My foolproof chocolate fudge is rich, creamy, and so decadent! And you won’t believe how easy it is to make! This is the perfect fudge recipe for Christmas!
Foolproof Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Happy Saturday! Sharing a personal favorite with you today: Easy Chocolate Fudge. This candy shop quality recipe is made in just one pan, always sets (no fudge soup here, thank you very much), and is loaded with rich chocolate flavor.
Ready to sink your teeth into this chocolate fudge recipe or what?!
Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success:
- Use high-quality chocolate for this recipe. I used Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate, but Godiva, Lindt, Baker’s, Trader Joe’s Pound Plus, and Scharffen Berger are all great options. Just be sure you don’t use chocolate chips!
- Due to the sweetness of this recipe, I do not suggest using milk chocolate in place of the semi-sweet chocolate. For a less sweet version, try using a dark chocolate. Anything up to 70% cocoa will work fine.
- I love topping this foolproof chocolate fudge with flaky sea salt, but this is totally optional. You can leave the fudge plain, or top it with a handful of chopped walnuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
- The fudge will need two hours to set, so be sure to plan ahead time wise.
Easy Foolproof Fudge for the win! Hope you love this as much as we do.
More Fudge Recipes:
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bakerbynature on instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day ♥
Foolproof Chocolate Fudge
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Yield 8 x8 pan of fudge, about 32 squares
My foolproof chocolate fudge is rich, creamy, and so decadent!
Ingredients
- (1) 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 20 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling, optional
Instructions
- Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the excess paper to overhang the sides, set aside. In a large, heatproof bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, chocolate, and butter; set aside. Fill a saucepan with a little water (you want it about 1/4 full) and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to barely a simmer. Place your heatproof glass bowl holding your ingredients on top of the pot. Stir frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is completely smooth, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. The mixture will be very thick. Using a sturdy spatula, scrape the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with sea salt, if using. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Gently run a butter knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Remove the fudge and transfer it to a cutting board. Peel off parchment paper, then slice the fudge into small pieces. Serve at once or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. You may also freeze the fudge, in an airtight freezer safe container for up to two months.
Courses Dessert
Cuisine Candy
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1-2 squares
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
% Daily Value |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Miranda says
October 1, 2016 at 9:50 pmI love how easy this fudge is to make! I might have to go try some right now!
bakerbynature says
October 2, 2016 at 11:00 amIt’s dangerously easy, Miranda! Let me know if you give it a try 🙂
Chloe AH says
December 20, 2016 at 9:42 pmI will give it a try and let you know how it turns out! I was looking for a simple recipe and I think I found it! Thanks Bakerbynature1
Kimberly C says
October 2, 2016 at 2:52 amHoly wow, two pounds of chocolate!!! That seems like a lot but it sounds good!!
bakerbynature says
October 2, 2016 at 11:01 amHi Kimberly! This recipe calls for a little over a pound of chocolate, but definitely still a lot 😉 The large amount of chocolate helps it set into creamy, sliceable fudge. I hope you get a chance to try it out!
Veronica says
December 18, 2016 at 8:15 pmHow about Gharardelli chocolate chips?
bakerbynature says
December 19, 2016 at 4:06 pmI find for best results chocolate bars work best for this recipe.
Jan says
October 2, 2016 at 8:17 pmCan I add some chopped walnuts for inside the fudge? About how much would I use? Thanks!
bakerbynature says
October 2, 2016 at 8:54 pmHi Jan! Yes, but I wouldn’t add more than 3/4 cup.
Kimberly C says
October 3, 2016 at 2:44 amOh ok , I thought it said it two pounds. Looks super easy, definitely much easier than the fudge I made in pastry school, and I have a can of condensed milk so I’m definitely going to try it!! Thank you!! 🙂
bakerbynature says
October 3, 2016 at 5:53 pmYay! Can’t wait to hear how it turns out 🙂
Marjolein G. says
October 8, 2016 at 8:58 amHi,
Is it supposed to look oily? I have placed it in the fridge to set but i am not sure it wil turn out oke. I have used 63% chocolate. Love to hear wat you think. Thanks a lot, greetings from the Netherlands, Marjolein.
bakerbynature says
October 9, 2016 at 9:24 pmHi Marjolein! How did it turn out?
