Simple Homemade Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Smooth and creamy homemade fudge that sets perfectly with minimal ingredients, great for gifting or a quick sweet treat. This desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers semi-sweet chocolate chips, (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Step 3: Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula, until the chocolate and butter melt and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
- Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 1-inch squares.
- Step 7: Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Homemade Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Simple Homemade Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Homemade Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Simple Homemade Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Simple Homemade Fudge with Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
