Chocolate Candy Fudge Recipe

Irresistibly Rich Chocolate Candy Fudge Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting homemade chocolate candy fudge brings pure joy to any sweet-loving kitchen adventurer.

Smooth chocolate becomes a canvas for culinary creativity.

Decadent textures melt delightfully across your palate with each rich bite.

Layers of silky sweetness promise a delectable experience that transforms ordinary moments into special memories.

Quick and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Rich cocoa and creamy ingredients combine effortlessly to create a confection that sparks happiness.

You’ll want to savor every incredible morsel of this irresistible treat.

Why Chocolate Candy Fudge Is a Classic Treat

  • Crafting Simplicity: This chocolate candy fudge recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delectable dessert that will impress family and friends.
  • Customize with Creativity: Personalize the fudge by adding your favorite nuts, candies, or flavor extracts, transforming a classic recipe into a unique treat.
  • No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a rich, smooth chocolate dessert that sets perfectly in the refrigerator, saving you time and energy.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Candy Fudge

Main Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: A key ingredient that provides the rich, smooth chocolate base for the fudge.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create a smooth, soft texture.
  • Butter: Contributes to the rich, velvety consistency of the fudge.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor that complements the chocolate.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chopped Nuts, Candy Pieces: Provide extra crunch, texture, and personalized flavor to the fudge.
Preparation Base:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the fudge from the baking dish and clean cutting.

How to Make Chocolate Candy Fudge

Step 1: Line Baking Dish

Grab a square baking pan and drape parchment paper inside, letting edges hang over the sides so you can easily lift out the finished fudge later.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Pour chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter into a saucepan.

Warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly until everything melts into a silky smooth mixture.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Pull the pan off the heat and swirl in vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt.

Want extra excitement? Sprinkle in:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Crushed peppermint
  • Dried fruit pieces

Step 4: Spread Fudge Mixture

Transfer the glossy chocolate blend into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread evenly, creating a beautiful smooth surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let it rest for about two hours.

The fudge will transform from liquid to a delightfully firm treat.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Lift the fudge out using parchment paper edges.

Slice into bite-sized squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Candy Fudge

  • Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for effortless fudge removal and clean cutting.
  • Stir chocolate mixture constantly over low heat to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
  • Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or almond to create unique taste variations.
  • Mix in chopped nuts, marshmallows, or crushed candy for added crunch and interesting layers.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to ensure firm, sliceable fudge that holds its shape.

Variations to Try on Chocolate Candy Fudge

  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace regular chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips and mix in roasted almonds or pecans for extra texture.
  • Peppermint Swirl Fudge: Add crushed candy canes and peppermint extract to create a festive holiday version.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate: Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle sea salt for a gourmet flavor profile.
  • Vegan Chocolate Delight: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk, use vegan chocolate chips, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.

What Pairs Well with Chocolate Candy Fudge

Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate fudge’s intense sweetness and create a luxurious dessert experience.

Sip on a chilled Kahlúa or Bailey’s Irish Cream alongside the fudge for a decadent flavor combination that enhances the chocolate’s depth.

Enjoy a small shot of strong espresso to cut through the fudge’s richness and provide a contrasting bitter note that balances the dessert’s sweetness.

Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast with the dense, smooth fudge.

How to Store Chocolate Candy Fudge

  • Store fudge in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper sheets, for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and store for 3 months; thaw in refrigerator overnight.
  • Keep fudge in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Gently warm individual pieces in microwave for 5-7 seconds or let sit at room temperature for soft, creamy texture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for chocolate fudge?

The main ingredients are chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Optional add-ins include nuts or candy pieces for extra flavor and texture.

  • How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?

Stir the chocolate mixture continuously over low heat and ensure all ingredients are fully melted and combined. Use high-quality chocolate chips and avoid overheating.

  • Can I make this fudge without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are completely optional. You can skip them entirely or substitute with different mix-ins like marshmallows, crushed candy, or dried fruit.

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Chocolate Candy Fudge Recipe

Chocolate Candy Fudge Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet chocolate candy fudge brings pure indulgence to dessert lovers seeking rich, creamy perfection. Melt-in-your-mouth squares deliver delightful comfort with minimal effort, promising pure chocolate bliss you can savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt

Optional Mix-ins:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) crushed candy (M&Ms, toffee bits, or peppermint)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring paper edges extend beyond the pan for convenient lifting.
  2. Combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan, melting over low heat at 200°F while stirring constantly until perfectly smooth and glossy.
  3. Remove chocolate mixture from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and salt, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
  4. Optional: Fold in chopped nuts or candy pieces for added texture and visual interest.
  5. Transfer molten fudge into prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, uniform surface.
  6. Refrigerate the fudge for approximately 2-3 hours, or until completely solidified and chilled throughout.
  7. Once set, carefully lift the fudge from the pan using parchment paper edges.
  8. Using a sharp knife, slice the fudge into precise, bite-sized squares for serving.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Use high-quality chocolate chips for richer, more decadent fudge that melts smoothly and tastes incredible.
  • Temperature Matters: Keep heat extremely low when melting chocolate to prevent burning and ensure a silky, glossy texture.
  • Customization Magic: Swap nuts or add crushed candy canes, dried fruit, or sea salt to create unique flavor combinations that match personal preferences.
  • Storage Hack: Store fudge between parchment layers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, maintaining its creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 183
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 44 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 11 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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