Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge

This chocolate fudge recipe is so easy and is the dessert equivalent of a mic drop. Yes, it hits that hard, and it only takes 5 minutes to throw together before the fridge does all the heavy lifting. Traditional chocolate fudge is great and all, but when you’ve got 5 kids (and maybe a husband who counts as a sixth), simplicity wins every time. No candy thermometers, no double boilers, and definitely no stress—just 3 ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter are all you need to make a kickass chocolate fudge.

This chocolate fudge recipe is stupid easy and soo freakin’ good. It’s the kind of treat that has you standing in the kitchen with a spoon, telling yourself you’re “just testing it” until—whoops—you’re halfway through the batch (It can’t be just me that does this, right?!). Anywho, if you’ve got 5 minutes, 3 ingredients, and a saucepan, you’re basically a fudge master now.

My Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe At A Glance

Primary Cooking Method: Stovetop
Number of Ingredients: 3
Total Prep Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes chill time
Total Cook Time: 5 minutes
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
(Learn more about our recipe effort levels)

3 Ingredients to Make Chocolate Fudge

• 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can): This is a must as it adds sweetness and gives the fudge the consistency it needs to be called a fudge. And no, evaporated milk won’t work, so don’t even think about trying to swap it—you’ll just end up sad and fudge-less.
• 3 cups Chocolate Chips: Pick your passion—milk, dark, semi-sweet, or a mix.
• 1/2 cup salted Butter: The secret to creamy fudge that doesn’t double as a doorstop. Only have unsalted butter? Use it. Just add a pinch of salt to the mix about 1/8 of a teaspoon. You can also use coconut oil at a 1:1 ratio if you prefer.

Make This Recipe Yours Additions

• Nuts (½ cup): Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Stir them in before pouring the fudge into the pan, or sprinkle them on top and gently press them in before chilling..
• Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes this fudge from sweet to chef’s kiss. Sweet and salty is always a win.
• Peanut Butter Swirl (¼ cup): Drop dollops of melted peanut butter over the fudge and swirl it with a knife. Now it’s not just fudge—it’s art.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): For those Rocky Road vibes. Toss them in with some chopped nuts, and suddenly your simple fudge feels gourmet.
• Crushed Candy Canes (½ cup): Perfect for the holidays. Sprinkle them on top before the fudge sets for a minty crunch.
• Extracts (1 teaspoon): Swap out the vanilla for something fun like mint, orange, or almond extract. Just a small change, and you’ve got a whole new flavor.
• Dried Fruit (½ cup): Chopped dried cherries or cranberries add a chewy, tangy twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• Espresso Powder (1 teaspoon): Stir this into the melted chocolate mixture for a mocha-inspired fudge that’ll have you buzzing.
• Flavored Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Sprinkle flavored chips—like butterscotch, mint, or even caramel—on top of the fudge right after pouring it into the pan. They’ll melt slightly and add an extra layer of flavor without any extra effort.

How to make this Easy Chocolate Fudge

For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Prep Ahead

Make It Early: This fudge can chill—literally—for up to a week in the fridge. Wrap it tight in plastic wrap or toss it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh, and you’ll look like the kind of person who totally has their act together.

Freeze It for Later: Got more holiday chaos than you can handle? Slice the fudge, wrap it up like little chocolate presents (plastic wrap or parchment works), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to be the dessert hero.

Double or Regret It Later: One batch? Amateur move. Double it now, save yourself the disappointment of running out when everyone starts “just one more”ing their way through the pan.

My Best Cooking Tips for Making Chocolate Fudge With Sweetened Condensed Milk

1. Low and Slow Wins the Race: Don’t rush the melting process. Keep the heat on low and stir constantly. High heat can scorch the chocolate or make the mixture seize, and no one, not even Martha Stewart, can rescue burnt fudge.
2. Use Good Chocolate Chips: The better the chocolate, the better the fudge. Cheap chocolate chips will work, but if you’re making this for gifts (or yourself, let’s be honest), splurge on a brand you love eating straight from the bag.
3. Line the Pan: Use parchment or foil to line your pan, and make sure to leave overhangs on the edges. This way, you can lift the fudge out in one piece instead of playing the “pry it out with a knife” game.
4. Fat Is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip the butter (or coconut oil)! It keeps the fudge smooth and creamy.
5. Smooth It Out: Once the fudge is in the pan, use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top. Or don’t—rustic vibes are totally a thing.
6. Let It Set Completely: Resist the urge to slice too soon. Fudge needs at least 4 hours at room temp or 2 hours in the fridge to set properly. Cutting it too early will just make a mess (and a sad you).
7. Cut Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife, and if you want Instagram-worthy squares, fill a cup with hot water, dip the knife in to warm the blade, cut, then wipe the blade clean and reheat between cuts.

