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    🏠Home » Recipes » Candy Recipes

    Easy 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge

    Nov 30, 2021 · Modified: Oct 26, 2022 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan · 23 Comments

    Recipe Table of Contents    
    4.31 from 63 votes

    With only 3 ingredients, you can make the best chocolate fudge. This easy, foolproof 5-minute fudge with sweetened condensed milk never fails and makes perfect holiday gifts, party snacks, or just for you.

    pile of fudge on a white plate

    Jump To:
    • 👨‍🍳How to make this recipe
    • 📋Ingredients
    • 🎄How to make a fudge wreath
    • ❓FAQs
    • ❄️How to store
    • 📖Candy Recipes
    • 🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
    • Recipe

    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Introduction

    With the holidays approaching, in my heart, it is fudge season. While we think of fudge as a Christmas candy, it is excellent all year round.

    This chocolate fudge has been a Christmas tradition at our house. It's been made for presents and cookie exchanges and extra for the family.We usually create Christmas Wreaths or small "loaves" as gifts.

    No candy thermometer is required to make this version of 5-minute fudge with sweetened condensed milk. Chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk with some vanilla extract are the main ingredients but add some chopped nuts to make it extra special.

    While this easy chocolate fudge recipe seems to be all over the internet, we first saw it when Rachael Ray was on Oprah and Rachael Ray Throw a Holiday Party many years ago. So we frequently call it Rachael Ray's 5 Minute Fudge, but I hear it was also on the back of Eagle Brand Condensed Milk can.

    👨‍🍳How to make this recipe

    1. Use a medium size non-stick saucepan over low heat.
    2. Add chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.
    3. Stir continuously until it is all melted and combined—about 5 minutes.
    4. Mix in vanilla and chopped nuts.
    5. Pour into a prepared dish to cool before cutting.

    📋Ingredients

    Chocolate

    You need two 12 ounce bags of chocolate chips. Usually semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, but dark chocolate chips will work well also.

    Since chocolate is the main feature of fudge, buy the good stuff.

    Sweetened Condensed Milk

    Sweetened condensed milk is what the name says. It is condensed or evaporated milk with added sugar. Use a brand you trust.

    Do not try to save a few calories by using a lower fat version.

    If you don't have sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own with 12 ozs of evaporated milk and ¾ cups of sugar. Bring to a light boil and mix well. Then reduce the heat to simmer for 30 minutes.

    Vanilla

    Use real vanilla, please.

    Nuts

    Nuts are almost required, but some people don't like the nuts. I suggest chopped walnuts, but others prefer pecans—your choice.

    🎄How to make a fudge wreath

    You can make a fudge wreath by using a 9 inch round pan.

    four images of assembling a fudge wreath
    1. Butter a 9-inch round pan then place the can from the condensed milk in the center covered with plastic wrap.
    2. Pour the fudge mixture around the can.
    3. Decorate as you want. Some candied red and green cherries are nice. I put some walnuts on top along with some red and green sprinkles. Currants also adds a great taste to fudge.
    4. Let cool then remove from pan. You may need to set the pan in warm water to loosen the fudge.

    ❓FAQs

    Can I use butterscotch chips?

    Yes. I love the taste the butterscotch chips add, and I like to use half butterscotch with half semi-sweet chocolate chips. I have included this as an option in the recipe.

    Butterscotch chips seem not to melt as well as they did years ago. So if you go with butterscotch chips, in the end, you will need to spend a few minutes smashing them to get the last few to combine.

    If you use butterscotch chips, get a good brand that melts better than generic.

    Do I have to stir 5-minutes fudge continuously?

    Yes, it needs constant attention, pauses of 10-15 seconds are okay, but you can not be walking away.

    You can also set up a double boiler, but it seems to be more fuss than it is worth for about 5 minutes of stirring.

    What size pan to prepare for 5-minute chocolate fudge?

    A 9-inch square baking dish is perfect for this. You can also use a 9-inch round or similar baking dish.

    I like to line the pan with parchment paper. Use two pieces and cross them with the edges overhanging the sides. A few dots of butter will help hold the parchment in place.

    We also use small "loaf" pans about 1 ½ by 2 ½ inches to make gift-size loaves.

    How to get chocolate fudge out of the pan?

    If you used the parchment paper, lift it out after cooled.

    But if you didn't use parchment, add an inch of hot water to the kitchen sink and set the fudge in the water for a short time to loosen the fudge.

    ❄️How to store

    Chocolate fudge should be stored in an airtight container and cooler room temperature for about 2 weeks.

    Some people suggest storing fudge in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks, but this can pull moisture out of fudge and cause a dry texture. I don't recommend refrigeration.

    In preference to the fridge, I prefer the freezer. Freeze fudge in an airtight container for up to 3 months

    📖Candy Recipes

    Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters

    Easy Oreo Fudge

    Crock Pot Fudge

    This recipe is part of Christmas Candy Recipes. Check out other easy candy recipes.

