3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2024)

ByDonna Elick

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This Chocolate Fudge Recipe uses condensed milk for an easy creamy, delicious treat. Make a batch of this 3 ingredient fudge for the holidays!

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe (1)

Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Traditional fudge can be tricky to make, especially when trying to get all of the cooling and heating temperatures just right.

This recipe for chocolate fudge takes all the guesswork out of it, and it’s such a quick and easy treat to make.

Homemade candies like fudge and toffee are delicious, and they are great holiday gifts, too!

Pair this three ingredient fudge with my Reese’s Peanut Butter Fudge — it has the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy with chunks of peanuts throughout.

My Oreo Fudge recipe is a unique and delicious spin on the classic fudge but with that special oreo flavor and white chocolate goodness!

Or, try my recipe for Peanut Butter Fudge without condensed milk! It’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in just 10 minutes.

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Sweetened Condensed Milk – Pay close attention to the size of the can, especially if you’ll be using a substitute.

    If your ratio of milk to morsels is off, then 3 ingredient chocolate fudge won’t set up properly.

  • Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet morsels are my top choice for any chocolate fudge recipe, but you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer.

    Or, use half semi-sweet and half of another kind to create just the right flavor balance.

  • Salted Butter – This keeps the mixture silky smooth, and the added salt enhances the flavors while balancing the sweetness.

    If unsalted is all you have on hand, don’t worry about adding any salt.

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Tips for Making 3 Ingredient Fudge

This is such an easy chocolate fudge recipe to make. Just melt everything together in the microwave, then pour into a pan and refrigerate until firm!

Here are a few tips for success:

  • Let it set completely. I recommend letting 3 ingredient chocolate fudge cool for at least 8 hours or even overnight. This helps it set to a firm consistency.
  • Tip for easy removal: Lining your pan with parchment lets you lift the entire slab out for easier cutting. Plus, you won’t need to wash your pan afterward!
  • Keep it cold. This is a soft fudge, so it requires refrigeration to stay firm. If you leave it out for a long period of time, it will likely become very soft and gooey.
  • Check your microwave wattage. The microwave used for this recipe is a 1000W household microwave.

    If you have a more powerful microwave, you will need to use less time and/or power to heat your ingredients.

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Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • 8×8 Baking Pan – This pan comes with a lid for easier storage.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl – Not only does it make melting chocolate easier, but you can use it to quickly steam vegetables too!
  • Silicone Spatula – Withstands the heat and makes it easy to scrape off the chocolate after mixing.
  • Parchment Paper – Prevents your dessert from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Adding Mix-Ins to this Recipe for Chocolate Fudge

This makes a great base for a variety of flavor combinations, and the possibilities are endless!

Add your mix-ins after the chocolate mixture is melted, or sprinkle them over the top before placing the pan in the refrigerator.

  • Chopped nuts
  • Sprinkles
  • Crushed cookies or pretzels
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Candy pieces
  • Sea salt or coconut flakes
  • Dried fruit
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Storing and Freezing Three Ingredient Fudge

Keep homemade fudge in a sealed container in the refrigerator for around 7 days.

Since this chocolate fudge recipe is made with condensed milk, it’s safe to freeze as well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it into a large storage bag.

Freeze individual pieces for a quick treat, or defrost the entire pan in the refrigerator before serving.

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Chocolate Fudge Recipe FAQ

Why won’t my 3 ingredient fudge set?

This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn’t hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

Heat in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each to ensure everything is melting evenly.

Continue until the mixture is completely smooth on your last stir.

I don’t have an 8×8 pan. Can I use something else?

Sure! Any size pan will work just fine. Keep in mind that using a larger pan will result in thinner pieces, and there won’t be enough to spread all the way to the edges.

However, you can easily make a double batch of this recipe for chocolate fudge and use a 9×13 pan for that!

What’s the best way to slice fudge?

A hot, sharp knife is the easiest way to get clean edges. Dip a large knife in boiling water, dry it completely, then press down in one smooth motion.

The metal will retain the heat from the water without affecting the overall texture of the dessert.

