Creamy, rich homemade fudge is my favorite holiday treat to give as gifts or serve to guests. Unlike traditional fudge recipes that boil on the stove and must be stirred constantly, each of these fudge recipes can be made in 10 minutes or less!
This will be my last recipe post for 2021. I’m ready to curl up on the couch, read through my stack of books, watch our favorite movies, laugh and play all the silly games, and bake my heart out just for fun. Merry Christmas, friends!
While the holidays tend to be thought of as fudge season, what time of year isn’t a good time for fudge? Fudge is one of those treats that’s just as appropriate to eat on a seaside boardwalk in the summertime as it is next to the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree.
With peak sweet treat, party and gift-giving season approaching, I thought I’d assemble a list of my Top 10 Easy Fudge Recipes to make your life easier.
Not only are each and every one of these recipes sure-fire hits, as the comments and ratings on the recipes prove, but they all also come together within that ten-minute time frame. I mean it! No fuss, no hassle, just delicious fudge.
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 in a simple fool-proof recipe.
If you’re in need of a last-minute gift or dessert for a holiday party, look no further. With just a few minutes spent in the kitchen, you’ll have enough sweet treats to share with all your friends and you won’t have to do any more shopping!
Popular Fudge Recipes
This 5 Minute 5 Ingredient Fudge Recipe is the starting point for countless holiday treats. Everyone loves this fudge and you can add in whichever fun ingredients you like best. From pecans to peppermint to bits of dried fruit, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.
White Chocolate Caramel Fudge is one of the most popular fudge recipes I have ever made. No one can resist the swirls of caramel in a rich and creamy white chocolate. It’s decadence at its best, perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea on a winter night.
Rocky Road Fudge is everything you love about the classic ice cream, in a handheld candy. Crunchy nuts and soft fluffy marshmallows in every bite make it a delight for kids and adults alike.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Chocolate and peanut butter fudge is an enduring favorite. The combination of sweet, salty and creamy in this kind of fudge makes it hard to refuse when you see it on a dessert tray.
This Buckeye Fudge is inspired by the popular peanut butter and chocolate candy of the same name. Now that I live in the Buckeye State, I know I’ll be making this fudge to share with my new Ohio friends.
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge is made with marshmallows. The peanut butter, chocolate chips and marshmallows are all melted together then chilled to make one of the quickest, tastiest and easiest fudge recipes imaginable. There’s nothing better.
If you like chocolate and peanut butter, you’ll love these homemade Chocolate Crunch Bars, too. A cross between a cookie and a candy bar, these no-bake desserts have been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. (While technically not a fudge recipe, these treats are so easy to make and so good that I just had to remind you to make them!)
Vanilla Fudge Recipes
Vanilla fudge recipes make a nice change in the sea of milk chocolate and dark chocolate options. A pretty party tray checkered with squares of both chocolate and vanilla fudge looks so appealing on a dessert buffet, too.
When it comes to vanilla recipes, this Vanilla Pecan Fudge is out of this world. It calls for fragrant vanilla, white chocolate and pecans to create a five-minute fudge recipe perfect for a snowy day.
Cranberry Macadamia Nut Fudge is another vanilla fudge recipe ideal for the holiday season. Tart cranberries add fantastic contrast to the rich sweetness of the fudge. I’m imagining nibbling this fudge while we cozy up next to the fireplace this Christmastime.
Fudge Recipes
Our Oreo Fudge was inspired by the Fudge Covered Oreos that became popular a few years ago. As it turns out fudge made with Oreos is even better than Oreos made with fudge!
I also called on Chocolate Covered Pretzel Fudge to inspire the Oreo Fudge recipe. Salty and sweet combinations are irresistible to most people and the crispiness of the pretzels in each piece of fudge made this recipe a winner.
Peppermint Marshmallow Fudge is chocolate + candy canes + plenty of chewy marshmallows. It’s a fudge that couldn’t be more full of holiday cheer if it tried. Marshmallow Fudge is a fun combination of candy and classic fudge and the addition of peppermint makes it extra festive. (No marshmallows on hand, just make it Peppermint Fudge, so good!)
If you like that combo of peppermint, marshmallow and chocolate, give my Chocolate Covered Candy Cane Marshmallows a try as well. Made with either store-bought or homemade marshmallows, these treats make delightful gifts on their own or tucked inside a box alongside any one of these fudge recipes.
Dark Chocolate Almond Fudge is a melt in your mouth, smooth and creamy fudge; rich with dark chocolate and almonds. The recipe includes almond extract which adds a wonderful dimension to the chocolate. Have you ever tried substituting almond extract for the vanilla in your favorite chocolate recipe? It’s an easy way to add a nutty cherry-like flavor to a dessert!
Whether you whip up a batch of peanut butter fudge to give as a gift or just to eat yourself with the ones you love, it’s well worth the 5 or 10 minutes of time it takes to make.
With a glass of milk, or a cup of hot coffee, cocoa, or tea, these easy fudge recipes are sure to make every day of your holiday season sweet!
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!
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.
