Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe (Chocolate Walnut Fudge)
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With only three ingredients and a quick microwave melt, this shortcut chocolate fudge offers a smoother, softer bite when compared to cooked fudge. This recipe is written to accommodate the option to stir in walnuts or leave it plain.
The No-Thermometer Fudge Everyone Can Handle
When it comes to homemade candy, I’m the first to admit I don’t exactly jump for joy at anything that involves boiling sugar or watching a thermometer intently. Aside from the occasional homemade caramel sauce, most traditional candy-making feels a little outside my comfort zone, so anything like homemade marshmallows requires a pep talk and a deep breath (umm, totally worth it, though– make those!).
Thankfully for me, and many like me, there’s a whole world of candy that gives you that homemade touch without the stress. The kinds of treats that look impressive, taste incredible, and don’t ask you to hover over a pot of molten sugar.
Think cozy candied nuts, quick stovetop-to-oven toffee bark, and homemade turtles that skip the thermometer entirely but still give you a candy shop vibe payoff. This microwave fudge is no different. It’s deceptively simple to make, big on flavor and texture, and a simple and easy addition to any holiday candy or cookie tray. It’s also a great off-holiday treat, so don’t think this is strictly seasonal!
MICROWAVE FUDGE INGREDIENTS
Guess what? You only need 3 of them, and an optional 4th. Here’s a visual of what you’ll need, but be sure to visit the recipe card below to find the exact amounts you’ll need to make this fudge.
You will need: semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and the optional ingredient, walnuts.
HOW TO MAKE FUDGE IN THE MICROWAVE
While in theory, you can do this on the stovetop, the microwave simplifies the process so much. You’ll just need a medium size heat-proof bowl and a large spatula.
Combine the ingredients: chocolate chips, evaporated milk, and butter all go into the bowl at the same time.
Heat the ingredients: do this in 20-30 second bursts of heat on HIGH, taking care to stir after every session in the microwave.
SUCCESS TIP
I think folks often underestimate the power of stirring when heating things to melt them. Microwave melting can be a bit spotty, so stirring for at least 30-45 seconds at a time will help move the heat around and hit some of the cooler spots in the mixture.
Add the walnuts: if you’re using them, the walnuts will go in when the chocolate mixture is fully melted and smooth. The mixture will be thick, so just keep working at it. You’ll need some elbow grease for this chocolate walnut fudge!
CAN I HALVE OR DOUBLE THIS RECIPE?
Halving the recipe should work just fine, but doubling will not. You will have too much in your bowl and it will be nearly impossible to stir it. If you want to make larger batches of this easy microwave fudge, I suggest making individual batches one at a time.
CAN I FREEZE MICROWAVE FUDGE?
Yes, this fudge freezes beautifully! Just be sure it’s wrapped tightly so that air doesn’t get to it and cause discoloration of the chocolate. You can thaw it at room temperature.
Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ bags (18 ounces/510g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces/396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter cut into 2 pieces
- ½ cup (4 ounces) finely chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Line an 8" or 9″ square baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Place the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium size microwave1 safe bowl. Microwave the mixture on HIGH for 30 seconds, remove from the oven, and stir with a large spatula.1 and ½ bags (18 ounces/510g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 can (14 ounces/396g) sweetened condensed milk, 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- Continue heating in 20-30 second bursts, stirring well2 after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth (it will be thick).
- Once the mixture is completely melted, add the chopped walnuts, if using, and stir until they are evenly dispersed.½ cup (4 ounces) finely chopped walnuts
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly into the pan with a spatula. Top the fudge with more chopped walnuts, if desired. Press down gently so they adhere to the top.
- Refrigerate the fudge until it is set, about 1 hour. It will also set at room temperature, it will just take longer.
- Once the fudge is set, remove it from the pan and cut it into desired sizes. Store fudge covered tightly at room temperature up to 2 weeks or in the refrigerator up to 1 month. Fudge freezes well, wrapped tightly, up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Video
Notes
- Microwave: you can also do this on the stovetop, if you prefer. Heat over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Stirring: do not underestimate the power of stirring to distribute heat. The mixture will continue to melt as you stir it, so give the mixture a solid 30-45 seconds of stirring before putting it back in the microwave.
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.