Description
This Foolproof Chocolate Fudge recipe creates a rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth chocolate treat made with sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate, and butter. It uses a gentle double boiler method to melt the ingredients perfectly, ensuring a glossy and luscious fudge perfect for gifting or indulging any time.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 20 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
Optional Toppings and Mix-ins
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or crushed canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil with excess hanging over the sides to allow easy removal of the fudge later. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla paste, roughly chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and room temperature butter pieces. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the double boiler.
- Set up Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with about 1/4 full of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer just to maintain warmth without vigorous boiling. Place the heatproof bowl holding the fudge ingredients over the simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Begin Melting: Stir continuously with a rubber spatula for about 4 minutes until the chocolate is nearly melted with only a few small chocolate pieces remaining. Careful not to overheat or fully melt the chocolate at this stage to avoid the fudge becoming greasy from separation.
- Finish Melting Off Heat: Remove the bowl carefully from the heat but continue stirring for an additional 2 minutes. This ensures the chocolate melts fully and the mixture becomes smooth and shiny.
- Add Mix-ins and Transfer: If using chopped nuts or crushed canes, stir them into the smooth fudge mixture now. Then scrape the fudge evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill until firm, about 2 hours. This allows the fudge to set perfectly and develop its characteristic texture.
- Remove from Pan: Run a butter knife gently around the edge of the pan to loosen the fudge. Use the foil or parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Slice and Serve: Peel away the parchment paper, then carefully cut the fudge into small squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Be sure not to overheat the chocolate mixture in the double boiler to prevent the fudge from becoming greasy or grainy.
- If adding nuts or crushed candy canes, fold them in only after the chocolate mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Use parchment or foil with an overhang to make removing the fudge from the pan easier and mess-free.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to a month.
- For longer storage, freeze the fudge in an airtight container for up to two months.
- Flaky sea salt topping is optional but adds a nice contrast to the rich sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American