Some people recommend using dental floss, but if you do, make sure to use one that isn’t flavored!

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Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy 3 Ingredient Recipes

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe (14)

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Donna Elick

This Chocolate Fudge Recipe uses condensed milk for an easy creamy, delicious treat. Make a batch of 3 ingredient fudge for the holidays!

5 stars from 2 reviews

Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 1 minute min

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Chill Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 4 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Microwave

Servings 20 – 25

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 12-ounce bag, (2 cups)
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 14-ounce can
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions

  • In a medium glass bowl (microwave safe), place all ingredients. Microwave on high for 1 minute.

  • Carefully remove the bowl (touching the sides only, not the bottom) and stir to combine. Reheat in 30 second intervals until all ingredients are melted and easily combined. (Should be about 3 minutes of total heat time)

  • Cut a piece of parchment paper and line it inside an 8×8” pan. Pour melted chocolate mixture into the pan. Allow to cool completely, and then refrigerate until fudge becomes firm.

  • Once your fudge is set, you can pull the entire pan of fudge out by pulling on the parchment paper. Cut your fudge into squares and serve immediately.

Donna’s Notes

This is a soft fudge, so it requires refrigeration to stay hard. If you leave the fudge out for a long period of time, it will become very soft and gooey.

It is recommended to leave the fudge in the refrigerator around 8 hours to overnight to help it set to a firm consistency.

Traditional fudge can be tricky with getting all of the cooling and heating temperatures just right. This takes all the guesswork out of making fudge. It is such a quick easy recipe.

Fudge can be stored in an air-tight container for around 7 days in the refrigerator.

I don’t have an 8×8” pan. Can I use something else? You can use a 9×9”, 9×13”, or really any size pan would work. If you use a larger pan, you just won’t have the fudge all the way to the edge.

The microwave used for this recipe is a 1000W household microwave. If you have a more powerful microwave, you will need to use less time and/or power to heat your ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 177cal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 40mg | Sugar: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe (15)

Originally published November 2020, updated and republished November 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Use Evaporated Milk- Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet. Cut up the Butter– Before adding the butter in make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for faster melting.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done. Do not rely on the cooking time indicated in your recipe.

Should you stir fudge while boiling? ›

Don't stir!

Once the fudge reaches soft-ball stage on the candy thermometer, remove from the heat and let the temperature drop to 110°F. Keep that spoon or spatula out of the pot until this happens. If you stir too early in the process, you'll make the sugar crystals too big and end up with grainy fudge.

Can I fix fudge that didn't set? ›

OPTION 3) Sieve together some powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and gradually work this into your unset fudge until it reaches the consistency of dough, then roll out and cut into squares, or shape into balls and then roll in powdered sugar (roll the balls in icing sugar, not yourself).

How do you firm up homemade fudge? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Can I reboil fudge that didn't set? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

What happens if you use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in fudge? ›

Don't Substitute One for the Other

Thus, using condensed milk in a recipe that requires evaporated milk will yield an overly sweet dish.

Why is condensed milk not advisable? ›

Sweetened condensed milk is high in calories and unsuitable for people with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. Its sweet flavor may be off-putting for some and doesn't typically serve as a good substitute for regular milk in recipes.

Can I use half-and-half instead of evaporated milk in fudge? ›

Half-and-half has less protein and more fat than evaporated milk, but you can substitute the same amount of half-and-half for evaporated milk in a recipe. You won't get the same note of caramelized flavor that you would from evaporated milk, but the creamy consistency makes this an excellent substitute.

Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

Fudge usually behaves this way when it's not cooked to a high enough temperature (due to oversight or a faulty candy thermometer).

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

Why is my fudge like taffy? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

What makes fudge moist? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

Why won t my fudge go hard? ›

You wait patiently, only to discover that it's still a sticky, gummy mess. But don't despair or throw out the entire pan of fudge: You can probably remedy the situation. Fudge usually behaves this way when it's not cooked to a high enough temperature (due to oversight or a faulty candy thermometer).

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