3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (2024)

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It is so easy to make homemade fudge with this 3 Ingredient Fudge recipe! Serve it at a party or pack it in a festive tin as a simple gift!

It costs about $6.56 to make this fudge recipe that makes 24 pieces. That’s only $0.27 per serving!

While looking at fudge recipes, be sure to check out my Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge, my Easy Almond Fudge, and my Butter Pecan Fudge.

3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (1)

Table of Contents

Quick and Easy Fudge Recipe with Condensed Milk

If you have seven minutes, then you can quickly whip up a batch of this fudge to give as a last-minute gift, to add to your holiday trays, or to get your chocolate fix to help you survive the holiday rush!

What’s even better than the tiny amount of time this recipe takes to prep is that it only takes three ingredients to make it! And you most likely already have the ingredients on hand!

This recipe is made with chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. That is it!

The ingredients come together to make a rich and creamy fudge that is full of chocolate flavor.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Fudge ingredients

Per Serving Cost: $0.27

Recipe Cost: $6.56

  • 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – $3.48
  • (2) 14 ounce cans sweetened condensed milk – $2.46
  • 2 teaspoonsvanilla extract$0.62

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (2)

Easy Fudge Recipe variations

  • Peanut Butter Fudge – Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and add ½ cup of peanut butter. You do not need to add the vanilla extract.
  • Mint Fudge – Use mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, or add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract in place of the vanilla.
  • Marshmallow Swirl – After pouring the chocolate into the pan, place 4 spoonfuls of marshmallow crème onto the top of the fudge (about ½ cup total). Use a knife to swirl the marshmallow cream into the fudge mixture.
  • Nuts – After the chocolate has melted, stir in ½ – ¾ cup of your favorite chopped nuts, along with the vanilla extract.
  • Oreo Fudge – Break 10-12 Oreos into chunks and mix the pieces into the chocolate mixture.

How to make Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk

  1. First, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Next, melt the chocolate chip and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan.
  5. Next, place the baking dish in the fridge for at least three hours to allow time for the fudge to become firm.
  6. Finally, cut the fudge into slices before serving.

3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (3)

How to store Sweetened Condensed Milk Fudge

SERVE: Slice the fudge into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for very soft consistency.

STORE: Store the 3 Ingredient Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FREEZE: Wrap the fudge in wax paper and then with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for about 2 months when frozen this way.

Tools needed for this Easy Fudge Recipe

  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Rubber Scraper
3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (4)

3 Ingredient Fudge FAQs

What does vanilla extract do for fudge?

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate. So while it is not a necessary ingredient or can be left out, it is not one I recommend skipping, as it adds to the overall flavor of the fudge.

Why is my fudge not hardening?

Typically this happens when the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk do not cook long enough in the microwave. If those two ingredients are not entirely melted, the fudge will not set up correctly while chilling in the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla?

You can substitute maple syrup or almond extract in a pinch. Just note that it will slightly alter the taste of the fudge if you use a substitution. Especially if you use almond extract, as it has a more robust flavor than vanilla.

Can I make 3-ingredient fudge on the stove?

This easy fudge can be made using a double boiler. Add an inch or two of water to a pan. Place your double boiler or a heat-safe bowl on top of the pan, ensuring that the water does not touch the bowl. Bring the water to a boil, then turn to low heat to maintain a simmer. Add the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk to the bowl and frequently stir until melted.

What if the top of my fudge is lumpy?

If the top of your fudge is lumpy, you can place your microwave-safe baking dish into the microwave for 30 seconds to reheat the chocolate. Then, remove it from the microwave and work quickly to smooth the surface using a beveled spatula.

Can I use low-fat sweetened condensed milk?

Yes, low-fat or fat-free sweetened condensed milk works fine in this recipe.

Can I use regular milk?

No, this recipe will not work with regular milk. Sweetened condensed milk adds both flavor and texture to the recipe.

How long does fudge take to set?

The time it takes for fudge to set can vary depending on the specific recipe, ingredients used, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. However, on average, fudge usually takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to set at room temperature.
To determine if your fudge is properly set, you can gently touch the surface with a clean finger. If it has cooled and set, it should feel firm to the touch and not leave any residue on your finger. Keep in mind that fudge can continue to firm up even after it’s been removed from the pan and cut into pieces.
If you’re in a rush, you can place the fudge in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process, but be cautious not to leave it in there for too long, as it can become overly firm or even develop a sugary “bloom” on the surface due to temperature fluctuations.

3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (5)

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3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (6)

3.60 from 140 votes

Easy Sweetened Condensed Milk Fudge

Author Jillian – a Food Folks and Fun original!

Recipe Cost $ $6.56

Serving Cost $ $0.27

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours 7 minutes minutes

24 people

It is so easy to make homemade fudge with this3 Ingredient Fudgerecipe! Serve it at a party or pack it in a festive tin as a simple gift!

