This unbelievably easy, 5-Minute Microwave Fudge will melt in your mouth! Rich, creamy, chocolatey fudge squares without the hassle of making temperamental, old-fashioned stovetop fudge. Your guests will never guess that your fudge was made in the microwave!
Who doesn’t love chocolate fudge? It’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect dessert to have after dinner. Although it can be tempting to purchase fudge for convenience, homemade chocolate fudge tastes wonderful and is so easy to make!
I’m all about a recipe that’s not only easy but requires no oven or stovetop cooking. And this 5 Minute Microwave Fudge recipe requires minimal effort for delicious results!
Believe me, this recipe is so easy it’s almost embarrassing. All you need are 4 ingredients and about 5 minutes to make this decadent treat! What could be better than that?
It makes a great gift for friends and neighbors during the holiday season. You’ll be surprised how many people ask for the recipe after they taste it.
— This post was originally published on December 15, 2011. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Microwave
Total Time: 5 Minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
Servings: 15
Primary Ingredient(s): Chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, vanilla
Skill Level: Easy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is a very good recipe very easy. I make it for Christmas and give it as gifts. I have varied the flavors and it always turns out perfect every time! My family loves it.”
— Nancy R
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy with minimal clean-up.
- It satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly sweet.
- It can be made in a pinch. You probably already have the ingredients on hand.
- It’s a great holiday treat or gift!
Equipment You’ll Need
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- 9×5 loaf pan
- Microwave safe bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate Chips — I use semi-sweet chocolate chips and always purchase a quality brand. Store brands and other lower quality brands tend to be waxier.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk — Eagle Brand recommended.
- Butter — The butter should be cold and cut into small pieces.
- Vanilla Extract — It seems contradictory, but vanilla is almost always used with chocolate to bring out the flavor.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see this recipe on page 305 of my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
How to Make Easy Microwave Fudge
Prepare the Pan
- Butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
Melt the Chocolate
- Using a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips on high for one minute. Stir, then microwave again for 30 seconds. Continue microwaving in 10 second increments until chips are almost completely melted.
Pro Tip
Be sure to check and stir the chocolate frequently. The chips will hold their shape and appear to not be melted until stirred. Stop microwaving when the chips are about 90% melted. They’ll finish melting from the residual heat.
Add Milk
- Remove from the microwave and add the condensed milk. Stir until incorporated into the chocolate.
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Add Butter
- Cut the butter into small pieces and put it on top of the chocolate mixture in the bowl.
- Return the bowl to the microwave for another 30-45 seconds until the butter is melted. Stir well.
- Add the vanilla and stir until smooth.
Pour into Pan
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap.
Chill
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
Cut and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares and serve.
Pro Tip
To make cutting the fudge easier and neater, heat the knife under hot running water. Wipe the blade clean between each cut.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Because this recipe comes together so quickly, it’s best to have all the ingredients and equipment ready before you start.
- Be careful when microwaving – If you overheat the fudge, it will get dry and crumbly (called “seizing”). Be sure to keep an eye on it while it is heating.
- If you want even easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and then spray or butter the liner.
- This recipe is easy to customize! Try adding sea salt on top, or mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- White chocolate fudge with peppermint bits makes a great holiday treat. Substitute white chocolate chips and add in some crushed candy canes!
- Vary the flavoring extract to make different versions of fudge. Use peppermint extract to make a mint chocolate chip fudge or orange extract with white chocolate for a delicious treat!
How to Store
- Storage: This easy, five-minute microwave fudge should be stored at room temperature in a sealed container. It will last for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: The fudge may be frozen in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to four weeks. I prefer to cut it into serving-sized pieces before freezing.
Questions About 5-Minute Fudge
If you’d rather use the stovetop for this easy fudge recipe, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler. It will take a little longer, but it is much less likely to burn or seize.
If you’re using baking chocolate instead of chocolate chips, it should be chopped roughly before melting. Either break it into pieces with your hands, roughly chop it with a chef’s knife or pulse it in a food processor.
You can double the recipe and use a 9×13 pan for molding the fudge. The microwaving time will need to be adjusted and monitored carefully.
More Homemade Candy Recipes You’ll Like
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Recipe
Easy 5 Minute Microwave Fudge
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (about two cups)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk recommend Eagle Brand
- 2 tablespoons butter cold (cut into small pieces)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- Using a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips on high for one minute. Stir, then microwave again for 30 seconds. Continue microwaving in 10 second increments until chips are almost completely melted.Be sure to check and stir the chocolate frequently. The chips will hold their shape and appear to be not melt until stirred. Stop microwaving when the chips are about 90% melted. They'll finish melting from the residual heat.12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Remove from the microwave and add the condensed milk. Stir until incorporated into the chocolate.14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Add the butter on top of the chocolate mixture in the bowl.2 tablespoons butter
- Return the bowl to the microwave for another 30-45 seconds until the butter is melted. Stir well.
- Add the vanilla and stir until smooth.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares and serve.
Notes
- Be careful when microwaving – If you overheat the fudge, it will seize (get dry and crumbly). Be sure to keep an eye on it while it is heating.
- To make cutting the fudge easier and neater, heat the knife under hot running water. Wipe the blade clean between each cut.
- Store at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
- May be frozen in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to four weeks. I prefer to cut it into serving-sized pieces before freezing
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I made this yesterday!!! YUM!!! I had to hurry and add it to some gift trays before I lost all self control.
It’s always a challenge to stop nibbling!!
excellent and so easy!♥️♥️
Would it not be better to cool on counter versus fridge? Fridge not turn fudge cloudy?
That is the way you’d handle a traditional fudge made on the stovetop, yes. Because this is made in the microwave, it doesn’t behave exactly like traditional fudge recipes. It needs refrigeration to set properly. After it’s set, it can then be cut and stored at room temperature for quite a long time.
I can’t wait to try this fudge recipe! Love this site. Thank you.
It’s reall easy, Denise! I’m sure you’ll like it.
This is a very good recipe very easy. I make it for Christmas and give it as gifts. I have varied the flavors and it always turns out perfect every time! My family loves it.
So glad you like it!
For health reasons, (I know; why am I making fudge if I’m not suppose to,) I made your recipe for Microwave fudge using 12-oz of Hershey’s “Zero Sugar” dark chocolate chips. It is delicious! Next time I’m going to try it with orange extract. Thank you.
Glad you found a recipe you could enjoy even with your dietary restrictions!
Yummmm!!!
Thanks!
WILL THIS WORK WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS?
I’ve never tried it with white chocolate. If you decide to give it a try, let me know how it turns out!
I am now wondering if I have ever made fudge or not… but this looks simple and so over-the-top delicious! I’d eat it all is the only problem. Perfect perfect fudge!
Buttermilk pralines! Oh my…
I’ve never been a big fudge maker because we always seem to have a ton given to us, but I just may make a batch this year. This recipe look YUM!
There’s nothing like delicious fudge, and easy to make even better :)
Ooh how tempting!
I’ve made this fudge for years Lana and admit the first time I scoffed a bit at the marshmallow (or in my case marshmallow creme) that is used. No more. It tastes fabulous and is so much less complicated than ones where getting to the perfect temperature is required. At altitude that complicates things too much…almost worse than baking!
I love making fudge around Christmas-time, and I haven’t made any yet this year. Thanks for this beautiful reminder!
Although I usually find fudge a bit much (one bite is enough), everyone in my life would love this beautiful fudge, and the fact that it takes just minutes to prepare is holiday heaven! My 3 year old nephew will go nuts over this!! The 8 month old doesn’t have enough teeth for it yet lol
You don’t need teeth to eat fudge.