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.
Just made this fudge. It is super easy (chatted on the phone with my friend the entire time) and it turned out so yummy! Third recipe I tried for fudge this Christmas and the one that worked the best!
YAY!! SO happy to hear this! Glad you loved it 🙂 And talking on the phone while baking is the best!
Was it just me or did none of the ingredients show up on the web page? All i saw was 5 dots where the ingredients were supposedly listed.
Hmm sorry it must be the device you are viewing it on! I can see the ingredients on my phone and desktop computer. Sorry!
WOW just what I was searching for. Came hee by searching for christmas favorites
Ohhhh yummmyyyy! But I just had to add chopped pecans!!!
that oooooey goooooey caramel!!!! This fudge is so crazy easy and it looks so decadent and unbelievably delicious!
This looks awesome. Just made it and it looks exactly like photo, but the chocolate is still soft – too soft to cut. Does it take awhile to harden? Should I put it in the fridge to set up? Help!
Yes it takes quite a while to set up 🙂 place it in the fridge until it is set up and then return any leftovers to the fridge as its best chilled! Hope you love it!
this would be absolutely perfect for Christmas! I’m thinking sea salt andddd green & red sugar glitter on top 🙂
What a great fudge recipe! I like the drippy, yummy caramel on top!
This is my dream fudge! Pinned
Chelsea, this looks delicious and so quick to whip up! We have a place here called Fudge factory or something and they make this peppermint fudge which is pink and white and reminded me of your cheesecake. Random.