Running short on time but still want to stir up some candy from scratch? This microwave fudge takes only a few minutes of hands-on time, but tastes just as good as the Christmas candy Grandma would make.
Ingredients for Microwave Fudge
You might have all the ingredients you need right in your pantry. Make sure you’ve got plenty of these essentials before you begin.
- Chocolate chips: This recipe uses milk and semisweet chocolate chips. Because this recipe is chocolate-forward, make sure you’re using good-quality chocolate—the kind that you’d eat on its own.
- Vanilla extract:Â While chocolate is the primary flavor in fudge, a splash of vanilla extract adds depth to this treat.
- Sweetened condensed milk:Â A can of sweetened condensed milk is the key to making shortcut fudge. It gives this candy just the right texture and sweetness.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the pan
This recipe makes a 9×9-inch pan of fudge. To start, line this square pan with foil and then grease with 1-1/2 teaspoons of butter.
Step 2: Microwave the ingredients
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and the rest of the butter for 60 seconds. Give the mix a stir, and continue to microwave in 30-second bursts until fully melted and smooth.
Then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Refrigerate
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm. Once set, use the foil to lift the candy out of the pan. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares. Stash the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
While this fudge is delicious on its own, you can also use it as a starting point for your own flavor combinations. Here are a few fudge ideas to get you started:
- Coconut:Â Before the fudge is completely set, sprinkle a handful of toasted coconut over the top.
- Crushed candies:Â An easy way to add flavor and visual appeal to homemade fudge is to sprinkle even more candy over the top. Crush up peppermints, Oreos or even your favorite candy bar and sprinkle over the top of the fudge as it cools.
- Different extracts: While this recipe calls for vanilla extract, you can also swap in another flavor if you like. Try almond extract, peppermint extract or even a bit of orange extract. These alternative flavors are a bit more potent, cut down the amount you add by half.
- Nuts:Â Nuts of all kinds are welcome in fudge. Chop up your favorite kind and stir them into the fudge. Then pour the mix into the pan.
- Sea salt:Â If you love the idea of sweet and salty, sprinkle coarse salt over the fudge before it sets completely.
How to Store Fudge
Fudge is best stored in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers. It will last for 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature or up to three weeks in the fridge.
If you want to freeze fudge, wrap it tightly in waxed paper, and then in a layer of aluminum foil. Stash that package in an air-tight container in the freezer. It’ll keep well for up to a year.
Microwave Fudge Tips
What if the fudge is grainy?
Graininess is a common fudge mistake. With this recipe, you can encounter that unpleasant texture if you heat the chocolate for too long. For best results, melt the chocolate and butter together in short bursts—30 seconds at a time at most.
Can you use other types of chocolate to make microwave fudge?
This recipe uses semisweet and milk chocolate. If you prefer one type of chocolate in particular—milk, dark, semisweet—feel free to use just those chips.
Can you decorate fudge?
If you want to give your fudge a fun finish, you can add a smattering of sprinkles or drizzle melted candy melts over the top. You can easily tweak these decorations to match the season.