    This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

    101's Best Recipes, Appetizer and Party Recipes, Candy Recipes, Holiday Recipes
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

    chocolate chips with sweatened condensed milk and vanilla

    Start with a medium non-stick saucepan over low or medium-low heat. Two bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips, but I suggest one chocolate and one butterscotch.

    Pouring sweatened condensed milk to pan with chips

    Add two bags of chips and one 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk to a non-stick pan.  Stir continuously until all is melted and mixed.

    preparing a pan with crossed parchment paper

    While the mix is melting, prepare a pan for the fudge. You may use a 9X9 square pan with some parchment paper. Use dots of butter to hold the parchment paper in place.

    adding chopped walnuts to melted fudge

    When the ingredients are completely melted (about 5 minutes), remove from heat. If you used butterscotch chips, you might need to smash a few that did not melt completely. Add one teaspoon vanilla and mix. Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Other things can be substituted or added here.

    smoothing fudge into pan with parchment paper

    Pour an even layer of the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top.

    cutting fudge on parchment paper

    Allow to cool, then cut into 1-inch squares to serve.

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    Recipe

    pile of fudge on a white plate

    Easy 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    With only 3 ingredients, you can make the best chocolate fudge. This easy, foolproof 5-minute fudge with sweetened condensed milk never fails and makes perfect holiday gifts, party snacks, or just for you.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.31 from 63 votes
    Print Email Text CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 36 one oz serving

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 24 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips - milk or dark chocolate if preferred
    • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Optional

    • 1 cup chopped walnuts - or pecans
    • 12 oz butterscotch chips - Substitute for equal amount of chocolate chips.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Start with a medium non-stick saucepan over low or medium-low heat. Two bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips, but I suggest one chocolate and one butterscotch.
      chocolate chips with sweatened condensed milk and vanilla
    • Add two bags of chips and one 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk to a non-stick pan.  Stir continuously until all is melted and mixed.
      Pouring sweatened condensed milk to pan with chips
    • While the mix is melting, prepare a pan for the fudge. You may use a 9X9 square pan with some parchment paper. Use dots of butter to hold the parchment paper in place.
      preparing a pan with crossed parchment paper
    • When the ingredients are completely melted (about 5 minutes), remove from heat. If you used butterscotch chips, you might need to smash a few that did not melt completely. Add one teaspoon vanilla and mix. Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Other things can be substituted or added here.
      adding chopped walnuts to melted fudge
    • Pour an even layer of the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
      smoothing fudge into pan with parchment paper
    • Allow to cool, then cut into 1-inch squares to serve.
      cutting fudge on parchment paper
    See the step-by-step photos in the post. Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print.

    Your Own Private Notes

    Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips:

    1. Quality matters, use good ingredients.
    2. I suggest using 1 bag of chocolate chips and 1 bag of butterscotch-preferred. But many will use two bags of chocolate chips. Your choice.
    3. If using butterscotch chips, they don't melt as well as chocolate and will need to be smashed some at the end.
    4. A nine-inch square pan lined with parchment paper or a well-buttered.
    5. If using parchment paper, a few dots of butter help hold it in place.
    6. If using a buttered dish, setting it in warm water for a few minutes will loosen the fudge for removal.
    7. Decorate if desired immediately after placing in pan.
    8. Cool before removing from pan. You may need to set the pan in hot water to loosen the fudge.
    9. For fudge wreath instructions, see the text of the post.
    10. Store in a cooler room temperature environment for up to 2 weeks. Refrigeration can dry out the fudge.
    11. Will freeze well for up to 3 months.

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Nutrition Facts
    Easy 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 166.4 Calories from Fat 93
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 10.3g16%
    Saturated Fat 5g25%
    Trans Fat 0.1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2.7g
    Cholesterol 4.9mg2%
    Sodium 16mg1%
    Potassium 162.6mg5%
    Carbohydrates 16.4g5%
    Fiber 1.7g7%
    Sugar 13g14%
    Protein 2.5g5%
    Vitamin A 39.5IU1%
    Vitamin C 0.3mg0%
    Calcium 46.2mg5%
    Iron 1.3mg7%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Sweet
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Originally Published December 21, 2011. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

    Molly and Lilly dogs enjoying the first snow of the season.

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    1. Mary

      November 30, 2021 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      Will Peanut Butter chips work in this recipe? I am looking for a good peanut butter fudge recipe that does not need marsh mellow creme. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        November 30, 2021 at 11:06 am

        Hi Mary,

        Welcome to the blog.

        I have never done that substitution. I have seen it suggested on other sites but just in the text. But most peanut butter fudge recipes are more complicated, so I suggest looking at some of them... just google 5-minute peanut butter fudge.

        Dan

    2. Julie

      January 20, 2021 at 7:56 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe!! It is so easy and tastes delicious. I just made another batch and it turned out oily. What did I do wrong this time? I haven’t changed any ingredients. Did I cook it too long? Or too hot? I took a paper towel to sop up some of the oil laying on the top. It is still cooling so I don’t know how it will end up.

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        January 20, 2021 at 8:52 am

        Hi Julie,

        Welcome to the blog.

        I do enjoy this recipe every December.