Marjolein G. says
October 18, 2016 at 5:23 amHi again, it turned out a bit grainy, not creamy at all. Maybe i should have melted it over a double boiler?
bakerbynature says
October 18, 2016 at 11:32 amHi Marjolein. I’m so sorry your fudge didn’t turn out as it should. It sounds like your chocolate may have been over cooked… that’s the only reason I can think of that this fudge would be grainy and not creamy. I will add a note about a double boiler, just in case others have the same problem.
Jong Haneke says
October 13, 2016 at 10:04 amIt’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
October 17, 2016 at 1:24 amYES-a dark chocolate version of this fudge is exactly what I need!
Vero says
November 8, 2016 at 6:42 pmHello, this sounds like a great recipe and I will try it soon as my first fudge ever! How long and how do you store it? Can you make it ahead and freeze it?
Thank you in advance,
V
Sierra says
November 24, 2016 at 2:37 amOkay so I was in a hurry and used chocolate chips lol! Just read after I put it in the fridge that I wasn’t supposed to. Hopefully it’s not too bad
bakerbynature says
November 24, 2016 at 10:49 amHi Sierra. It happens to the best of us haha. I think the fudge should still turn out 🙂 Let me know! xoxo
Christina k says
November 29, 2016 at 12:53 amIs this a good bake sale item
bakerbynature says
November 29, 2016 at 10:15 amDefinitely!
Noelle says
December 6, 2016 at 9:43 pmI am SO excited to try this!!
I read somewhere that you can substitute 1 cup cream and 1 cup sugar for a 14-oz can of sweetened condensed milk.
Do you think this would work in this recipe! Seems like it would make it that much more decadent, but I don’t want to ruin it…
Krista says
December 13, 2016 at 7:48 pmCan you use salted butter in place of unsalted? I was about to make this and realized I only have salted butter.
bakerbynature says
December 13, 2016 at 8:44 pmYes! Just don’t add any additional salt 🙂
Meagan says
December 14, 2016 at 1:35 amOh. My. Goodness. I have been on the search for a good fudge recipe for the longest time. This recipe is SO delicious! I was a little nervous because my chocolate didn’t seem very creamy but in fear of over cooking it I threw it in the fridge with a lick and a promise and it came out with the perfect consistency. Thank you for sharing!
Teresa Stratford says
December 18, 2016 at 9:30 pmMade this fudge yesterday. Simple to make and tastes delicious. ..Have made it to put in Christmas hampers.
Thank you
bakerbynature says
December 19, 2016 at 4:07 pmAwesome! I’m so happy it was a hit, Teresa 🙂
Irene says
December 21, 2016 at 8:16 amLooks awesome I have a bit of a language problem. Do you mean to place the mixture (in is bowl) into the saucepan with the hot water on the stove?
bakerbynature says
December 21, 2016 at 12:28 pmHi Irene. You’ll place the ingredients into a bowl, then place the bowl on top of the saucepan which contains the simmering water.
Jules says
December 23, 2016 at 5:07 pmJust tried this recipe, it’s in the fridge setting as I type. I had some trouble with the bowl over the saucepan! The recipe says it takes about 8 minutes to melt and become smooth but I was stirring for about 20 minutes and it still wasn’t melted all the way or smooth. (The water was at a simmer) So I just transferred it directly to a saucepan to get it to melt and it melted very quickly, but is it supposed to be so thick that it plops into the 8X8 in one piece? There was not a remnant of chocolate left in the saucepan! I tasted some of it, very thick, creamy, very good. Just nervous about when it comes out of the fridge! Is there a reason why you have to melt it in a bowl over a saucepan or double boiler and not directly in a saucepan?
bakerbynature says
December 23, 2016 at 7:31 pmHi Jules. The double boiler method ensures the chocolate doesn’t burn or become grainy. The mixture is VERY thick, so it sounds like you’re fudge will be perfect!
