Quick and easy microwave fudge comes together in 3 minutes with only 3 ingredients. This chocolate fudge recipe satisfies chocolate cravings and makes holiday gifting simple!
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The Easiest Microwave Fudge
This microwave fudge is a Christmas staple at our house. We make it every year to bring to holiday gatherings and the no-fail candy recipe always turns out super smooth, creamy and absolutely delicious.
If you’ve been intimated to make homemade fudge, this microwave version is the best recipe to start with. You can even make fun variations of it like peanut butter fudge, eggnog fudge and white chocolate fudge.
Why I Love This Recipe
- No-fuss. No double broiler or candy thermometer is needed like with old-fashioned fudge or homemade toffee. This 3-minute fudge is practically foolproof!
- Holiday ready. Just like homemade Twix bars it makes a great neighbor gift and it’s the perfect fast and easy holiday dessert for any seasonal party.
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.
Variations
I love topping microwave fudge with a layer of caramel and sea salt, but the options are endless!
- Easy chocolate fudge: Make with the 3 simple ingredients.
- Caramel: Make a caramel layer and pour on top.
- Fantasy fudge: Mix in 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Rocky road fudge: Mix in mini marshmallows and nuts.
- 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.
“So easy to make!! The chocolate fudge 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!”
More Easy Microwave Desserts:
Easy Microwave Fudge
Video
Ingredients
For chocolate fudge:
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (can also use milk chocolate)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ 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. Then slice into squares. I find it easiest to cut with a plastic knife.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Kay
Can you use giradhelli dark chocolate melting wafers instead of the semi sweet chocolate chips?
Jamielyn Nye
Yes you could :)
Christina
Can you make fudge in a crockpot
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Hi, I don’t think it would set up properly but you can try this crockpot candy instead!
Lisa
Fantastic.
Billie
Can’t wait to try it. Do you continue to microwave the fudge mixture at 50% on the 30 second intervals after the first 1 minute, or switch to full power? Thanks!
I Heart Naptime Community
Hi Billie! Keep it at 50% power the whole time :)
Billie
Thanks so much. Will do!
wilhelmina
This was so easy and came out amazing! I had to wrap some up for the freezer so that I didn’t eat the whole batch right away!
Gina
These are the best decadent fudge bites – love that one piece totally satisfies any chocolate cravings. So easy to make too!
Tina
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.