Description
This Easy Chocolate Fudge is rich, creamy, and packed with delicious chocolate flavor. Made with just five simple ingredients, this no-fail recipe requires no candy thermometer and comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for holidays, parties, homemade gifts, or whenever you’re craving a sweet chocolate treat!
Ingredients
- 16 oz semisweet chocolate bars, preferably high-quality chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Chop the Chocolate: Coarsely chop the semisweet chocolate bars into small pieces to help them melt evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a heavy-bottomed saucepan or double boiler.
- Melt Slowly: Heat over very low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent scorching.
- Check the Texture: Once the chocolate mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy, immediately remove it from the heat. If it becomes too thick or clumpy, remove the pan from the heat briefly and stir.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract until combined. Gently fold in any optional mix-ins if desired.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Let It Set: Allow the fudge to rest at room temperature for 3–4 hours, overnight, or until completely firm.
- Remove and Slice: Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Serve: Cut into small squares using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, warm the knife under hot water and wipe it completely dry before slicing.
Notes
- Serving: Cut the fudge into small squares and arrange them on a dessert platter. Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Holiday treats: Package individual pieces in decorative boxes or bags for Christmas, birthdays, and homemade edible gifts.
- Room temperature storage: Keep fudge in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks for a firmer texture.
- Freezer storage: Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Allow frozen fudge to thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature while still wrapped to help prevent condensation.
- Prevent sticking: Place parchment paper between layers when stacking fudge pieces.
- Clean slicing: Use a warm, completely dry knife to cut neat squares without crumbling.
- Make ahead: Prepare the fudge a day before your event to give it plenty of time to set.