Make this Microwave Fudge Recipe easily with just five ingredients, all in the microwave, no oven or stovetop needed!
author’s note
Stir, Zap, Done 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 it was also incredibly delicious, and it became one of my all time favorites.
Now it doesn’t feel like the holidays without making this rich, creamy fudge, and it’s extra special because my kids can help too. It’s so easy even a kid can make it. Kick off the holidays with a batch of this irresistibly delicious microwave fudge!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & tips |
|---|---|
| Butter | Use unsalted. If salted, skip the added salt. |
| Milk chocolate chips | Use semi-sweet or dark for less sweet fudge. White chocolate works too. Chill longer and cut while cold. |
| Sweetened condensed milk | Must be sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated. Full-fat sets best. |
| Vanilla extract | Almond or peppermint also work. Start with 1 teaspoon. |
| Fine sea salt | Skip if using salted butter or salty mix-ins. |
| Soft caramels + heavy cream | Any soft caramels work. Cream keeps it smooth. Add a pinch of salt for salted caramel. |
How To Make This Microwave Fudge Recipe
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- In a bowl, microwave butter, chocolate, 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.
Tips For Success
- 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
- Room Temp: Store this microwave fudge recipe 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 Holiday Treats
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No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
Desserts
Santa Cookies
Quick And Easy
Christmas Snack Mix
Quick And Easy
Christmas Oreo Pops
Microwave Fudge
Microwave Fudge is the easiest treat ever—just five ingredients and no stovetop or oven required!
Video
Equipment
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips see note 1
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk full-fat
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt optional
- 5.7 ounces soft caramels unwrapped, 1 bag
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt optional, for topping
Instructions
- Line 8×8-inch pan with parchment/foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Cut butter into tablespoons.
- 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.
- Pour fudge into the prepared pan. Spray a spatula with 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.
- For the caramels, in a separate bowl, mix unwrapped caramels and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave for 10 seconds, then 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 evenly over the chocolate. Use a nonstick-sprayed spoon to gently smooth and spread the caramel. If desired, top with sea salt.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate to harden/set up overnight, or at least 8 hours.
- Remove fudge using the parchment overhang. Cut into small pieces using a hot, sharp knife (run knife under hot water and dry it).
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
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.
Storage: Store Microwave Fudge in the fridge in an airtight container; best enjoyed cold within 2–3 days and remains fresh up to 2 weeks. Avoid leaving out to prevent drying.
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.
Variations
Switch Up This Microwave Fudge Recipe
- 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.
- Rocky Road: Add 3 cups mini marshmallows and 1 cup salted peanuts or check out this S’mores Fudge.
Doesn’t work without the caramel I just wanted the fudge recipe as I can no longer stir the original recipe
I’m 85 in my arm isn’t up to it anymore
But I made it for so many years and I miss it
Hey Vera! You absolutely can! Enjoy!
Looking for something different to try and came across your lemon Oreo fudge and OMG, so super yummy! Thanks for the suggestion. I’m glad Christmas is only once a year because these could be addictive!
Hahaha they are so addictive! Thanks Marie! 🙂
What kind/size of caramels? Or a brand? Like the soft werthers?
Werther’s soft caramels are my fave! 🙂
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I absolutely loved your receipe. Made it for my girlfriend when we were overseas and it was such a delight! Kudos to you chelsea.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