No matter how you top it, stack or cut it, this simple fudge recipe makes a decadent, hand held treat.

This easy 3 ingredient fudge recipe makes a sweet, creamy smooth, and decadent chocolate fudge.

And enjoy it plain, or with mix-ins worked right in, or just sprinkled on top. Use your imagination for delicious toppings that will suit every crowd.

close up of simple fudge recipe cut into quarter sections topped with coconut, red M&M's, chopped walnuts, and plain

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Make This Fuss-Free Fudge Because…

There are not many desserts more indulgent and delicious than fudge.
With just three basic ingredients—chocolate chips, seetened condensed milk, and vanilla—plus optional toppings, this recipe is as simple as it gets.
It’s a straightforward, no-bake dessert, perfect for a quick treat without heating up the kitchen.
With its rich flavor and easy-to-cut squares, this easy chocolate fudge is ideal for gifting, parties, or a simple family treat.

sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips assembled to make simple fudge recipe

What You Need To Make Fudge

Chocolate Chips: Use a good quality brand, and use whatever type of chocolate you prefer. I used a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for this recipe, but dark chocolate chips would also be delicious.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Any brand works fine. If you do not have any on hand, you make your own.

A Good Idea

To make your own sweetened condensed milk, stir together 1 can evaporated milk and 1 cup sugar, bring to a boil until slightly thickened. Cool. It will continue to thicken once completely cooled.

Vanilla: Try experimenting with other flavored extracts like coconut, maple, orange, or peppermint.

Fun Toppings

If fudge is made for a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day, use chopped red candy coated chocolates or heart sprinkles. For Christmas, use red and green themed M&M’s with tiny marshmallows.

If you are a nut lover, chopped walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, cashews, hazelnuts….all are delicious.

Melt some peanut butter or white chocolate and drizzle over the top of the fudge. Swirl with a knife for a unique design.

melted chocolate in a bowl, before sweetened condensed milk has been added, to make simple fudge recipe

process to make simple fudge recipe, after sweetened condensed milk has been added, in a clear mixing bowl

How To Make Chocolate Fudge

Melt chocolate chips
Stir condensed milk into chocolate. It will be difficult to stir, but keep adding the milk a bit at a time and it will come together.
Spread into a pan, add toppings (if desired) and refrigerate until set.

Simple Secrets for Perfect Fudge

Spray the 8×8″ pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper.

Press optional toppings into the fudge with your hand or the back of a spoon. This helps them stick to the fudge and not fall off when sliced.

To properly and easily cut fudge, take the whole piece out using the parchment paper. Then place it on a cutting board, and with a large sharp knife begin to cut the block of fudge into smaller squares.

I prefer small, bite sized pieces of fudge, so using a good sharp knife is essential. You may want to clean, or heat, the blade in between slices for a nice, clean finish.

Tip-Top Topping Idea

I score my fudge into 4 quadrants before placing the toppings on. Use a piece of folded parchment, and set it on the score line to help prevent spilling from one quadrant onto another.

simple fudge recipe, with quarter sections that have different toppings, cut into squares on a wooden board

Sweet Storage Solutions

This easy chocolate fudge does not need to be refrigerated. It may actually dry out faster or take on fridge odours. Sealed with a tight fitting container, such as a Rubbermaid container. I prefer to eat fudge a bit cool so I refrigerate mine, but it’s totally ok to leave at room temperature.

No matter how you store, it’s a good idea to place parchment paper in between layers of fudge to avoid pieces sticking together.

Freezing fudge is a great way to preserve it for a long time. Wrap or store it the same way as you would refrigerate and it will last for 3-4 months.

simple fudge recipe without toppings on it, with a bite taken out, with more stacked in the background

I hope you enjoy this simple fudge recipe as much as my family does. Please leave a rating and comment below.

More Sweet Treats To Try

Chocolate Covered Rice Krispie Treats

White Chocolate Brownies

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