The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’re like me, you’re already dreaming of the delicious treats that come with it.

Fudge, in particular, is a Christmas-time favorite that often makes an appearance. But let’s face it, the old-fashioned chocolate fudge recipe that Grandma passed down requires more than just a sprinkle of holiday spirit.

The anxiety of using a candy thermometer, reaching the softball stage, or worrying about sugar crystals can be daunting. Enter the easy fudge recipe for the perfect homemade treat.

Forget Marshmallow Cream

Pieces of chocolate fudge stacked up on a white plate.

This no-fail fudge recipe is the answer to all those times you’ve wanted a creamy fudge but didn’t want the fuss of a full boil or the uncertainty that sometimes comes with marshmallow fluff and evaporated milk.

Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Treat

Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Sweetened condensed milk
Vanilla extract
Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Slices of fudge stacked up on top of each other. There is a bite taken out of the top piece.

The Ultimate Guide to Perfecting Your Fudge Every Time

The traditional methods of making fudge can often be daunting. This is a foolproof, easy fudge recipe that promises a creamy texture and mouth-watering flavor every time.

While there are various fudge recipes with intricate ingredients, at its core, making fudge can be incredibly simple.

Step-By-Step Ingredients for No-Fail Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk on the counter.

Gather your three ingredients.

Begin by lining a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal later, and trust me, wax paper or aluminum foil just doesn’t compare.

You could also use a microwave-safe bowl, but I think a medium saucepan gives the best results.

Chocolate fudge ingredients in a saucepan.

In your medium saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk.

Here’s a tip: resist the urge to crank up the heat. A slower melt ensures a smoother, creamy fudge texture.

If you’ve ever wondered why some homemade fudge recipes turn out grainy, it’s often because the mixture was heated too quickly or got too hot. So, patience is key.

Melted chocolate in a saucepan. There's a teaspoon of vanilla extract off to the side.

Once melted and combined, remove your saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract using a wooden spoon.

You’re going to love the aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Chocolate fudge in a square baking dish that is lined with white parchment paper.

Pour your fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with your wooden spoon or a spatula.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This gives a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the fudge.

You can also sprinkle some holiday sprinkles on top if you’d like to celebrate the season with a little fun and color.

Let your fudge set in the fridge. An hour should do the trick, but if you’re eager, checking it a little bit before won’t hurt. Once set, use the parchment paper sides to lift out your block of fudge. Cut into small squares for the perfect bite-sized homemade treat.

Let your fudge set up in the fridge. An hour should do the trick, but if you’re eager, checking it a little bit before won’t hurt.

Once set, use the parchment paper sides to lift out your block of fudge.

Cut into small squares for the perfect bite-sized homemade treat.

Slices of fudge stacked on top of each other. The fudge is on a white plate and there is one piece next to the plate.

Some Tips for the Best Results

Storage: If you don’t devour it all at once, store your fudge in an airtight container. And while plastic wrap works great, an airtight container ensures your fudge stays fresher for longer. For an even longer shelf life, store it in the fridge.
Variations: While this simple fudge recipe focuses on semi-sweet chocolate chips, don’t be afraid to experiment. Next time, try using dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even add in little pieces of peanut butter or black walnuts.

Slices of fudge on the counter. They are all lined up.

More Delicious Holiday Desserts

Chocolate candy cane kiss cookies from Soulfully Made are the perfect Christmas treat.
Chocolate fudge recipe – this is very much like Fantasy Fudge, and it’s a typical old-fashioned chocolate fudge recipe. You use marshmallow creme and a digital thermometer and bring it to a full-rolling boil. It’s very much worth making.
Christmas time calls for Christmas cookie fudge – this is a great recipe to make for the kid’s school or neighbors. This is a favorite fudge recipe around our house.
Million dollar fudge, first created by Mamie Eisenhower, is a wonderful mixture of chocolate and marshmallow.
No-Bake peanut butter cookies – this is a fun and easy recipe that the kids will love to help make. It’s made with Corn Flakes, corn syrup, and only a couple more ingredients.
Rock candy – we have a great time making this each year. You can add colors, make large or small pieces, and hand them out for gifts.

Pieces of chocolate fudge stacked on top of each other.

This easy chocolate fudge recipe is bound to become a family favorite. It’s a great holiday gift and a delicious treat that you can whip up in no time.

Whether it’s your first time making fudge or you’re a seasoned pro, this foolproof fudge recipe guarantees perfect results every time. Happy holiday season, and enjoy your amazing fudge!