dessert

Is that hankering sweet tooth begging you for a treat? This Easy 3 Ingredient Fudge is the quick-fix you need. Chances are you already have these ingredients waiting patiently in your pantry! Try this recipe all on its own or check out some of my delectable ideas to make your fudge truly special.

While my oven is on the fritz, I’ve been trying to think up dessert ideas that will come together without it. I love to bake cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, brownies galore, but those will need to be paused for a little bit. Now it’s time to get a little creative with my sweets!

I find that fudge is one of those treats people generally buy rather than make themselves. That dense, silky, instant-melt-in-your-mouth bite seems far from simple to accomplish. That is, in fact, the complete opposite of the truth! Fudge has to be one of the easiest desserts you can make yourself at home. I was actually able to shoot these photos, edit them, and get the post written all in one day. That should say a lot.

Ingredients

Click that big “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page, or keep on scrolling down, to get the ingredient amounts and full instructions. Here you’ll find helpful suggestions and details about the recipe.

• Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet works best. You can use dark or milk chocolate instead. If you want to use white chocolate, use an extra cup of chips.
• Sweetened condensed milk – One 14oz can.
• Vanilla – Extract, paste, or vanilla bean.

How to make easy 3 ingredient fudge

1. Prep: Spray an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper is long enough to come up the sides of the pan for easy fudge removal.
2. Melt: Add the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and vanilla extract to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely smooth.
3. Set: Pour the fudge into your prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Transfer the pan to the fridge and cool for at least 1 hour.
4. Slice: Hold the sides of the parchment paper and lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

If you choose to add some fun toppings, sprinkle them over top of the fudge before letting it set in the fridge.

Sweetened condensed milk

This is, unfortunately, an ingredient that does not have any feasible substitutions when you’re making fudge. Don’t try to use evaporated milk instead! If you can’t find any, or your don’t feel like making the trip to the store, I have a really easy homemade version for you:

• 1 1/2 cups milk – Any type, but ideally whole (3.25%)
• 1/2 cup sugar – Granulated.
• 3 tbsp butter – Unsalted.
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract

1. Whisk the milk and sugar together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often.
2. Let the mixture reduce for 30 minutes, or until reduced by half. Whisk often.
3. Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla.

This should make exactly as much sweetened condensed milk as you need for this easy 3 ingredient fudge recipe! No need to let the condensed milk cool. Add the chocolate chips to the saucepan and let them melt in the warm mixture.

Try these toppings on your easy 3 ingredient fudge

You know I wasn’t about to make a batch of fudge without experimenting a little bit! I split the pan into quarters and tried plain, chopped pistachios, toffee bits, and flaked sea salt. Each bite was amazing! They would be equally delicious if you mixed and matched the toppings, as well. You can try out those ideas, or get some inspiration here:

• Crushed peppermint candies
• Chocolate chips/ chopped chocolate
• Nuts: walnuts, pecans, peanuts, etc.
• Swirl: peanut butter, white chocolate, dulce de leche, etc.

How to store fudge

Transfer your fudge to an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

To freeze your fudge properly, place the sliced fudge, with space between each piece, on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 hours or until solid. Transfer the pieces to an airtight container or large freezer bag and they will last up to 3 months. This method will ensure you can grab a piece here and there without the fudge sticking together in a lump.

Loving this easy recipe? Try these:

• Mini Mixed Berry Cheesecake Pies
• Triple Chocolate Banana Bundt Cake
• The Best Banana Bread
• No-Bake Cheesecake