Fudge is perfect for giving and sharing, and it’s so simple (and addictive) to make! Find out how to make perfect easy fudge every time.
How to make the best easy fudge
If you want to make fudge at home, then I’ve got every easy fudge recipe you will ever need!
Nearly all my fudge recipes use just two or three ingredients and need less than 10 minutes hands-on time to make perfectly set, creamy fudge every single time.
With this simple technique, there is no need to boil pans of sugar and use a candy thermometer to get the perfect fudge.
My quick and easy fudge recipes use sweetened condensed milk as the base, which is melted with chocolate and some optional flavourings to make a perfect fudge every time.
You can even choose how to make the fudge, as these recipes work for any kind of cooker:
- Stove top
- Microwave
- Slow cooker
There’s no need for a sugar thermometer or any specialist equipment.
Big batch, or small batch, it’s all your choice. As soon as you master the basic recipe, you can make any flavour fudge you like, and like us will be making a batch of fudge most weeks for sharing and gifting.
What is fudge?
Traditional fudge can be made to a number of recipes, but will usually involve boiling a sugar syrup to soft ball stage. You then have to use your judgement or a sugar thermometer to decide how ready it is.
Once at temperature, the hot fudge mixture often needs stirring or beating to get the desired texture. The finished fudge can be crumbly like a Scottish tablet, or soft, creamy and melting.
Quick Fudge is generally made by melting sweetened condensed milk and chocolate together, stirring and pouting into a mould to set. This means it is always chocolate fudge!
This easy fudge is soft and creamy, although the texture will vary according to the ratio of condensed milk to chocolate, the type of chocolate and any other ingredients you add.
With no boiling sugar, these recipes are easy and safe, and make very little mess. You can be confident of the results and they are ideal for making with children.
Easy chocolate fudge – basic recipe
My simplest chocolate fudge uses equal weights of chocolate (dark or milk) and condensed milk. Gently melt it all, stir well and transfer to a prepared mould to set.
You can make this on the stove top, in the microwave or in the slow cooker. I prefer the stove top or microwave.
I’ve written a complete step by step tutorial for making easy chocolate fudge in the microwave – others to follow soon!
Easy Microwave Chocolate Fudge
Slow Cooker Fudge
White chocolate fudge
You can make white chocolate fudge in the same way as a dark or milk chocolate fudge, but you need to change the proportions.
You will need about 25 % more chocolate to get this recipe to set. This is because white chocolate contains no cocoa solids and is therefore softer than milk or dark chocolate. So for a regular 400g can of condensed milk you will need 500g of white chocolate.
Big or small batch fudge
Condensed milk fudge is so easy to scale for a big or small batch. I usually make a smaller batch with half a can of condensed milk. This nicely fills a regular takeaway tray making about 24 cubes.
A full 400 g can of condensed milk will make enough fudge to fill an 8″ square baking pan, which easily cuts into 64 slightly smaller pieces.
Leftover condensed milk will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a week, or can be frozen for several months.
How to prepare a pan for easy fudge
My preferred method is to use a lightly oiled takeaway tray – about 6″ x 4″ is the perfect size for a half batch of fudge. Because they are flexible, you do not need to line these trays. Just brush over some flavourless oil, or use cake release spray.
Once set, flex the sides of the tray, turn it upside down over a cutting board and give the bottom of the tray a good tap to release the fudge.
If you are using a rigid baking pan, or ceramic or glass dish for your fudge, you will need to line it, so you can remove the fudge without breaking it up. I prefer foil-backed parchment paper, as it is strong, and stays in place when you fold it.
Use it parchment side up, and lightly oil or brush over a little cake release spray. Once the fudge has set, simply lift out of the pan with the paper before cutting it up.
How long does fudge take to set?
I leave it for a couple of hours or overnight in the fridge to fully set and become firm enough to cut.
Which chocolate do I use to make fudge?
I use regular supermarket own-label chocolate bars. You want something that tastes good, but you do not need a premium brand bar here. I avoid the cheaper economy/basic bars, as I don’t like the flavour as much and they tend to have less cocoa solids which means they do not set as well.
Condensed milk or evaporated milk?
You need sweetened condensed milk to make a quick easy fudge recipe. This is not to be confused with evaporated milk, which is a different product and will not work.
The brand of condensed milk does not matter, although you may prefer the taste of some over others.
You can also use vegan condensed milk and vegan chocolate to make fudge. Be aware, however, that the can of vegan condensed milk may be smaller than the dairy version. In this case, you will need to adjust the recipe.
Confusingly, condensed milk and evaporated milk are often next to each other on the shelf in similar packaging, so make sure you buy the right one.
How long does homemade fudge last?
Depending on the recipe a batch of fudge should last for several weeks in the fridge in a sealed container. Unlike traditional fudge which can be kept at room temperature, condensed milk fudge should be kept in the fridge.
Some flavours and add-ins like Maltesers or Crunchie bars can change texture and become soft, so they won’t last as long. I recommend cutting fudge made with these up into pieces as you want to eat them to keep the texture.
More fudge hints and tips
- To firm up soft fudge, cut it into squares and arrange on a board with a gap between the pieces. Leave uncovered in the fridge for a day to dry out a little.
- If the fudge sticks to a flexible mould that you have not lined, then pop it in the freezer for half an hour.
This fudge keeps well for about a week. Make it as a party favour or a gift for your host, wrapped in cellophane with a pretty bow, as it makes a wonderful personal gift.
If you don’t see your favourite fudge here, use the basic recipe and add your favourite flavours. I would love to hear about them!
More easy fudge recipes
Find all my easy fudge recipes here.
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