How to Package Fudge for Gift Giving

• Tins with Pizzazz: Pick up some cute holiday tins (you know, the ones everyone saves “just in case”). Line the bottom with parchment paper and layer the fudge inside.
• Cellophane Bags with Ribbon: Stack a few pieces of fudge in decorative cellophane bags and tie them off with a ribbon. Simple, adorable, and just enough effort to make it seem like you planned ahead.
• Mason Jars: Stack fudge squares in a wide-mouth mason jar, toss in a layer of parchment for a little flair, and slap a festive tag on it. It’s rustic, it’s trendy, and it totally works.
• DIY Fudge Boxes: Fold your own little gift boxes or grab some from the dollar store. Line them with wax paper and pack them up like you own a bakery. If you’re extra, throw in a sprig of greenery or a tiny ornament.
• Holiday Plates or Trays: Lay out the fudge on a decorative plate or tray, wrap the whole thing in plastic wrap, and finish with a bow. It’s low-key genius for cookie swaps or hostess gifts.
• Add a Personal Touch: Whatever packaging you choose, add a handwritten note or recipe card for that extra touch. Even if the note just says, “Here’s some fudge—don’t eat it all at once.”

How to store Chocolate Fudge made with Sweetened Condensed Milk

At Room Temperature: Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep the container in a cool, dry spot (so, not next to your oven or in the sun), and layer the pieces with parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking together.

In the Fridge: If your kitchen runs warm or you just want your fudge to last longer, stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. Use an airtight container to avoid it picking up those mystery fridge smells. Nobody wants chocolate that tastes like onions.

In the Freezer: Need to make fudge way ahead of time? No problem. Freeze it! Once the fudge has fully set, slice it into squares and layer them with parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for an hour or two.

Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions

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Easy Chocolate Fudge

3-ingredient chocolate fudge that’s rich, creamy, and stupid easy. Melt it, pour it, chill it—use your fav chocolate chips (or candy bar!), add sweetened condensed milk and a little butter and that's it!

5 from 3 votes

Author Jackie

Servings 24 1×1 inch squares

Course Dessert

Calories 199

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Chill Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

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Equipment

Small Saucepan

8×8 Baking pan

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
• ▢ 3 cups chocolate chips milk, dark or semi-sweet
• ▢ ½ cup salted butter

Instructions

• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan (or similar size) with foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine 3 cups of chocolate chips, ½ cup of salted butter, and 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk (1 can). Stir the mixture to combine.
• Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly as the ingredients melt together. Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the chocolate or causing it to seize.
• As the chocolate melts, the mixture will thicken and take on a smooth, frosting-like consistency. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure everything is fully incorporated and glossy.
• Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to press it evenly into the bottom, smoothing the top as you go.
• Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for about 4 hours, or speed things up by placing it in the fridge for 2 hours until firm.
• Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

1. Low and Slow Wins the Race: Don’t rush the melting process. Keep the heat on low and stir constantly. High heat can scorch the chocolate or make the mixture seize, and no one, not even Martha Stewart, can rescue burnt fudge.
2. Use Good Chocolate Chips: The better the chocolate, the better the fudge. Cheap chocolate chips will work, but if you’re making this for gifts (or yourself, let’s be honest), splurge on a brand you love eating straight from the bag.
3. Line the Pan: Use parchment or foil to line your pan, and make sure to leave overhangs on the edges. This way, you can lift the fudge out in one piece instead of playing the “pry it out with a knife” game.
4. Fat Is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip the butter (or coconut oil)! It keeps the fudge smooth and creamy.
5. Smooth It Out: Once the fudge is in the pan, use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top. Or don’t—rustic vibes are totally a thing.
6. Let It Set Completely: Resist the urge to slice too soon. Fudge needs at least 4 hours at room temp or 2 hours in the fridge to set properly. Cutting it too early will just make a mess (and a sad you).
7. Cut Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife, and if you want Instagram-worthy squares, fill a cup with hot water, dip the knife in to warm the blade, cut, then wipe the blade clean and reheat between cuts.

Make This Recipe Yours Additions

• Nuts (½ cup): Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Stir them in before pouring the fudge into the pan, or sprinkle them on top and gently press them in before chilling..
• Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top takes this fudge from sweet to chef’s kiss. Sweet and salty is always a win.
• Peanut Butter Swirl (¼ cup): Drop dollops of melted peanut butter over the fudge and swirl it with a knife. Now it’s not just fudge—it’s art.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 cup): For those Rocky Road vibes. Toss them in with some chopped nuts, and suddenly your simple fudge feels gourmet.
• Crushed Candy Canes (½ cup): Perfect for the holidays. Sprinkle them on top before the fudge sets for a minty crunch.
• Extracts (1 teaspoon): Swap out the vanilla for something fun like mint, orange, or almond extract. Just a small change, and you’ve got a whole new flavor.
• Dried Fruit (½ cup): Chopped dried cherries or cranberries add a chewy, tangy twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
• Espresso Powder (1 teaspoon): Stir this into the melted chocolate mixture for a mocha-inspired fudge that’ll have you buzzing.
• Flavored Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Sprinkle flavored chips—like butterscotch, mint, or even caramel—on top of the fudge right after pouring it into the pan. They’ll melt slightly and add an extra layer of flavor without any extra effort.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 square, Calories: 199kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 51mg, Potassium: 127mg, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 162IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 64mg, Iron: 0.03mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American