
This chocolate fudge with condensed milk is so simple to make, and takes only minutes, and then after a short time you get to enjoy it!
This simple fudge does not require refrigeration and even freezes beautifully. So easy to change the flavors or add different treats. Basically you can make a different kind of fudge, every time you make it. It is called the best chocolate fudge recipe for a reason!
I don't add flour to this version and you really don't need to. That being said I always add it now. I find the fudge holds its shape better, is easier to eat and generally looks better. The decision to add it is up to you ofcourse!
I have listed a few of my favorite fudge recipes below and hope you will consider giving them a try!
Fudge Recipes to Try
Chocolate Caramel Marble Fudge
What can I include in the Best Chocolate Fudge with Condensed Milk?
You can put absolutely anything in it. Here are some suggestions
- nuts
- coconut
- cookies
- cream filled cookies
- dried fruits
- marshmallows
- cereal
- broken pretzel
- M&M's
- toffee bits
- butterscotch chips
- chocolate chips
- caramel chips
- smarties
- chocolate covered caramels
- mints
- sprinkles or sparkles
Ingredients in the Best Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- sweetened condensed milk
- chocolate chips
- vanilla extract (or almond, mint, orange or any other fruit extract)
- butter or cooking spray
How to make Condensed Milk Fudge
Butter or spray a square 8x8 or 9x9 pan and line with parchment paper. This will make for easy removal of the set fudge. Set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Remove from microwave.
Let sit for 1 minute and then stir to combine.
If needed put back in the microwave and heat an additional 30 seconds.
Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.
Add vanilla extract and combine.
Add walnuts or pecans, if using.
Pour fudge into prepared pan.
Place pan in fridge for at least an hour to cool and set.
Make sure fudge has cooled completely before cutting into squares.
Store in an airtight container.
How do you store fudge with condensed milk?
Fudge made with condensed milk will last up to 2 weeks at room temperature, in an air tight container.
If you keep your fudge in an airtight container in your fridge it will last up to a month.
You also have the option of freezing portion sizes of your choosing, wrapped in parchment paper, and frozen in an air tight container for up to 3 months.
Holiday Desserts to Try
Easy Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies
Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Bites
Grandma’s Chocolate Eggnog Pudding Cake
Grandma's Chocolate Orange Cake
Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies
Stovetop Raisin Almond Rice Pudding
Holiday Chocolate Stuffed Cookie Cups
What Is White Chocolate?
Before we discuss white chocolate, we need to say what chocolate really is. It all starts with cocoa beans. The taste and type of chocolate is determined by how the beans are treated and what kinds and amounts of additives are used.
White chocolate is a type of chocolate confection consisting of cocoa butter, not cocoa beans, sugar, and milk solids. It also can include other sweeteners and flavoring like peppermint, almond or vanilla.
White Chocolate is known for it's white or ivory color and higher melting point. For more detailed information on white chocolate you can have a look here.
Both chocolates work well I just thought it was important to mention. That being said, you can easily swap out any other chocolate you desire and this chocolate fudge with condensed milk recipe will not disappoint!
What forms does White Chocolate come in?
White chocolate can come in chips, squares or melts. For the record, melts are small disks that have an easy melting point and are similar to chips. It is important to know that if a recipe calls for chips and all you have is baking squares or the opposite, you do have a couple of options.
Without a kitchen scale, be aware that 1 ¼ cups of chips are the roughly equivalent to an 8-oz bar of baking chocolate. It you have a scale it is much easier weigh out replacements in ounces.
White chocolate chips tend to be thick and clumpy due to additives that make them somewhat resistant to melting. White chocolate baking squares or bars melt a lot easier than chips, which is great for making candies or a chocolate sauces.
It is also necessary to discuss the type of chips or chocolate used. Cheaper brands usually include more fillers that make them in most cases, more resistant to melting.
You are free to use whatever brand of white chocolate you prefer, or have access to, but using a brand that is a little more expensive like these Ghirardelli Baking Chips means less additives.
