I still remember standing on a wooden chair in my grandma’s kitchen, watching a pan of glossy chocolate come together into something magical. The smell of cocoa and butter felt like a cozy blanket, and a simple spoon taste made the whole day brighter. Those small, sweet moments made me fall in love with easy, comforting treats.
I grew up stirring and chatting beside my mother and her church friends, learning quick, dependable recipes that fed hungry families without fuss. I’m Maggie Hart, a home cook who loves dishes that fit into real weeknights foods that feel like a warm hug and don’t take an army of ingredients. I share those same straightforward, family-friendly dishes now, with a focus on casseroles, skillet dinners, and nostalgic desserts that don’t use pork.
My approach comes from practical kitchens where time is limited and taste matters most. I test everything so you can trust the outcome, and I explain each step in a friendly, encouraging voice. Comfort made simple is my guiding philosophy, and that’s exactly what this Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge brings to the table: familiar chocolatey bliss made with just a handful of pantry staples. If you like things you can pull together in an afternoon and still feel proud to serve, you’ll find plenty to love here, and you might enjoy an extra chocolate treat like this double chocolate ricotta cake for another cozy night in.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Your guide to making Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients :
1 cup chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons butter
Directions :
- In a saucepan, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over low heat., 2. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth., 3. Pour the fudge into a greased dish and spread evenly., 4. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm., 5. Cut into squares and serve.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s something about the simplicity of Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge that makes it irresistible. This recipe takes three everyday pantry items and turns them into a rich, creamy treat that tastes like it took hours to make. Because it uses sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips, the texture stays fudgy without any tempering or candy thermometers. You won’t need to chase precise temperatures or worry about crystallization; the low-stress method keeps things steady and predictable. The Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge suits busy households, potlucks, and last-minute dessert plans. It’s quick to make and chills firm in the fridge so you can slice neat squares for gifting or platefuls for family movie night.
This recipe also fits into a pork-free kitchen and welcomes simple swaps. If you keep high-quality chocolate chips on hand, the flavor will still shine even though the ingredients list is short. I like to think of this fudge as the kind of recipe that keeps well in a small tin, travels well for a neighbor’s treat, and sits confidently on holiday cookie trays alongside old church cookbooks and cherished recipes. If you enjoy fuss-free desserts, this Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge will become a staple in your repertoire. For another reliably simple dessert that’s equally satisfying, try a slice of chocolate and ricotta cake when you want something to slice warm from the oven.
Your guide to making Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
Making this Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge feels like a practiced little ritual. Start with a heavy-bottomed saucepan on low heat; gentle warmth prevents scorching and keeps the mixture glossy. Add your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter together and stir slowly until everything melts into one smooth, silky mixture. Using a silicone spatula helps scrape the pan clean and keeps the texture uniform. Once the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is homogeneous, pour it into a greased or lined dish so the fudge releases easily after chilling.
The beauty of Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge is that it doesn’t demand special toolsjust a saucepan, a spatula, and a pan to set the fudge in. Let it come to room temperature briefly on the counter before refrigerating so the top cools evenly. After a couple of hours in the fridge the fudge will set firm enough to cut into tidy squares.
I often line my pan with parchment and lift the slab out for neater slicing. If you want to dress the top, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt, crushed nuts, or tiny candy pieces right after pouring; they stick as the surface cools. For another small, hands-off sweet that’s great for sharing, take a look at this mascarpone pistachio biscotti recipe for a crunchy companion.
How to serve this dish
When your Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge is set, serving feels like the easy part. Cut the fudge into small squarestwo-bite pieces are perfect for parties and a little goes a long way. Arrange them on a simple plate or stack them in a small box lined with parchment paper for gifting. The fudge pairs beautifully with hot coffee, a creamy latte, or a cold glass of milk for the kids. For an adult twist, serve a plate of fudge with a small bowl of flaky salt, thin orange zest ribbons, or a side of roasted nuts for contrast.
