Homemade Milk Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk
My family and friends absolutely love easy chocolate fudge recipe. And I appreciate the fact that it is a quick dessert or sweet treat to make, but it’s also delicious. Make it for your family, but don’t forget your friends!
I believe that sweetened condensed milk is what makes this so easy. Plus it also adds to the creamy, rich texture that makes you want to come back for more. One of the things I like most is you can’t mess up this microwave chocolate fudge. You also have options for how gooey or firm you want it.
Ingredients
You only need three ingredients for this easy chocolate fudge—a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, a can of sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of vanilla. Can you believe it?
For exact measurements of each ingredient, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by pressing the “print” button.
If you like nuts, you can add those too. I used chopped walnuts.
However, most of the time, I have pecans that I buy in humongous bags from Costco. They’re also perfect to add to fudge … or any other candy, for that matter.
Quick and Easy Recipe for Chocolate Fudge
Of all the chocolate fudge recipes I’ve tried, I think my favorite one is this quick and easy one.
After all, I don’t see any sense in making it more difficult than it has to be since I like it all.
You’ll need about 10 minutes of actual hands-on time to make this. Then you can go about your business while the fudge sets.
It only takes about a half hour in the fridge. But if you’re super patient (I’m not), you can leave it on the counter in a cool spot. However, if the room is warm, it’ll take forever to set.
For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Fudge
You’ll need an 8” by 8” pan, a medium-size mixing bowl that’s microwave safe, and a spoon. I also used aluminum foil because I wanted to be able to lift the fudge out easily.
If you prefer wax paper, that works too. In fact, I use either one, depending on what I have the most of at the time.
First, pour a can of sweetened condensed milk into the bowl. Since it’s so thick, it takes a while to pour out of the can.
Next, pour the entire bag of chocolate chips into the bowl of sweetened condensed milk. Give it a good stir.
We enjoy gooey fudge. But if you like a firmer fudge, you can add another 3 ounces of chocolate chips.
Stick the bowl into the microwave and run it on high for one minute. Remove the bowl and give it a good stir.
Put the bowl back into the microwave for another minute. As soon as you pull it out, add the vanilla and stir.
If you want nuts, add them now and mix well. Pour the mixture into the pan and add more nuts on top if you like a lot. I definitely do.
Gently press the nuts down into the fudge.
Put the pan in the refrigerator so it can set.
Now is a good time to wash the bowl and wipe off the countertops in your kitchen. I do this because I hate having a huge mess to clean up later.
After the fudge is set, remove it from the fridge and cut it into 1-1/2-inch pieces. You’ll be amazed by how delicious it is since it was so easy.
Making Memories While Making Fudge
As I was growing up, my grandmother used to make all kinds of candy. I loved the smells that wafted through the kitchen, up the hallway, and made their way throughout the house.
My grandmother basically set aside a couple of days that involved nothing but candy making. In fact, if anyone stepped into the kitchen, even for a drink of water, she’d put us to work.
Overall, some of my favorites were her fudge, divinity, and pralines. I’ve made them since then, but I try not to do it too often because it’s too tempting. However, if I’m going to someone’s house, I like to bring homemade candy as a host or hostess gift. It’s also excellent for the holidays.
Other things I sometimes bring are this delicious peanut butter fudge that is a personal favorite, this creamy orange fudge, and my yummy white chocolate fudge.
When you want a creamy smooth chocolate fudge, try this amazing Velveeta fudge. If you don’t tell people, no one will know what the secret ingredient is!
Some other popular treats are these flourless peanut butter cookies and these amazingly melt-in-your-mouth coconut macaroons.
Fudge in a Popcorn Popper
I went to the University of Southern Mississippi and lived in one of the old-fashioned types of dorm rooms. Two girls shared each room, and the bathrooms were down the hall.
There was a kitchen on each floor, but it wasn’t always convenient to use. For that reason, we had to get creative if we wanted a treat.
One night, one of the girls down the hall pulled out her popcorn popper and said, “Let’s make fudge.” We didn’t have the Internet back then, but we all had some cooking experience.