If you are using a melting chocolate like Merckens Coating Melting Wafers they usually include fillers of some kind.
If you are having difficulty melting and smoothing out your chocolate all you need to do is remember to add a tablespoon or two of butter or vegetable shortening. This will help melt the chocolate you are using into a nice smooth texture.
A good rule of thumb is to check the ingredients on the package and if there is vegetable oil listed, know you will most likely need to add a tablespoon or two of butter or shortening to achieve desired results. Regardless, now you know a trick to solve the problem if it arises!
Substitutes for White Chocolate
There are quite a few substitutions for white chocolate if you don't have any around, have a look below. Keep in mind that different kinds of chocolate will possible change the flavor and color of the chocolate dessert you're creating.
Regardless, substitute the exact same amount of whichever type of chocolate you desire.
Milk chocolate is a sweet chocolate that you can either use in recipes, especially cookie recipes, or just to snack on. It contains at about 10% cocoa with added sugar, milk and cocoa butter.
White Chocolate Almond Bark (Confectionery Coating) comes in a different forms from chips to blocks to squares. Despite it's name, it doesn't contain nuts and is valued for it's texture, taste, and melting ease.
You're most likely going to have to add 1 tablespoon or two of butter or shortening as well since it doesn't contain any cocoa butter or chocolate liquor to assist in the melting process.
Unsweetened chocolate Made solely of cocoa butter and cocoa solids, the taste of this chocolate is bitter and usually unsuitable for eating, so it's generally only used in baking. It's perfect in cake, cookie or brownie recipes.
Dark chocolate Since it's sweeter than unsweetened chocolate and has less sugar, it's quite popular with those that want a sweet treat but are health conscious because again, it has less sugar than other chocolates. It has 35% cocoa.
Bittersweet chocolate is a sweetened dark chocolate that also contains at least 35% cocoa. It is mostly used in baking and is great for recipes that call for a strong chocolate flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate This chocolate is also made with at least 35% cocoa and is the most versatile form of chocolate. It's ideal for baking and eating and can be found in many chocolate chip cookie recipes. It also has cocoa butter and sugar added.
All chocolate will work to make the best chocolate fudge recipe!
Easy Fudge
Equipment
- 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch square pan
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups chocolate chips, semisweet
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- butter or cooking spray
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Butter or spray a square 8x8 or 9x9 pan and line with parchment paper. This will make for easy removal of the set fudge. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe bowl heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- Remove from microwave. Let sit for 1 minute and then stir to combine.
- If needed put back in the microwave and heat an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and combine.
- Add walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour fudge into prepared pan.
- Place pan in fridge for at least an hour to cool and set.
- Make sure fudge has cooled completely. Remove from fridge and get ready to cut your fudge into pieces.Next, slice into squares.
- Enjoy every bite!
Mark says
You mention using flour for firmer fudge but don’t say how much flour to use in this recipe. So, how much flour should I use? Thanks.
Karin and Ken says
I apologize! Thank you for letting me know. A half a cup works perfectly! Enjoy every bite. I’d love to hear what you think! All the best. Karin
Jean says
The chocolate fudge just melts in your mouth. I made some for me and my kids and they loved it. I am a fudge woman. Lol I grew up on eating fudge when I was a little girl and I’ve loved it all my life.This easy recipe tastes so good. I’m so glad I found you. Thx for sharing
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome! I’ve loved fudge all my life too! I’m so glad you all liked this fudge. Please let me know what you think of the other fudge recipes if you try them. I’d love to hear what you think. All the best. Karin
Cheryl Millard says
This recipe is just sweetened condensed milk and chips?
Karin and Ken says
You bet! I add a little vanilla but you could easily add a little peppermint, orange or almond extract as well. Also consider all of the things you can include in the fudge. I have included a list on the page but I’m sure you can come up with a thing or two! This is one of the first recipes I put on this site and have been making it for years. It is so easy and makes a wonderful fudge. I hope you will give it a try and let me know what you think of it. I would love to hear! Take care and all the best. Karin