Cindy says
December 23, 2016 at 8:57 pmSuper grainy and a was sad to have spent so much money on good chocolate. Dumped it all. I think the issue is the chocolate over direct heat, even in the double boiler. Gotta watch that temp. Easier for me to add chocolate after taking it off the stove. Just a suggestion. Anyhow, good luck
bakerbynature says
December 23, 2016 at 10:51 pmHi Cindy. The only reason the chocolate would be grainy is if it’s over cooked. The water shouldn’t be touching the bowl for the double boiler, and the water should be simmering, not rapidly boiling, that way there’s no way it burns. I’m sorry yours didn’t turn out. Let me know if I can help troubleshoot anything else for you! Happy holidays.
Jan D. says
January 3, 2017 at 2:23 amGlad to see a recipe such as this that doesn’t call for chocolate chips. They are formulated differently than chocolate bars. The process should always be done in a double boiler, never directly on the burner or element. Water doesn’t even have to simmer, just below is safest. Chop the chocolate small and stir often. Overheating causes the mixture to be grainy and to separate. I usually go through about 100 lbs. of Callebaut chocolate at Christmas making bark and truffles and I’ve learned from my mistakes over the years.
Anisha says
January 22, 2017 at 7:49 amI finally got down to it today and it was fabulous and so simple ! Thank you Ashley !
Maroula Spagnuolo says
February 2, 2017 at 9:49 amHello,
Just made this yum but takes like I’m eating chocolate.
How can you make fudge chewy??
Please help
Thank you
bakerbynature says
February 2, 2017 at 2:28 pmYou could try adding a little less chocolate, which will make the fudge softer. Fudge is typically more creamy and smooth than chewy.
Freddy says
February 19, 2017 at 8:03 pmI tried the fudge, I have it in the freezer, I added fresh cherries and it hasn’t set. It’s been two hours was it the fresh cherries that it doesn’t set???
bakerbynature says
February 21, 2017 at 3:33 pmHi Freddy. Adding fresh cherries will definitely change the texture of the fudge. By adding fresh fruit, you add moisture, which is probably why the fudge didn’t set. I would suggest using dried cherries next time.
Sam says
February 23, 2017 at 3:46 pmHow many grams is the 20 ounces of chocolate
Carrie says
May 10, 2017 at 2:41 amI made this and used only 4 chocolate bars (16oz) instead of 5 bars and it still came out good! Fudge was creamy and the recipe was very easy to make. I removed the bowl from heat as soon as the chocolate was melted and it was thick (only took about 5 minutes, but I’m at 4,000ft elevation). I think I prefer the taste of milk chocolate- maybe next time I’ll try half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate?
bakerbynature says
May 10, 2017 at 11:00 pmHi Carrie. So glad you enjoyed the recipe and it worked out with your adaptions! I think half milk chocolate will technically work, but it will be VERY sweet. If you don’t mind that, I say go for it 😉
Heather says
July 1, 2017 at 12:13 pmI am just about to make your fudge for the second time. It was easy and soooo delicious, even my dairy free husband had to have one little piece. Now I have to make condensed milk from rice milk so that he can have some too. However, this time I am making some as gifts to take on a road trip my sister and I are taking to visit our elderly aunties. I knew right away that this fudge of yours would be my go to recipe. Thank you for it, very much.
Juju says
July 28, 2017 at 1:32 amSounds easy and good. Do you have a fudge recipe that doesn’t require refrigeration? Don’t like cold fudge. 🙂
Marcia says
August 3, 2017 at 2:46 amI made this recipe and followed it exactly. It turned out watery!!!! I’m beyond disappointed!! I definitely WON’T make this recipe ever again!!!!
bakerbynature says
August 3, 2017 at 4:30 pmHi Marica. I’m sorry you had trouble with this recipe. I’m not sure how you could have had watery fudge though… the recipe calls for 20 ounces of chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk which all solidify when chilled. Please let me know if I can help you troubleshoot this recipe in anyway.
red says
November 15, 2017 at 4:20 amdont blame bakerbynature. you obviously did something wrong!!
