Dark chocolate fudge is a rich, creamy treat that is perfect for when you have intense chocolate cravings. For our family, it's a holiday staple. But whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, homemade fudge is an easy and impressive dessert to make. And the best part? This recipe only needs 3 ingredients!
Why Make Homemade Dark Chocolate Fudge?
Homemade fudge is a labor of love that tastes better than any store-bought version. When you make it yourself, you control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring a more natural and flavorful treat. Additionally, making fudge at home is an easy and fun activity that’s perfect for holiday gifts, parties, or a cozy night in.
We love fudge because it's so easy to make too! Some of our favorites have been our 90-second microwave fudge, peppermint fudge, copycat See's Candy Fudge, and even hot fudge sauce!
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Ingredients
This recipe only requires 3 ingredients to make. You'll want to grab:
- Chocolate chips
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Let's get started making your fudge!
- Step 1: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a saucepan heated to low.
- Step 2: Add the chocolate chips.
- Step 3: Stir on low until melted.
- Step 4: Pour into 8x8 inch pan and allow to cool.
Substitutions
There are some easy substitutions that you can make for this recipe for everyone to enjoy no matter your dietary preferences or needs.
- Gluten free: Fudge is naturally gluten free so you are good with the recipe as-is!
- Vegan and Dairy free: Substitute dairy free chocolate chips and dairy free sweetened condensed milk.
- Low Sugar: Substitute sugar free sweetened condensed milk and sugar free chocolate chips.
Variations
There are some fun variations you can make including:
- Substitute semi sweet instead of dark chocolate chips for a similar taste and flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or chili powder for a unique twist.
Storage
Keep your fudge in an airtight container to maintain its texture and flavor. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
You can also freeze your fudge too! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your fudge largely depends on the quality of the chocolate you choose.
- Don’t Overheat: Keep the heat low to prevent burning or seizing the chocolate.
- Line Your Pan: Parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil ensures easy removal and clean edges.
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge. However, the texture may be slightly softer
Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water between cuts. Wipe the blade clean with a towel to avoid smudges.
Grainy fudge can result from overcooking or not stirring enough. Be sure to melt the chocolate gently and stir continuously.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
3 Ingredient Dark Chocolate Fudge
Equipment
- 8x8 inch pan
- parchment paper or aluminum foil lightly greased
- saucepan
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 3 cups chocolate chips either dark chocolate or semi-sweet
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil or two overlapping pieces of parchment paper in an "X" shape. Lightly grease.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until the chocolate begins to melt. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine. Continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted, smooth, and shiny.
- Pour and Set: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Gently shake or spread the mixture evenly. Let the fudge set completely at room temperature for about four hours.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the fudge from the pan and peel off the foil or parchment paper. Trim the edges for even pieces. Cut the fudge in half horizontally and vertically. Cut each resulting square into thirds in both directions to create 36 equal pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
burntapple
This froze well and was so tasty! Perfect for the holidays, thank you!