Creamy homemade fudge made in the microwave with only 3 ingredients! Top with a gooey salted caramel or mix in your favorite chopped nuts. You won’t believe how easy and delicious this chocolate fudge recipe is!
This is definitely a Christmas staple at our house. We make it every year and often bring it to holiday gatherings, too. Sometimes I’ll make fun variations like peanut butter fudge, eggnog fudge and white chocolate fudge.
Can you believe the holidays are almost here? Time is flying by. Today I’m excited to share this easy microwave fudge recipe. It comes out super smooth, creamy and absolutely delicious! I’ve been making it for a few years now and it’s one I always seem to come back to. If you’ve been intimated to make homemade fudge, this microwave version is the best recipe to start with. It makes great neighbor gifts and the perfect dessert for any holiday party.
This microwave fudge is made with 3 simple ingredients. Chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter. Only the good stuff. ;) You can mix it up and add in different types of nuts, or even a layer of caramel (my favorite) on top.
The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need a double broiler or candy thermometer. Now, is this going to taste the exact same as a classic fudge recipe where you use a double broiler? No…but I promise, it is SO good! It comes out so rich and creamy. It’s perfect for when you need to bring a holiday dessert in a pinch. Everyone will think you spent hours making this homemade fudge, when in reality it only took minutes!!
3 simple ingredients
- Chocolate chips: I like to use semi sweet, but milk chocolate chips also taste great.
- Condensed milk: This helps makes it super creamy and delicious. Make sure to get sweetened condensed milk.
- Butter: This adds the perfect rich flavor and contributes to that perfectly smooth texture.
How to make fudge in the microwave
- MELT. Combine all ingredients in large microwave bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir, then microwave in 30 second increments until smoothly melted.
- POUR. Quickly pour into a greased 8×8″ baking dish and press down with spatula until evenly spread in pan.
- CHILL. Refrigerate until the fudge sets. Store in fridge until serving.
Optional caramel layer. Once the fudge has hardened, add caramel bits and cream to microwave bowl. Cook for 1 minute then stir. Microwave additional 30 seconds if needed. Stir until smooth then pour over fudge. To even distribute the caramel, tap pan on the counter. Immediately top with sea salt if desired.
Variations
The caramel chocolate fudge topped with sea salt is my absolute favorite. I love using the Kraft caramel bits because it makes it so much easier! If you can’t find those, you can always use the wrapped caramels, but make sure they are soft when you buy them.
- Chocolate: Make with the 3 simple ingredients.
- Caramel: Make a caramel layer and pour on top.
- With nuts: Mix in 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Peppermint: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Helpful tips
- Line your pan. Make sure to line your baking dish with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper. The last thing you want is for your fudge to stick to the pan.
- Don’t overcook. Mine took about 2 minutes total to melt and become creamy. Be careful not to over cook or it will become grainy.
- Adding more layers. If adding the caramel layer, make sure the fudge has hardened completely before pouring the caramel on top.
- Plastic knife. I’ve had best results cutting my fudge with a plastic knife. You’ll get cleaner lines this way.
Storing and freezing
- Storing: Add to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. Remove from fridge about 15 to 20 minutes prior to serving. I find it easiest to cut with a plastic knife. It should keep in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: I like to individually wrap the pieces in plastic wrap then store in a zip top bag. You can also wrap the whole fudge block, too. Just wrap in plastic wrap, store in freezer in a zip top bag, then thaw once ready to serve. After it’s thawed, cut into pieces.
More easy microwave desserts:
Microwave Fudge
Ingredients
For chocolate fudge:
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (can also use milk chocolate)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup butter
For caramel layer:
- 11 ounce package caramel bits (I used Kraft)
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- sea salt or maldon (if desired)
Instructions
- Line a 8×8″ baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly butter and set aside.
- Combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter in a large microwave bowl. Microwave for one minute at 50% power. Stir and then microwave in 30 second increments until the chocolate has melted. It took mine about 2 minutes. Be careful not to over cook or it will be come grainy. Quickly pour into prepared baking dish and press down with a spatula. Refrigerate until set.
- To add the caramel layer (make sure the fudge has hardened), microwave the caramel bits and cream in a microwave bowl for 1 minute. Stir and microwave an additional 30 seconds if needed. Stir until smooth and then pour over the chocolate fudge. Tap the pan on the counter, so it evenly distributes. Top with sea salt immediately, if desired.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. I find it easiest to cut with a plastic knife.
Video
Notes
- Fudge with nuts: Mix in 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans immediately after the chocolate has melted.
- Peppermint fudge: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top immediately after you pour the chocolate in the pan.
Very easy to make. I did not do the caramel but sprinkle lightly with sea salt and crushed candy cane. However, it does not seem to sit well at room temp and will need to be stored in the fridge.
These came out so well! Loved the flavor pairing, sea salt is a must I think. Thank you so much!
Particularly easy to make and very addictive. Lovely recipe – thanks.
So east to make!! Chocolate came out dreamy!! I used 2 cups milk chocolate morsels and 1 cup chocolate espresso chips for just a hint of coffee flavor!!! Added the sea salt on the caramel too!!! Thanks so much for your recipe!
Sounds delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Will the homemade heavy cream substitute (butter and milk) work? Or will the caramel come out runny? I’m guessing sweetened condensed milk would make it way too sweet..?
The heavy cream substitute should be fine. :)
My fudge came out perfect. I added a few drops of vanilla extract and maybe 1/4 cup more chocolate chips. It set up great and taste yummy! Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
Mine never sat up and closer to pudding.Why?
It does have a softer consistency before you let it set in the fridge, but it should set and be able to cut into!
My family is addicted! This is one of the easiest and best recipes ever!! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you loved it! :)
Thoughts on making chocolate fudge, cooling, slicing then pouring over caramel? I keep having the caramel pull off. It tastes delicious but looks tragic 😆
Did you let the caramel set in the fridge before slicing? Cutting with a plastic knife also helps to get cleaner lines. :)
Super easy and yummy! Definitely a great treat or gift!