Easy 3-Ingredient Fudge Recipe
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Get ready for some serious chocolatey goodness with this 3-ingredient fudge. It has that rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel just like the best ones you’ve had in your childhood, only this one is made right in your kitchen, in a snap, using only chocolate, condensed milk, and butter. Enjoy it as is, or dress it up to make the easiest, most heartwarming edible gift perfect for any occasion.
Who doesn’t like chocolate fudge, especially around the holidays? It’s been a Christmas staple in our family since I was a little girl, and with all the versions and variations that I’ve tried, this one comes closest to the ones my grandma used to make back in the day. I’ve come a long way from sneaking a piece (or 3!) from our holiday cookie trays to making the best chocolate fudge in my kitchen anytime I want to!
3-ingredient fudge has that delicious decadent texture that seems hard to accomplish, but you’ll be surprised at how quick and easy it is to make. You can make a whole batch with only 10 minutes of hands-on time! This texture wins over the 2-ingredient fudge recipe, which is a little too chewy for my taste. The addition of butter makes it much more smooth and creamy, and the fudge is able to hold its shape and texture better.
This treat is perfect as a quick snack, dessert, holiday treat, or as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be happy receiving a box of ooey, gooey, insanely good chocolate fudge squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easiest dessert recipe: Prep and cook within 10 minutes, then chill to set in the fridge. Perfect for beginners or when you need a delicious dessert quick.
- Simple ingredients: This recipe calls for easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy clean-up: 3 ingredients, a saucepan, and a baking dish are all you need, which means clean-up will be a breeze.
- Crowd favorite: Chocolate fudge is well-loved and a surefire hit with everyone, whether at a gathering, holiday party, cookie exchange, or a casual dinner.
- Endless ways to customize: Make it as simple or as loaded as you want, every element of this recipe can be customized to fit your taste.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Fudge
Whenever I serve my 3-ingredient fudge, everyone always asks what I did to make it so amazing. If they only knew how ridiculously simple it is to make, they’d probably be making it non-stop in their kitchen.
The ingredients do everything – smooth chocolate, sweet condensed milk, and rich butter complement each other so perfectly that all you need to do is mix them all together, freeze, and enjoy!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: I use semi-sweet, but you can also use milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens the fudge and helps create the dense, fudgy consistency that we all love. Make sure you use condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
- Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the smooth, velvety texture of the fudge. I typically use regular salted butter, and unsalted when I add a garnish of sea salt.
Optional add-ins:
- Vanilla extract: Adds sweetness and helps balance the richness of chocolate and butter.
- Sea salt: Often overlooked, but salt is great at balancing the sweetness and rounding out the flavors of the fudge.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Traditional fudge can be tricky to make, with bringing the mixture to the soft-ball stage or having to use a candy thermometer. None of that is needed here. Just follow the 3 easy steps below to to make the perfect 3-ingredient fudge!
Step 1: Prep
Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. Give some overhang so the paper is easy to pull up and remove later.
Step 2: Mix and cook
Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture is melted and smooth.
Make this microwave fudge instead! Use a microwave safe bowl to melt the ingredients together. Microwave for one minute, stir, then continue in 30 second intervals until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Finish the recipe as normal.
Step 3: Chill
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it smooth. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 6 hours or overnight. Once set, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows to make 36 squares and serve or store in an airtight container.
Substitutions
No need for special grocery runs if you’re making 3-ingredient fudge because all required ingredients are easily available. But if you prefer to use alternative ingredients, I recommend these substitutions:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: No chocolate chips on hand? Substitute with chopped chocolate of your choice.
- Sweetened condensed milk: For a dairy-free option, use coconut condensed milk instead of regular.
- Vanilla extract: If using and vanilla extract isn’t available, vanilla bean paste will work, too. Just make sure to stir it in well.
Variations
Easily make this chocolate fudge recipe your own by adding your favorite mix-ins, spices, or other flavors. Classic plain is already delicious, but I like to dress it up according to an occasion, or my mood! Try these fun twists on 3-ingredient fudge:
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, peanuts, pistachios, or almonds for a delightful crunch.
- Fold in crushed Oreos to make a delicious cookies and cream version. This is my kids’ favorite!
- Swirl creamy peanut butter into the fudge before it sets for a delicious sweet and salty combination.
- Add chopped dried fruits like dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots, caramel bits, toffee bits, or pretzel bites to the mixture to vary the texture and for extra indulgence.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to give the fudge a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Spice up your chocolate fudge with spices like cinnamon, chai spice, pumpkin spice, cardamom, cayenne pepper, or a bit of chili powder for warmth or subtle heat.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate: Use only premium chocolate for this recipe to achieve the perfect velvety texture. The richness and smoothness of high-quality chocolate make a noticeable difference when it’s turned into fudge.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more chocolate for a firmer fudge or little more butter or condensed milk to soften up the mixture.
- Add toppings quickly: If you’re adding toppings, sprinkle them on while the fudge is still warm and soft, so they stick well.
- Make perfect cuts: Run a knife under hot water to heat it up then use it to cut into the fudge, wiping it clean in between cuts. This way, you’ll get slices with clean, smooth edges perfect for holiday gifts.
- Make it holiday-ready: Make chocolate fudge the perfect Christmas treat by adding decorative toppings. I like to sprinkle the top with crushed peppermint candies or candy cane, dress it up with red and green sprinkles, or dust it with edible glitter for that extra festive flair. Place the squares in a cute box or tin, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got the most thoughtful holiday gift ever!
How to Store This Recipe
This fudge is soft and will melt when left out at room temperature for too long. Place fudge squares in an airtight container, preferably separated by wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking, and refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost frozen fudge in the refrigerator before serving.
What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Fudge
Chocolate fudge is a great stand-alone dessert, but can be paired with other treats to enhance its flavors. A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a handful of fresh berries are great for added flavor and texture contrast. Serve with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea, or with a glass of dessert wine to complement its sweetness and bring out its flavors more.
More Quick Desserts To Try
- 3-ingredient peanut butter blossoms
- Pumpkin brownies
- Almond crescent cookies
- Saltine toffee (Xmas crack)
- Peppermint ice cream
If you make this 3-ingredient fudge, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces chocolate chips semi-sweet
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 ounces butter
Optional Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sea salt for garnishing
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. Give some overhang so the paper is easy to pull up and remove later.
- Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour into the prepared dish and spread smooth. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 6 hours or overnight. Once set, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows to make 36 squares and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use only premium chocolate for this recipe to achieve the perfect velvety texture. Its richness and smoothness make a noticeable difference when it’s turned into fudge.
- Add more chocolate for a firmer fudge or little more butter or condensed milk to soften up the mixture.
- If you’re adding toppings, sprinkle them on while the fudge is still warm and soft, so they stick well.Run a knife under hot water to heat it up then use it to cut into the fudge to get slices with clean, smooth edges perfect for gifting.
- Make it holiday-ready: Make chocolate fudge the perfect Christmas treat by adding decorative toppings. Place the squares in a cute box or tin, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got the most thoughtful holiday gift ever!
