Chocolate fudge is one of the tastiest homemade candy snacks. Get a failproof recipe that makes the best Homemade Chocolate Fudge full of rich, smooth and decadent vibes.
Nothing says the holidays are here like festive chocolate desserts. We love Chocolate covered pretzels, Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Peanut Clusters. All these no bake desserts are perfect for homemade gifts too.

Easy Chocolate Fudge
When it comes to dessert, there’s nothing like a chocolate fudge recipe. This easy one is for cooking novices and is guaranteed to be a hit! All you need is five basic baking ingredients to make this.
I am including three different methods of making this gourmet fudge. It is super easy and doesn’t need fancy equipment or a candy thermometer.
Mastering the art of making velvety smooth fudge is actually super easy. There’s nothing like the smell and taste of fresh chocolate fudge. You will love this no bake dessert.
Holiday Fudge
Fudge is a holiday staple in our kitchen. Smoothly melted chocolate and condensed milk are well combined to make this heavenly decadent sweet treat.
I often make a big batch of this Chocolate Fudge. Pack it in cute festive colorful containers. It makes a wonderful gift that everyone loves !
Use it as a hostess gift. For holiday gifts to teachers, co-workers and neighbors. Treat your family and friends.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this recipe. I show you the basic recipe and you add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to put your personality to it. Win win !
- You can add a variety of dry fruits like figs, raisins, dates, apricots or berries.
- Different nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews or pecans.
- Various seeds including sesame seeds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Sweet chocolate liquor, rum or bourbon, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, mocha, strawberry or cherry flavors.
- Seasonal and colorful garnishes like sprinkles, Peppermint candy, M&M’s and more.
- You can also use unsweetened condensed milk and maple syrup or brown sugar for a rich sweet taste.
Ingredients
Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here’s a brief overview of what I used to make this recipe.
Chocolate Chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can use just white or dark chocolate chips or combination of any of the three. Chocolate barks also work however do not use candy melts.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Store brought can of 14-ounce sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer bitter dark chocolate taste, use unsweetened condensed milk and add maple syrup or brown sugar.
Coconut Oil or Butter: Helps create a smoother fudge consistency. It also gives nice glossy glaze.
Espresso Powder: for a deep rich chocolate taste. This is a surprise ingredient that accentuates the earthy flavors. Don’t skip it.
Sea Salt – ¼ teaspoon for flavor enhancer. You can also use ¼ teaspoon sea salt crystals for a salty crunch.
Pro Tips for best results
- Use a glass or metal baking dish lined with parchment paper or foil and leave some overhang. This will make it much easier to lift the fudge out and easier to clean up.
- While the fudge ingredients are cooking, the mixture is hot and gets heavy. To ensure smooth consistency, scrape the bottom and the sides and stir continuously.
- The mixture should be soft and smooth and glossy and without any lumps.
- You can mix in your favorite ingredients within the fudge or as a topping.
How to Make Fudge in the Instant Pot
Pour 2 cups of water in the instant pot liner. Put a small trivet in it. Press the SAUTE mode to turn on that function.
Combine the chocolate chips, coconut oil, espresso powder, condensed milk and salt in a stainless steel or glass bowl that can fit in the Instant Pot.
Place the bowl on the trivet to make it work as a double boiler. Mix with a spatula until all the chocolate chips have melted. Cancel SAUTE. Lift the bowl from the Instant Pot.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a silicon or wooden spatula, spread the top into an even layer.
Put it in the refrigerator and let it chill until set. ( about 2 hours)
Remove from the dish by lifting the parchment paper. Put it on the cutting board. Cut into squares or your desired shape. Garnish with optional toppings. Enjoy !
How to Make Fudge on the Stovetop:
In a medium saucepan stir together chocolate chips, coconut oil, sweetened condensed milk, espresso powder and salt.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate chips have completely melted and become smooth.
Remove from heat. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Using a silicon or wooden spatula, spread the top into an even layer.
Put it in the refrigerator and let it chill until set. ( about 2 hours)
Remove from the dish by lifting the parchment paper. Put it on the cutting board. Cut into squares or your desired shape. Garnish with optional toppings. Enjoy !
How to Make Fudge in the Microwave:
In a microwave safe bowl mix chocolate chips, coconut oil, sweetened condensed milk, espresso powder and salt.
Heat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth. It will take about 6-8 intervals and 5 minutes of microwaving time.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a silicon or wooden spatula, spread the top into an even layer.
Put it in the refrigerator and let it chill until set. ( about 2 hours)
Remove from the dish by lifting the parchment paper. Put it on the cutting board. Cut into squares or your desired shape. Garnish with optional toppings. Enjoy !
How to Store Homemade Fudge?
Homemade fudge can be prepared ahead and used for later date. It will keep well for a week at room temperature. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
You can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze it for up to six months. Wrap it well in foil and store in an airtight container to avoid freezer burns. Make sure to thaw it well either on the counter or in the refrigerator before eating.
Is Chocolate Fudge Gluten Free?
Yes. This recipe uses gluten free chocolate chips. So it is suitable for gluten free diet. Read if fudge is gluten free here.
More Easy Desserts You’ll Love:
- Vegan Banana Bread
- Eggless Tiramisu
- Apple Pie Puff Pastry
- Chocolate Banana Bread
- Instant Pot Vegan Tapioca Pudding
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Best Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups chocolate chips – I used semi-sweet types
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil or butter
- 1 can 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 1 Tablespoon Espresso powder – Optional but highly recommended
- ¼ teaspoon Sea salt or sea salt crystals
Optional Garnishes
- Colorful Seasonal Sprinkles
Useful Kitchen Items
Instructions
How to Make Fudge in Instant Pot
- Pour 2 cups of water in the instant pot liner. Put a small trivet in it. Press the SAUTE mode to turn on that function.
- Combine the chocolate chips, coconut oil, espresso powder, condensed milk and salt in a stainless steel or glass bowl that can fit in the Instant Pot. Place the bowl on the trivet to make it work as a double boiler.
- Mix with a spatula until all the chocolate chips have melted. Cancel SAUTE. Lift the bowl from the Instant Pot. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Using a silicon or wooden spatula, spread the top into an even layer. Put it in the refrigerator and let it chill until set. ( about 2 hours)
- Remove from the baking dish by lifting the parchment paper. Put it on the cutting board. Cut into squares or your desired shape. Garnish with optional toppings. Enjoy !
How to Make Fudge on the Stovetop
- In a medium saucepan stir together chocolate chips, coconut oil, sweetened condensed milk, espresso powder and salt.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate chips have completely melted and become smooth.
- Follow rest of the instructions described in steps 3-6 above.
How to Make Fudge in the Microwave:
- In a microwave safe bowl mix chocolate chips, coconut oil, sweetened condensed milk, espresso powder and salt.
- Heat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring well between intervals, until melted and smooth. It will take about 6-8 intervals and 5 minutes of microwaving time.
- Follow rest of the instructions described in steps 3-6 above.
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