Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe

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Craving something sweet? You can make amazing chocolate fudge with just 3 main ingredients. This easy recipe uses chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to create rich, creamy fudge in only 20 minutes of prep and cook time. The hardest part is waiting for it to set in the fridge!

You’ll love how simple this fudge is to make. Just melt everything together, pour it in a pan, and let it chill. In a few hours, you’ll have 64 pieces of chocolatey goodness to enjoy or share with friends and family. At only 75 calories per piece, you can indulge without guilt.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy chocolate fudge:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

The chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter are the key players. They give the fudge its rich, creamy texture.

The vanilla extract adds a nice flavor boost. The salt helps balance the sweetness. But don’t worry if you don’t have them – your fudge will still be yummy!

You’ll also need some basic kitchen tools:

• An 8×8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan
• A spatula for stirring and spreading

With these simple ingredients and tools, you’re all set to make delicious homemade fudge. It’s easier than you might think!

Instructions

Start by lining your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some hanging over the sides for easy fudge removal later.

Next, grab a large heavy-bottomed pot. Put in your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cubed butter. Place it on the stove over low heat.

Keep stirring the mixture as it melts. Don’t stop! This helps everything blend smoothly. When it’s all melted and looks creamy, take the pot off the heat.

Now’s the time to add vanilla and a pinch of salt if you want. Just stir them in gently.

Pour your fudge mix into the lined pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to get rid of air bubbles.

Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This lets the fudge get nice and firm.

Once it’s set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut it into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife.

Your homemade fudge is ready to eat! Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness.

Possible Substitutes List

You can make tasty changes to this fudge recipe with some simple swaps. Try these options:

• Chocolate chips: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for different flavors.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Swap for coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter: Replace with coconut oil for a vegan twist.

Add some fun mix-ins to change up the taste:

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed peppermint candies
• Peanut butter chips

For extra flavor, try these additions:

• Orange zest
• Mint extract instead of vanilla
• Espresso powder for mocha fudge

You can also change the pan size. Use a 9×13-inch pan for thinner fudge, or a loaf pan for thicker pieces. Just remember to adjust the cooling time as needed.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can adjust this fudge recipe to be more diabetes-friendly with a few simple swaps. Use sugar-free chocolate chips instead of regular ones. Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version or make your own using heavy cream and a sugar substitute.

For the butter, stick with unsalted to control sodium. Keep the vanilla extract, as it’s fine for diabetics. The pinch of salt is optional, so you can skip it if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Here’s a quick list of diabetes-friendly substitutions:

• Sugar-free chocolate chips
• Sugar-free condensed milk
• Unsalted butter

Remember to check portion sizes. Cut the fudge into smaller pieces to help control carb intake. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Always talk to your doctor or dietitian before making big changes to your eating plan. They can help you fit treats like this into your diabetes management strategy.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can also mix different types of chocolate for a unique taste.

For smooth fudge, stir the mixture constantly while melting. This prevents burning and helps the ingredients combine well.

Add fun mix-ins like nuts, marshmallows, or candy pieces before pouring the fudge into the pan. Just fold them in gently.

To make cutting easier, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This gives you clean, sharp edges.

Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual pieces in wax paper and place them in a sealed bag in the freezer. They’ll last up to 3 months.

For gifting, wrap fudge pieces in colorful foil or place them in small boxes. Tie with a ribbon for a festive touch.

Try these flavor variations:

• Swap vanilla extract for peppermint
• Add a tablespoon of instant coffee
• Mix in dried fruit like cranberries

Remember, fudge is best enjoyed at room temperature. If frozen, let it thaw before serving for the perfect texture.