        About the oil... Some chocolate has more oil. They can separate if over-heated some or even sometimes if they get old. So to solve that, I would watch closely and remove it from heat as soon as it is melted enough to come together. You might also try a different brand of chocolate and make sure it is not old.

        Thanks for the note and rating.

        Dan

      • Kammy

        December 06, 2021 at 5:28 pm

        5 stars
        My mom has been making this since the 1970s. I had misplaced her recipe so checked on line and sure enough! Here it is!
        We have always made 1 adjustment that is worth noting. Once chocolate is melted, add 1 to 2 Tbsp of butter and continually stir(firmly) with a whisk till incorporated; Add vanilla at the same time. finally add the nuts.

    3. Linda

      December 16, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      1 star
      I've made a lot of fudge in the past and thought I would try this easy one. Unfortunately it was not good. It tasted just like semi sweet chocolate chips in square form. Maybe it would have been better with the butterscotch chips

      Reply
    4. Amu S.

      December 16, 2020 at 9:13 am

      you can also do this in micro at 30 sec intervals works great i use less than full power usually about 70% melt chips or almond bark with milk stir in vanilla and nuts at the end

      Reply
    5. Tom

      December 15, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      4 stars
      Hi Dr. Dan,
      I followed the recipe to a T -- except I used two bags of chocolate chips and omitted the butterscotch. My fudge turned out a little dry and crumbly. Is it possible I let it it go too long on the stove?
      Tom

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        December 15, 2020 at 2:17 pm

        Hi Tom,

        Welcome to the blog.

        The answer is yes, too long can change the texture. Just take it to the point of it melted enough to all mix. It is also easy to overshoot the endpoint if the burner is turned up. So "low and slow" and the endpoint of just when it will all mix together.

        One other thing, some of the lower end chips will not melt well, resulting in overcooking and poor texture.

        Have a good holiday.

        Dan

    6. Karen Newman

      December 09, 2019 at 4:00 am

      5 stars
      This was my first time making fudge. THANK YOU for making it easy and super yummy!!!. Definitely a recipe I can remember without having to dig out the recipe cards. Much appreciated.
      HAPPY HOLIDAYS
      next up is the bacon candy. Can't wait!

      Reply
    7. Kristin

      December 24, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      The ingredients say 2 12 ounce bags of chocolate chips then in the recipe it says 2 14 ounce bags of chocolate chips. I went with 2 12 ounce bags.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        December 24, 2018 at 6:18 pm

        Hi Kristin,

        Welcome to the blog.

        And good proofread, I believe it has been like that for 7 years.

        Now fixed. You are correct it is two 12 oz bags of chocolate chips. When using butterscotch chips, a bag is 11 oz.

        Thanks for the note and Happy Holidays.

        Dan

    8. Lois

      December 23, 2018 at 1:49 pm

      I don’t have to let it come to aboil? I did mine, was I wrong in doing so?

      Reply
      • DrDan

        December 23, 2018 at 8:36 pm

        Hi Lois,
        Welcome to the blog.
        Boil is too hot. You just want everything to melt so you can mix there together. I it came out ok then fine but that will tend to ruin fudge.
        Dan

    9. Susan

      December 20, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      This is the best fudge recipe one can make. Use the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips, you won’t be disappointed! Definitely a five star rating!

      Reply
      • DrDan

        December 20, 2018 at 11:27 pm

        Hi Susan,
        Welcome to the blog.
        I do like the addition of the butterscotch.
        Happy Holidays and thanks for the note.
        Dan

    10. Cynthia

      December 15, 2018 at 11:00 am

      This fudge was so much like my daddy’s i could eat it every day. Thanks I did not have his recipe so I’ll use this.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        December 15, 2018 at 1:58 pm

        Hi Cynthia,
        Welcome to the blog.
        This is a very nice fudge. I remember using marshmallow etc in the past. Lot's of work and touchy to make. This is as good or better.
        Thanks for the note and have a great holiday.
        Dan

    11. Sarah

      December 08, 2018 at 11:50 pm

      That fudge wreath is the cutest! Thanks for the idea, can't wait to make this! :)

      Reply
    12. Arden Kervin

      July 21, 2018 at 12:24 am

      time is time is time

      Reply
    13. Nancy

      November 15, 2017 at 6:31 pm

      I love fudge but am not a fan of butterscotch...Can I just leave out the 9 ounces of butterscotch and make as per recipe without them? Or should I substitute 9 ounces semisweet chocolate chips instead to balance out the recipe? Thanks for any help on this.

      Reply
      • DrDan

        November 15, 2017 at 6:39 pm

        Hi Nancy,
        I'm sure that would be fine to substitute but I would not just leave it out. I just published a crock pot fudge and many similar recipes just use 2 bags of semisweet with the one can of sweetened condensed milk plus vanilla. So 12 +9 or 12 +12 oz either should work fine.

        Dan

    14. MK

      December 23, 2016 at 7:45 pm

      This is an easy 5....,if you add a 1/2 cup of currants which is actually in the original recipe. People LOVE this and think there is alcohol in the fudge. It's the currants that provide that taste. And I use pecans rather than walnuts. So YUMMY!!

      Reply

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