It took us a while, but we finally wound up with some decent fudge made in her popcorn popper. I still can’t remember if or how we ever got all the chocolate out of it. But it didn’t matter. It was fun, and the fudge was delicious.
I’ve made a variety of other types of fudge since then, and I’ve liked every single one of them. In fact, I’ve never met any kind of fudge I didn’t like.
Origin of Fudge
I’m not 100% that this is the true origin, but it sounds good to me. The earliest account of fudge making seems to have been in a dorm room back in the 1800s. Apparently, the girls were trying to make some caramel candy, although it was forbidden to use hotplates in the dorm.
So they had someone looking out while the others cooked. When the lookout girl said someone was coming, they put out the fire and hid it. Unfortunately, the caramel didn’t turn out, but what they wound up with was even more delicious. Since they “fudged” the recipe, that’s what they named it. Fudge.
As I already mentioned, I’m not sure of the validity of this being the true origin. However, I don’t doubt that actually happened.
After that, fudge became a popular candy sold all over the country. Many tourist towns have confectioners that have added their own twist to this yummy treat.
More to Enjoy
If you like this easy chocolate fudge recipe, you’ll enjoy my peanut butter Cocoa Krispie treats.
They’re sort of like the standard Rice Krispie treats … only better. Also try these cinnamon crisps made from leftover pie crust. So yum!
Fudge for Special Occasions … or Whenever You Want It
Most people associate fudge with the holidays and special occasions. But I like it any time I want a sweet treat. So make it whenever you feel like having some. I believe that it makes any day a special occasion!
Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
This easy chocolate fudge is the perfect treat to share with friends or give as gifts.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips (for a firmer fudge, see note below)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8” x 8” pan with aluminum foil or spray nonstick cooking spray in the bottom.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a microwave safe bowl.
- Add the entire bag of chocolate chips. Stir the mixture.
- Put it in the microwave and heat on high for one minute. Remove the bowl and stir.
- Put the bowl back in the microwave and heat for another minute.
- Remove the bowl and add the vanilla. Stir.
- If you’re adding nuts, stir them in as well.
- Pour the mixture into the pan. Refrigerate for an hour so it can set.
- After the mixture has set, cut it into 1-1/2-inch squares.
- Enjoy!
Notes
For a firmer fudge, please note that you can add an extra 3 ounces to the mixture.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
2Amount Per Serving Calories 217Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 1mgSodium 27mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 2gSugar 21gProtein 3g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
Miz Helen
Tuesday 18th of February 2020
I just love Fudge, I just can't stop eating it once I start, it sure looks good! Hope you are having a really good week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday! Miz Helen
southernhomeexpress
Wednesday 19th of February 2020
Thank you for stopping by, Miz Helen!
Helen Fritzie
Monday 26th of August 2019
Wow...love this easy recipe and you could try a variety of chips (the white chocolate, or peanut butter, etc.) and different extracts! Yum! Thanks!
southernhomeexpress
Monday 26th of August 2019
Hi Helen. Yes, you can do this with different types of chips. However, some of them have a higher fat content and don't set as well. I've had to scrape a few attempts into the trash when that's happened to me. I love adding peppermint to the dark chocolate and white chocolate.
Penny
Sunday 7th of July 2019
Last comment should say * Dark Chocolate MINT Fudge. Silly auto correct!
southernhomeexpress
Sunday 7th of July 2019
Somehow I knew what you meant. Mint and chocolate! Yum!
Penny
Sunday 7th of July 2019
I have made this fudge many times and it's delicious! Sometimes I use Peppermint extract instead of Vanilla. Wonderful dark month fudge! Try it that way. You'll love it!
southernhomeexpress
Sunday 7th of July 2019
Hi Penny! Sounds wonderful! I love chocolate and mint together!
Miz Helen
Tuesday 2nd of July 2019
Wishing you a great 4th of July Celebration and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday! The links will be open early tomorrow, see you then. Miz Helen