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5 Minute Chocolate Fudge is a creamy chocolate fudge recipe generously filled with pecans.
This fudge recipe comes together in just a few minutes and it is perfect for gifting, snacking, and serving for any occasion. Made with or without nuts, this fudge is a favorite sweet treat year-round.
Chocolate Fudge
To make this Chocolate Pecan Fudge, you simply combine everything in a glass bowl, heat for a couple of minutes, pour onto a tray, and refrigerate until firm. I like to sprinkle a few spoonfuls of extra chopped nuts on top of the fudge before refrigerating, too.
Once the fudge is set you can slice the fudge into whatever shapes and sizes you like. 1-inch squares are my preferred way to cut this fudge but bigger squares, triangles, and rectangles would also be good!
I like how the small squares of fudge make it easier to share with family and friends or pack into a box with parchment paper for a gift.
This chocolate fudge is rich enough that a little goes a long way so even just a batch of it is enough to satisfy all of our sweet tooths.
How to Make 5 Minute Fudge
Traditional old-fashioned fudge is a time-intensive and finicky candy to make. Old-fashioned fudge requires a candy thermometer and a considerable amount of time spent stirring the hot mixture over the stovetop.
Delicious for sure but, in my opinion, rarely worth all the time, effort, and special equipment.
Microwave Fudge
This method of making fudge may not be traditional but it produces a homemade chocolate fudge that’s just as delicious as the old-fashioned kind. Nothing beats being able to melt baking ingredients to the perfect consistency in just moments.
All it takes is a microwave (or stovetop) and a few ingredients, plus a little hands-off time waiting for the fudge to set. Since you don’t even need the stove for this recipe, it’s also a great one to make with kids!
Kids will love creating their very own chocolate fudge. For little ones it’s almost magical to see the melty chocolate mixture turn into cuttable fudge after just a little time in the fridge.
Now that I’ve been making fudge this way, I’m thrilled to be making countless varieties of fudge in just minutes. There are so many EASY FUDGE RECIPES here, be sure to check them all out!
Yes, you can make this fudge on the stove. Keep the heat low and use a double boiler method. The microwave melting method makes this recipe ultra-quick and easy. However, if you don’t happen to be a fan of the microwave (or don’t have one), you can easily melt the chocolate, milk, and butter in a double boiler on the stovetop. It will just take a few minutes longer.
Yes, you can freeze fudge. Wrap it tightly in parchment (cut or uncut) and then slide it into a zip-close freezer bag. Press the air out of the bag and freeze flat.
Yes, nuts can be added to almost any fudge recipe. No other adjustments will need to be made.
No, you can not make this without regular sweetened condensed milk. Nothing else will work. The sweetened condensed milk contains sugar which is vital to the taste, texture, and consistency of this recipe.
Chocolate Fudge Recipes
Chocolate fudge with pecans is delicious just as is but you can also use the basic recipe as a guide to making chocolate fudge with different mix-ins.
Starting with the basic combination of chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk gives you a canvas for making just about any kind of chocolate fudge you can imagine.
This recipe would be delicious with almonds or walnuts instead of (or in addition to) pecans. Dried fruits, pretzels, peppermint candies, marshmallows, peanut butter chips . . . the list of good ideas goes on and on. This peanut butter fudge we filled with Oreos is still something my kids ask to make. Get creative!
You could also skip the nuts and mix-ins all together to create a simple but still completely heavenly basic chocolate fudge. Sometimes the simplest desserts are the ones we love best!
Alternatively, you can really mix it up with white chocolate and caramel, like the heavenly fudge pictured above.
I’ve also recently been enjoying No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Bites and this Homemade Almond Joy recipe.
Nothing beats having candy recipes at your fingertips that only require a handful of ingredients and a few minutes time. Butterscotch Fudge and Caramel Peanut Butter Pretzel Fudge are both on my list to try this year.
Creamy chocolate fudge filled with peanuts and marshmallows makes a chewy, crunchy, salty, sweet Rocky Road Fudge that all ages will enjoy.
If you’ve avoided making your own fudge because you assumed you’d need tons of time and a professional candy thermometer to get it right, these are the recipes for you! The taste and texture are everything we love about old-fashioned fudge except you only need 5 minutes instead of several hours!
Kitchen Tip: I use this bowl, this spatula, and this pan to make this recipe.
Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Combine the chocolate, the milk, and the butter in a medium-size glass bowl and heat in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir to combine and heat another 15 seconds if needed.
- Add the extract and stir until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of pecans.
- Scoop into a parchment-lined loaf pan. Spread with a spatula to approximately 1-inch thickness.
- Top with remaining chopped pecans. Chill until ready to serve.
- Slice into 1-inch squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
PLEASE NOTE: This recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, not heavy cream, not half and half, nothing else will work. Trust me on this.
The sweetened condensed milk contains sugar which is vital to the taste, texture, and consistency of this recipe.
Even if you’ve had success subbing with something else in other recipes, I promise that you NEED to use sweetened condensed milk for this fudge recipe!
Homemade Candy
If you’re looking for more great fudge recipes, you’ll want to check out our other top fudge recipes, too.