Patricia Leuthauser says
September 3, 2017 at 2:17 pmIf I wanted to make mint chocolate fudge with this recipe, I’m assuming I could just substitute 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract for the vanilla, right? Of course, you know what assuming does! LOL!
Annabeth Chase says
December 7, 2017 at 7:08 pmHello Patricia Leuthauser, I would not Substitute the vanilla for peppermint extract instead I would just make the recipe as is and if you want that mint flavor add a few drops of peppermint oil NOT EXTRACT! i made this mistake when i was making mints for my family last year, they all tasted like tooth paste! The oil will give it flavor without changing the taste. Just be sure not to use too much of it! 🙂
Arti says
September 30, 2017 at 4:34 amHow do I pack fudge to put it in gift boxes with cavities. Will it form vapour?
Ethna says
November 3, 2017 at 5:23 pmDo you think This would work like the filling of a cake? Can’t wait to try it
Roxana says
November 13, 2017 at 4:07 pmThis fudge is so simple. His fudge is so delicious you can do so much with it in different flavors. There is no reason why you should not enjoy this recipe. It takes more time to sit then to make.
Joyce C. says
November 25, 2017 at 3:51 pmOMGoodness. This fudge is easy and so delicious! I made a mistake and bought dark chocolate and my husband said to make that mistake again and again! Thank you! Do you have a peanut butter recipe that is just as easy? Will definitely be making this fudge again and again.
Cory Reed says
December 6, 2017 at 9:19 pmCan I make this into a wreath shape.. like Rachael Ray’s “fudge wreath?” Her recipe is TOO sweet.
Danielle says
December 20, 2017 at 9:58 pmThank you so much for sharing the recipe! I made this, this past weekend with my mom and it came out great! I wrote all about it on my blog and shared your recipe!
http://mysimplysplendidlife.blogspot.com/2017/12/homemade-christmas-candies-and-where-to.html
Lin says
December 22, 2017 at 7:57 amHey ,
I do not eat butter, can I replace it with something else?
themadscientiststskitchen says
January 17, 2018 at 3:06 pmThanks a lot for this awesome fudge. It is simple and yet delicious. I used dark chocolate Morde as that is all that is we get. I showed my niece the pictures she has loved them and I will be sending her some. Thanks once again. I am writing a blog post for Valentine and this is the what I am writing about.
Kleine Feldmaus says
March 5, 2018 at 3:46 pmHi!
I don’t have sweetened condensed milk, can I do it also with non sweetened condensed milk?
Thank you!
Julia says
April 14, 2018 at 4:00 pmCan i use ganache for this recipe? Will it still taste good?
Tracy says
June 8, 2018 at 4:08 amCan you do it with coco powder if you don’t have chocolate bark?
bakerbynature says
June 9, 2018 at 11:33 amUnfortunately, that won’t work.
Jacqueline says
July 31, 2018 at 1:36 amYummy, I am going to ROCK that fudge recipe in my kitchen Right NOW! Thank u for sharing.
drishti says
August 20, 2018 at 12:06 pmany tips for cutting them . in the picture they are so perfectly cut.
bakerbynature says
August 21, 2018 at 1:53 pmI cut them with a very sharp knife right after I take the fudge out of the fridge 🙂
Carolyn says
November 25, 2018 at 2:21 amI made this. It was so easy and it’s so good. However my husband prefers hard set fudge. Would there be a way to modify this to make it set harder?
bakerbynature says
November 25, 2018 at 1:04 pmYou could add a little more chocolate 😉
Madalina says
December 11, 2018 at 7:48 pmHi! Can you put meaurements also in grams? Thanks