Creamy, firm, and delicious homemade chocolate fudge for a lazy day

Making chocolate fudge is as indulgent as it sounds—quick, creamy, rich, and perfect for those lazy days when you want a treat but not the fuss. This fudge recipe is the one that gets passed around at family gatherings and somehow always feels like a secret. The best part? You only need three ingredients, and chances are you already have them in your pantry. It’s a treat you don’t have to think too hard about, and the payoff is incredible: smooth, chewy, and a little bit of melt-in-your-mouth magic.

You also don’t need any fancy tools or thermometers here. If you’ve wrestled with the old-school method of boiling and praying for the right consistency, this version will be a breath of fresh air. No candy thermometer, no worry about the humidity, and just a few minutes on the stovetop. After that, it’s the fridge that does the heavy lifting.

Some fun ideas & tips

• Try different chocolate combos: Love milk chocolate or dark chocolate? Blend a mix of milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate to get a balanced, true cocoa taste. You can even swap the chocolate chips for chopped-up candy bars.
• Get creative with flavors: Vanilla extract is classic, but mint, orange, or coconut extracts add a whole new vibe. Vanilla is optional, but if it’s on your shelf, throw it in for extra depth.
• Toppings are your friend: Sprinkle some crushed candy canes, nuts, mini marshmallows, or even cookie chunks on top before the fudge sets for a little extra texture.
• Storing the fudge: Place it in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and it’ll stay fresh in the fridge. You could also keep it at room temp if you prefer a softer bite.

Ingredients:

• 115 gm unsalted butter
• 525 gm chocolate chips (a mix of milk, semi-sweet, and dark for the best flavor)
• 397 gm sweetened condensed milk
• pinch of sea salt (optional, but it balances the sweetness beautifully)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Process:

1. Line an 8-inch square pan with greased parchment paper, making sure there’s enough overhang to easily lift the fudge out later.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat until it’s smooth and golden.
3. Add the chocolate chips, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula as they begin to melt. If you need to increase the heat slightly, go for it—but keep an eye on it, as chocolate can scorch easily.
4. Once the chocolate starts to melt, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until it’s fully combined and silky smooth.
5. Turn off the heat, then stir in a pinch of salt and vanilla extract if you’re using them.
6. Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer with an offset spatula.
7. Cover the pan and let it chill in the fridge overnight to set.
8. Once it’s firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut it into even 2-inch squares (a clean knife will give you those sharp edges).
9. To store, place fudge pieces in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep it in the fridge for a firmer texture or leave it on the counter if you prefer it softer.

A common question is whether peanut butter works in this fudge. The answer? Definitely! Peanut butter chips melt right into the chocolate, adding a lovely nutty taste that balances the sweetness. And if you’re after an easy prep option, this recipe can be done in the microwave too, though the stovetop gives it that classic creamy texture. For those curious about cocoa powder, it’s not a must here; the chocolate chips provide all the rich cocoa flavor, keeping things smooth and decadent without the extra step.

As for storage, keeping your fudge fresh is simple. In an airtight container, this fudge will stay perfect in the fridge for a good couple of weeks. Layer it with parchment paper to prevent sticking if you’re stacking pieces. Prefer a softer bite? Leave it at room temperature—it’ll stay delicious and slightly melty.

Finally, some folks like to play with different toppings and flavors. Vanilla is a classic addition, but if you want to get adventurous, try adding a few drops of mint, orange, or even coconut extract for a fresh twist. And don’t hold back on the toppings; crushed nuts, cookie chunks, or a sprinkle of sea salt bring extra texture and a fun visual pop.

Check out our other fudge recipes like Oreo fudge and milk chocolate fudge .