Make this Microwave Fudge easily with just five ingredients, all in the microwave—no oven or stovetop needed!
Microwave Fudge
Every Christmas, my mom would whip up a batch of this microwave fudge, and we’d all help. Looking back, it was probably because it was one of the easiest treats for us kids to join in on (it only has 5-ingredients), but let me tell you—it’s incredibly delicious, and that made it one of my all-time favorites.
Now, it just doesn’t feel like the holidays without making this rich, creamy fudge, and it’s extra special because my kids can help, too. Trust me, it’s so easy even a kid can make it! So, kick off the holidays with a batch of this irresistibly delicious microwave fudge!
Ingredients
- Butter makes the fudge creamy and helps chocolate melt smoothly.
- Milk Chocolate Chips are the main flavor; high-quality chips improve flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk softens and sweetens the fudge; use full-fat for best texture.
- Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt (optional) enhance flavor—vanilla adds depth, salt balances sweetness.
- Caramels and Heavy Cream create a gooey caramel layer; cream ensures smooth melting.
How To Make Microwave Fudge
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- In a bowl, microwave butter, chocolate chips, and condensed milk until smooth. Add vanilla and salt.
- Spread in the pan; chill.
- Microwave caramels and cream; spread over fudge.
- Optional: Add sea salt, refrigerate overnight.
- Cut and serve.
Variations
Microwave Fudge Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Mix: Use semi-sweet, dark, or a blend of chocolate chips.
- White Chocolate: Swap in white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Peppermint: Use 1 teaspoon peppermint extract instead of vanilla of check out this Peppermint Fudge.
- Oreo: Add 2 cups of chopped Oreos to the fudge mix or check out this Oreo Fudge.
- Nutty: Stir in 2/3 cup of toasted, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Rocky Road: Add 3 cups mini marshmallows and 1 cup salted peanuts or check out this S’mores Fudge.
Tips For Success
- Pick Your Chocolate: Use good-quality milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate, whichever you like best.
- Use Glass Bowls: Microwave ingredients in a glass bowl instead of plastic.
- Microwave Carefully: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring for 20–25 seconds each time to avoid burning.
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper or foil to make it easy to lift out the fudge.
- Smooth Evenly: Spray a spatula with nonstick spray to spread the fudge evenly.
- Cut Cleanly: Use a hot, sharp knife to cut neat slices.
Storage
Leftovers?
Room Temperature: Store microwave fudge in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate: Keep in a sealed container for 2–3 weeks.
Freeze: Wrap each piece in wax paper, then put in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. Let it sit at room temperature to thaw.
More Christmas Treats
- No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
- Christmas Snack Mix
- Santa Cookies
- Peppermint Brownies
- Christmas Oreo Pops
Microwave Fudge
Make this Microwave Fudge easily with just five ingredients, all in the microwave—no oven or stovetop needed!
Equipment
- 8×8 inch pan
- Parchment paper or foil
- Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips (Note 1)
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (full-fat)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 5.7 oz Werther's soft caramels unwrapped (1 bag)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Optional: Maldon sea salt flakes, for topping
Instructions
- PREP: Line 8×8-inch pan with parchment/foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Cut butter into tablespoons.
- MICROWAVE: Microwave butter, chocolate chips, and condensed milk in a large microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. After each microwave burst, stir for 30 seconds to ensure even melting. Be patient and stir often to avoid burning. Once melted, add vanilla and salt, stirring until smooth.
- SPREAD IN PAN: Pour fudge into the prepared pan. Spray a spatula with nonstick cooking spray and use it to smooth fudge into an even layer that is touching all sides of the pan and has a smooth top. Place in the fridge.
- CARAMELS: For the caramels, in a separate bowl, mix unwrapped caramels and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave for 10 seconds, stir for 20 seconds. Repeat microwaving in 10-second bursts, stirring for 20 seconds each time until completely melted. If necessary, add another tablespoon of cream. Melt the caramel slowly, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Rushing can cause the caramel to become hard and brittle in the microwave.
- SPREAD CARAMEL OVER: Spread caramel evenly over the chocolate. Use a nonstick-sprayed spoon to gently smooth and spread the caramel. If desired, top with sea salt.
- CHILL: Cover tightly and refrigerate to harden/set up overnight, or at least 8 hours.
- SERVE: Remove fudge using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into small pieces using a hot, sharp knife (run knife under hot water and dry it).
- STORAGE: Store Microwave Fudge in the fridge in an airtight container; best enjoyed cold within 2-3 days, remains fresh up to 2 weeks. Avoid leaving out to prevent drying.
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Milk chocolate yields rich fudge, while semi-sweet or dark chocolate offers a less sweet taste. Opt for high-quality brands like Ghirardelli® or Guittard® for tastier fudge.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 15mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What a wonderful fudge. Just a simple topping puts it in special category.
What delicious looking fudge! Gotta love salted caramel anything, and these are definitely no exception! Pinned!
Holy goodness, Chelsea! This fudge looks so sinful! And you are seriously the queen of simple recipes! How do you do it?!
I’M DROOLING!!!!!! the end. 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
This fudge looks delicious, Chelsea!! I love you made them in the microwave. Great recipe for these busy days before Christmas.
I am such a sucker for fudge too especially around this time of year. I love making them for our neighbors and friends. This caramel chocolate one looks amazing!!! Love how easy it is and the salt on top is the perfect touch 🙂
Oh my gosh – these look just amazing, and SO incredibly easy – thanks for a great recipe!
Chelsea, this fudge looks absolutely amazing! Is it OK to have fudge for breakfast? 🙂
I actually love making fudge in the microwave, it is so easy! This chocolate one looks delicious! Love the caramel and salt on top!