Equipment

  • 8×8-inch baking dish

  • measuring cups and spoons

  • Microwave safe-bowl

  • mixing spoon

Ingredients

Instructions

LINE BAKING DISH:

  • Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with a square piece of parchment paper that goes up the sides.

MELT CHOCOLATE:

  • Put the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium-sized bowl.

  • Microwave for one minute and then stir well. If the chocolate chips are not yet melted, microwave an additional 30 seconds.

  • Stir in the vanilla extract, then immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

CHILL:

  • Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, until the fudge is fully set and firm.

SLICE AND STORE:

  • Slice the fudge into squares and store it in an airtight container.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 2mg

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Old Fashioned Fudge Recipe
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
Easy Almond Fudge

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Jillian

I’m Jillian, the creator behind Food Folks and Fun. I have over 30 years of experience cooking for others. There’s nothing I love more than cooking for my family. Food is love, and cooking isn’t just putting a meal on a plate: It’s putting a little part of myself into that meal.

3 Ingredient Fudge • Food Folks and Fun (2024)

FAQs

Why did my 3 ingredient fudge not set? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

How to Make Fudge. The trick to good homemade fudge is to cook the ingredients to the right temperature to form a sugar syrup, and cool the mixture properly so the texture of the fudge turns out smooth and firm, but soft enough to cut. Here's how to make fudge on your stovetop and in your microwave.

How do you make Paula Deen's 5 minute fudge? ›

directions
  1. Combine sugar, milk, butter and salt in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Add in chocolate chips; cook until melted.
  3. Remove from heat; stir in marshmallows, vanilla and nuts. Mix well.
  4. Pour into a 8-inch pan. Cool cut into squares.

How to prevent sugar crystals in fudge? ›

During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. If you stir the mixture, these crystals could fall in and crystallize a part of the sugar again. To work around this issue and dissolve all crystal traces, brush the sides of the pan with a brush dipped in water at the beginning of the cooking process.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

How to rescue fudge that won't set? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

What not to do when making fudge? ›

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
  1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
  2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
  3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
  4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
  5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
  6. Scraping the Pot. ...
  7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
Dec 16, 2015

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

What ingredient makes fudge hard? ›

Too cooked

At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge. To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.)

What is in Mackinac Island fudge? ›

The team has the process down pat: One person weighs the ingredients—raw chocolate from Germany, sugar from Bay City, and cream and butter—into a copper kettle set over a propane gas burner. The maker constantly stirs with an oak paddle until the sugary mixture reaches a roaring boil, about 16 to 17 minutes.

What is the softball method fudge? ›

making of fudge

termed in kitchen parlance the soft ball stage, that point between 234 and 240 °F (112 and 115 °C) at which a small ball of the candy dropped in ice water neither disintegrates nor flattens when picked up with the fingers. Butter and vanilla are added as the candy cools,…

Can I use parchment paper instead of foil for fudge? ›

For best results, I prefer to line a baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick aluminum foil (a specially treated foil found in your grocery store). You can lightly spray the paper or regular tin foil with non-stick cooking spray, wiping away the excess with a paper towel to really ensure the fudge won't stick.

Should I stir fudge while boiling? ›

Don't stir!

Once the fudge reaches soft-ball stage on the candy thermometer, remove from the heat and let the temperature drop to 110°F. Keep that spoon or spatula out of the pot until this happens. If you stir too early in the process, you'll make the sugar crystals too big and end up with grainy fudge.

Why did my fudge turn out like taffy? ›

If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough. This mistake is super easy to avoid if you use a candy thermometer and cook the fudge to the temperature specified in the recipe (usually between 234 and 239°F).

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

Why is my fudge mixture not thickening? ›

Fudge Didn't Set

If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough. This mistake is super easy to avoid if you use a candy thermometer and cook the fudge to the temperature specified in the recipe (usually between 234 and 239°F).

How to fix dry fudge? ›

You have one option to make it soft, which is you have to put the fudge pieces in a plastic bag along with the paper towel or a bread slice. Secure the bag and leave it overnight, next day you will get a softened fudge.

Can you put fudge in the fridge to set? ›

The ratio of chocolate to condensed milk needs to be just right, otherwise you might end up with fudge that is too soft or too hard. Do not freeze the fudge to set it. Best way is to just be patient for a couple hours and set it in the fridge. If your fudge hasn't set, then you've gone wrong somewhere else.

How long does it take for homemade fudge to set? ›

Proper fudge will set after sitting at room temperature for about 4 hours. Understand that cooking the fudge properly is the skirmish before the war. The real test of your mettle will occur when you beat the fudge, and learn to master the fine art of turning and pouring. And if it doesn't work out it's okay!

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