This White Chocolate Caramel Fudge has been one of the most popular fudge recipes on the site since I first shared it. That doesn’t surprise me. Rich creamy white chocolate and buttery caramel make this fudge recipe unbeatable.
Chocolate and peanut butter lovers must give this Buckeye Fudge a try, too. Inspired by the popular candy, it’s a thick nutty peanut butter fudge topped with delicious dark chocolate that tastes just like a Buckeye.
The Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge has been an enormous hit with every single person who has made it. Peanut butter and powdered sugar together make the fudge smooth, sweet and almost laughably easy to make. The kids can even make it on their own!
Dark Chocolate Coconut Fudge is filled with sweet, chewy bits of coconut and then topped with a generous sprinkling of coconut. Creamy dark chocolate peppermint fudge is topped with crushed candy canes for a wonderful Christmas treat.
5-Minute Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans plus about 2 tablespoons for topping
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate, the milk, and the butter in a medium size glass bowl and heat in the microwave for 90 seconds. Stir to combine and heat another 15 seconds if needed.
- Add the extract and stir until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of pecans. Scoop into a parchment lined loaf pan. Spread with a spatula to approximately 1-inch thickness. Top with remaining chopped pecans. Chill until ready to serve. Slice into 1-inch squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 10/15/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/4/22}
Isn’t 1/4cup of butter too much?
Not in my experience, Judy. This is a very popular recipe as written.
can you replace the dark chocolate chips with the milk chocolate chips?
That should work fine.
I made these according to the directions and they taste great but they stuck to the parchment paper and were very soft. Where did I go wrong?
It sounds like it may have needed a bit more time in the fridge.
You can try spraying the pan with non stick to keep the paper in place and then spray the paper before pouring in the mixture
Worked for me! I love this recipe by the way!!
My first time in 73 years to make fudge and it was a success! Note: I did melt the butter. It turned out perfect. Thank you.
I’m so glad you like them!
Hi, Mary! Can these five-ingredient chocolate fudge squares be packaged in tins and mailed off safely without melting or anything? I’m on the east coast, and my daughter is on the west coast, and I’m considering making and shipping her some of these as a Christmas/New Years present. Thank you!
This won’t be as firm as traditional fudge. I keep it in the fridge, so I can’t say it would be great shipped if it gets warm.
can you use oleo instead of butter?
wondering if this may be why some turned out sticky.
I’ve only used butter.
Dear Mary,
Could you kindly also give measurements in weight (grams).
US cup measurements are different. I love your recipes but often got the measurements completely off.
Thanking you,
Regards,
Annie
Hi Annie, I can appreciate that the measurements can be a hassle. However, that simply isn’t something I’m able to provide for all of the recipes on this website. Fortunately, there are conversion calculators available online to help with it as needed.
After my grandchildren clamoring for me to buy fudge at the supermarket, I decided it would be less expensive to make it. Did so this morning early and surprised them. 2 batches, one with pecans and 1 nut free. Easy and delicious. I did lightly butter the parchment paper and it’s beautiful and was so simple. It’s going to be my go to quick fudge recipe.. thank you
Love that you made them a little treat, this fudge recipe really is that easy!
Love the recipes. Can’t wait to try all of them. Especially the caramel. Southern Ladies love sweets.
I hope you love the fudge as much as we do, Debbie.
Excellent and a fun quickie project / gift to make with kids. I had this recipe years ago but misplaced it.
That won’t happen again. Thank you
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the fudge, Jinny.
Very easy to make , smells great , after it hardens can you store in freezer
It is my favorite easy fudge by far, Earlene.
Can you use cocoa instead of chocolate chips? If so how much?
I would not use cocoa powder, Carolin.
Do you use salted or unsalted butter
Salted is fine, Jim.
Can you substitute Hershey’s 100% unsweetened cocoa powder, if so how much ?
I would not recommend it.
I love that this can be made in the microwave. I just tried it, and even though I forgot the vanilla it turned out great. Will use this as a go to in the future!
Yes, It really is that easy! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Hello there. Looks and sounds delicious. How embarrassing and its probably right in front of my face. I can find the measurements for the pecan fudge.
If you click the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the ingredient list with measurements. You can also just scroll until you hit the printable recipe card.
I will be trying this recipe this weekend. Sounds easy and tasty.
The recipe states Prep Time 5 mins, Cook Time of 4 hrs, and Total Time 4hr 5 mins.
How can that be correct?
It should take roughly five minutes to prep and combine the ingredients, but the fudge will need to sit in the fridge for a while before it sets.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of the dark?
Hi, Glenda. You should be able to use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this recipe, but keep in mind that the result will be much sweeter.
Loaf pan????? In my world that means a bread pan but there is no way I’m going to get 36 pieces out of a bread pan
Hi, Diane. Typically I use a 9.5×5 loaf pan.
Can’t wait to follow your recipes.
Enjoy, Joni! I hope you love the fudge.
This doesn’t quite make authentic, old-fashioned FUDGE, but it does make a delicious chocolate treat that definitely curbs a sweet craving! And it’s super easy and quick, so no reason not to make it!
I’m glad you like it! Sometimes the shortcut recipes are the best ones.