Kitchen Tip: I use this bowl, this spatula, and this pan to make these recipes.
Easy Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional:
- 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, if desired. Scoop into a parchment-lined loaf pan (approximately 5×8 inches). Spread with a spatula to approximately 1-inch thickness. Top with remaining chopped pecans, if desired.
- 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
{originally published 9/18/19 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/20/21}
Cil says
I can only print the chocolate fudge recipe and it’s an amazing one! How can I get copies of the other fudge recipes?
Mary Younkin says
If you click on the names of the different fudge recipes, it will take you to a printable recipe for every single one, Cil. Enjoy!
Josh says
These all look and sound amazing! Beautiful pictures by the way.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like the fudge recipes, Josh!
Beth says
I followed the chocolate fudge recipe, used the exact same ingredients and measurements, exact size pan and it was a total failure. For starters the finished product in 1/4 inch thick, it all stuck to the parchment paper. I don’t know what the pictures on your website are, but not for this recipe. I threw the whole mess in the garbage. Complete waste of time, and money.
Mary Younkin says
Hey Beth, I’m at a complete loss as to how this could have gone so wrong for you. And without being in your kitchen, it’s pretty hard to even guess. To begin with, the “exact” ingredients would fill a loaf pan much higher than 1/4-inch, actually, it will fill the pan to the 1-inch mark perfectly. It sounds like you used a significantly larger pan.
Duane krplke says
I followed the directions to a tee- greased 8×13 glass pan covered with foil and put it in refrigerator. I opened up this morning to the same liquid as when I poured it into pan. My peanut butter fudge turned out great. What did I do wrong with chocolate fudge??0
Mary Younkin says
Did you by chance use evaporated milk in place of condensed milk? For what it’s worth, this shouldn’t have been “liquid” even before putting it in the fridge to chill. The ingredients themselves are thick enough to stick to a spoon.
Sandra says
This fudge is delicious. I’m wondering if I can substitute cocoa powder and sugar for the chocolate chips next time? If so, how much of each? Thanks
Mary Younkin says
I’ve never tried that, Sandra. So, I can’t speak to how that might work for you.
Sue says
I’ve been making this basic fudge recipe for years. It’s a holiday fave!
Barbara says
I need the recipe the texas praline candy
Mary Younkin says
Hi Barbara, that isn’t something I’m familiar with making.
Ina de Wit says
Would love your different fudge recipes please
Mary Younkin says
All of the recipes are linked in the post, Ina.
Debbie Earles says
I would love to make peanut butter fudge. You said I could make it with the fudge recipe. I read all the way to the end and couldn’t find the peanut butter fudge.
Mary Younkin says
Here is the link for the peanut butter fudge, Debbie: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/creamy-peanut-butter-fudge-recipe/
Vicki Harris says
Can you freeze any of these fudge recipes?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, the fudge will freeze nicely, Vicki.
Marta says
These fudge recipes are fantastic. I made the chocolate and the peanut butter fudges last year. I just printed out a few more to try this Christmas. I can’t wait!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you’re enjoying the recipes, Marta!
Heather says
The link for the cookies & cream fudge is broken. Can you send it to me?
Mary Younkin says
Hi Heather, it seems to be working for me. Here you go: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/oreo-fudge-recipe/
CINDY FEINZIMER says
Hi Mary,
Can you please tell me or do you know if the recipe for Easy Chocolate Fudge can be made with Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk instead of the sweetened Condensed Milk?
Thank you,
Cindy
Mary Younkin says
I haven’t tried that myself, Cindy, but I’m guessing it will work just as well.
Elaine Feland says
I made these stove top, in double boiler. I use only Ghirardelli chocolate chips. They melt nicer in my opinion. I spread them in a buttered 10×6 glass pan. They turned out fine.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the fudge recipes, Elaine.
Sharon says
What a great time I had with the grandkids each making their own kind. Even some of my kids joined in! The craziest kind was the chocolate fudge with m&ms and marshmallows. Christmas has never been so fun with cookie decorating for those waiting their turn to make their fudge. Now for a winter batch for my husband to enjoy. Thanks so much!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that the fudge is a hit, Sharon!
FRANCINE says
Hi Mary, can I use semi sweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate ?
Mary Younkin says
Sure, that will work fine.
Deb Lukens says
I love how simple your recipe is and will try it this Christmas and thanks
Mary Younkin says
Happy fudge making!
Mary says
Turned out completely perfect and it was easy to make. I can’t believe I have been using a candy thermometer to make sub-par fudge for so long!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the fudge!
Issa says
Hi I want to try your recipe but have a question. Would you use salted or unsalted butter?
Mary Younkin says
I use salted butter.
Cheryl says
What brand chocolate chips do you use ?
Mary Younkin says
Whichever ones you like best!
Kendra says
In the process of making these now. I just stuck them in the fridge to chill. I can’t see anywhere on the site how long these are supposed to chill in the fridge for until they’ve set. Can anyone tell me? All it says is chill until ready to serve.
Mary Younkin says
Kendra – 4 hours should be a sufficient chill to set. Enjoy your fudge!