The Easiest 3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge (No Bake, No Stress!)
Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest ones.
No complicated techniques.
No long ingredient lists.
No oven required.
Just three ingredients and a few minutes of preparation.
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate treat that looks impressive but requires almost zero effort, this 3-ingredient chocolate fudge is about to become your new favorite recipe.
All you need is:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
That’s it.
This recipe is perfect for beginners, busy parents, last-minute guests, holiday trays, or anyone craving chocolate without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into the full step-by-step guide, tips for perfect texture, storage advice, variations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why This 3-Ingredient Fudge Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the chemistry of its ingredients.
🥛 Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is thick, creamy, and already sweetened. It acts as:
The sugar
The milk
The binding agent
It eliminates the need for boiling sugar or using candy thermometers like traditional fudge recipes.
🍫 Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips provide:
Rich cocoa flavor
Structure when cooled
Smooth texture
Semi-sweet chocolate keeps the fudge balanced — not overly sugary.
🌿 Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth. Even just one teaspoon makes a noticeable difference.
Together, these three ingredients create a silky, firm fudge without complicated steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave extra paper hanging over the sides so you can easily lift the fudge out later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a medium saucepan over low heat:
Add the sweetened condensed milk.
Add the chocolate chips.
Stir continuously.
Keep heat low to prevent burning. The chocolate will gradually melt into the milk.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Once the mixture is smooth and fully melted, remove from heat.
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 4: Pour and Spread
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until fully set.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the fudge out using the parchment paper.
Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
Enjoy!
Texture Tips for Perfect Fudge
Getting that smooth, creamy texture depends on a few simple techniques.
✔ Use Low Heat
High heat can cause chocolate to seize or burn.
✔ Stir Constantly
Prevent sticking and uneven melting.
✔ Don’t Overheat
Once melted and smooth, remove from heat immediately.
✔ Chill Properly
Give it enough time to fully firm up.
Why This Recipe Is Foolproof
Traditional fudge recipes require:
Boiling sugar to a precise temperature
Candy thermometers
Rapid cooling techniques
This recipe skips all of that.
The condensed milk stabilizes the chocolate and ensures a soft yet firm texture every time.
Even beginners can make this successfully on the first try.
Flavor Variations
Once you master the basic version, you can customize it easily.
1️⃣ Nutty Fudge
Stir in:
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup almonds
Pecans or hazelnuts
2️⃣ Sea Salt Chocolate
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before chilling.
3️⃣ Peanut Butter Swirl
Add ¼ cup melted peanut butter and swirl gently.
4️⃣ White Chocolate Swirl
Melt white chocolate separately and swirl into mixture.
5️⃣ Mint Chocolate
Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.
How to Store Chocolate Fudge
Proper storage keeps your fudge fresh and delicious.
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container
Keeps up to 2 weeks
Freezer:
Wrap tightly
Store up to 3 months
Thaw in refrigerator before serving
Avoid leaving at room temperature for long periods in warm climates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is not sweetened and will not work the same way.
❌ Overheating Chocolate
Chocolate can burn quickly. Keep heat low.
❌ Skipping Parchment Paper
You’ll struggle to remove the fudge cleanly.
❌ Cutting Too Early
Warm fudge will crumble. Let it fully chill.
Is This Fudge Very Sweet?
It’s rich and sweet — but balanced.
If you prefer less sweetness:
Use dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
Add a pinch of salt
Can You Make It in the Microwave?
Yes!
Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk in microwave-safe bowl.
Heat in 30-second intervals.
Stir between each interval.
Once smooth, add vanilla.
Pour into pan and chill.
Microwave method saves even more time.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This fudge is ideal for:
Holiday dessert trays
Christmas gifts
Valentine’s Day treats
Birthday parties
Bake sales
Quick weeknight dessert
It looks elegant but takes minimal effort.
Making It Dairy-Free (Optional)
If needed, you can try:
Coconut condensed milk
Dairy-free chocolate chips
Texture may vary slightly, but it still works well.
Portion Control Tips
Because fudge is rich, small portions are satisfying.
Cut into:
1-inch squares for bite-sized treats
Smaller pieces for dessert platters
A little goes a long way.
Why Homemade Is Better
Store-bought fudge often contains:
Preservatives
Artificial flavors
Stabilizers
This homemade version gives you:
✔ Real ingredients
✔ Fresh taste
✔ Control over sweetness
✔ No additives
Plus, it costs much less than gourmet fudge.
Cost Breakdown
Approximate cost (varies by location):
Sweetened condensed milk: $2–3
Chocolate chips: $4–6
Total cost: Under $10
Yield: About 25–36 pieces
That’s a fraction of bakery prices.
The Science Behind the Creaminess
Sweetened condensed milk contains:
Concentrated milk solids
Sugar
Fat
When combined with melted chocolate, it forms a stable emulsion. As it cools, the cocoa butter solidifies, giving fudge its firm yet creamy texture.
No candy thermometer required.
Can Kids Help Make This?
Absolutely.
This is a great beginner-friendly recipe for:
Teaching basic cooking skills
Holiday baking activities
Family bonding in the kitchen
Just supervise during melting.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes simple recipes are the most powerful.
With just:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
You can create a luxurious dessert that tastes like it came from a specialty candy shop.
No baking.
No complicated steps.
No stress.
Just smooth, creamy chocolate perfection.
Whether you’re making it for yourself, sharing with friends, or gifting to loved ones, this 3-ingredient chocolate fudge proves that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.
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