This fudge also sits nicely on a dessert tray next to cookies and bars. Because the ingredient list is so short, you can mix presentation styles: dust with cocoa, top with a sliver of candied orange, or press crushed peppermint on top for a seasonal version. If you want to warm it slightly before serving, a quick 8–10 second zap in the microwave softens the edges without melting the center, which is lovely spooned over vanilla ice cream. The Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge gives you that cozy, homemade dessert feeling with minimal fussideal for weeknight treats or last-minute celebrations. For another make-ahead sweet that travels well to gatherings, consider my favorite Italian almond cookies.
How to store it properly
To keep your Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, the fudge will stay tender and fudgy for up to two weeks, though it often disappears much sooner in my house. Layer parchment between the squares if you stack them so they don’t stick together. For gifting, wrap individual squares in wax paper or place them in cupcake liners inside a tin to preserve shape and prevent condensation.
If you prefer a softer texture at room temperature, take the portion you plan to eat out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before serving so it can relax a bit. You can also freeze the fudge for longer storage: wrap the slab tightly in plastic and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fudge keeps well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cutting to preserve clean edges. The Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge stays remarkably forgiving through these storage methods, making it a great choice for stocking your freezer for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
Simple tips for success
A few small habits make the Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge turn out reliably every time. First, use a low heat and stir continuously while the chocolate melts; stubborn spots can scorch and ruin the glossy finish. A good-quality chocolate chip mix helps the flavor shine without needing extra ingredients. When you pour the mixture into your pan, work quickly if you plan to add toppings so they adhere before the surface sets. Lining the pan with parchment makes removal and slicing much easier.
If you find the fudge is too soft after chilling, allow it more time in the fridgesometimes a couple of extra hours does the trick. Conversely, if it becomes too firm after extended chilling, let it sit at room temperature briefly before cutting. For cleaner slices, warm your knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice with steady pressure. Small adjustments like these help the Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge look as good as it tastes. Keep your approach simple and patient, and you’ll have consistent results that please the whole family.
Flavor variations
One of my favorite things about Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge is how easy it is to vary the flavor with tiny additions. Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder for deeper chocolate notes. For a nutty twist, fold in toasted pecans or walnuts, or press chopped pistachios on top for color and crunch. If you like citrus, a few drops of orange oil or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest brightens the chocolate beautifully.
For seasonal spins, press crushed peppermint on top at the holidays or swirl in a spoonful of your favorite nut butter for a peanut-butter variation that’s always popular with kids. You can also swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on family preference. Whichever path you choose, these small shifts keep the Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge feeling fresh and new without complicating the method. Try one variation at a time so you can appreciate how each change plays with texture and taste.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate chips for Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge?
A: Yes. You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips. Darker chips give a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, while milk chocolate yields a sweeter, creamier fudge. If you use a chocolate with fillings or mix-ins, be aware those may alter the final texture slightly. I recommend high-quality chips for the best flavor without needing extra sugar or additions.
Q: Do I have to refrigerate Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge?
A: Refrigeration helps the fudge set quickly and keeps it firm for slicing. You can let it firm at room temperature in a cool kitchen, but chilling in the fridge for a couple of hours ensures cleaner cuts and a more stable texture. If you prefer a softer fudge, let it sit out a bit before serving.
Q: Can I double the recipe, and will the method change?
A: You can double or triple the ingredients easily; use a larger saucepan so the heat distributes evenly and stir thoroughly so everything melts uniformly. Pour into a larger pan or multiple pans and adjust chilling time slightly if the slab is thicker. The method stays the same, which makes this an excellent make-ahead candy for gifting or big gatherings.
Conclusion
If you want a no-fuss sweet that tastes like a homemade classic, Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge delivers every time. It comes together fast, stores well, and invites small creative flourishes that keep it interesting. For step-by-step photos and an alternate take on this simple fudge, see this visual guide at Easy 3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge : 5 Steps (with Pictures …. If you’re looking for another straightforward fudge tutorial with a slightly different approach, check out Easy 3 Ingredient Fudge – Mess in the Kitchen. Both links offer helpful photos and tips that pair nicely with the method I’ve shared here, and they’re great resources when you want extra reassurance or inspiration before you start.
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Easy 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for rich and creamy chocolate fudge made with just three pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over low heat.
- Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the fudge into a greased dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder. Be creative with toppings like crushed nuts or sea salt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American