How to Make Microwave Fudge

Caroline StankoUpdated: Mar. 29, 2022

a 9 by 9 inch square pan of microwave chocolate fudge

Taste of Home

Calling all chocoholics! We'll show you how to make microwave fudge in just five easy steps.

When your sweet tooth is calling, there’s no better way to answer it than with some fudge. Rich, decadent and creamy, fudge is a guaranteed hit no matter the occasion.

But you don’t have to head out to a specialty candy shop or spend half a day making homemade fudge to get some. We’ll show you how to make a microwave fudge that’s so easy, you can throw it together on a weeknight.

By the way, these are our best fudge recipes.

Benefits of Microwave Fudge

When it comes to ease, microwave fudge is the way to go. Not only does it take less time than an old-school fudge (seriously, this recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make!) but it’s also great for those who don’t have a ton of candy-making experience.

Traditionally, fudge needs to be boiled, brought to the soft-ball stage, cooled and beaten, and it requires special tools like a candy thermometer. This microwave fudge recipe, however, only needs a bowl, spatula and 9×9 pan. How simple is that?

If you have some spare time or are feeling ambitious, learn how to make fudge the old-fashioned way.

How to Make Microwave Fudge

This incredibly easy microwave fudge recipe comes from Taste of Home reader Sue Tucker of South Carolina. Sue says, “You’re moments away from a pan of creamy fudge. Just microwave, stir and spread. This easy homemade fudge recipe is the best.” And we can’t help but agree!

Get Recipe

Ingredients

1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Yield: About 81 pieces

Tools

9-in. square pan
Foil
Bowl
Spoon or silicone spatula

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before you begin, line a 9×9 square pan with foil. Then spread about 1-1/2 teaspoons of butter over the foil, paying special attention to the corners. This will make the fudge much easier to remove once it has set.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

To a large, microwave-safe bowl, add the remaining butter and chocolate chips, then microwave for one minute. Remove the bowl and give the butter and chocolate a good mix. Continue to microwave and stir the mixture in 30-second intervals until the chocolate chips have completely melted.

Test Kitchen Tip: Start your recipe off right by using one of our Test Kitchen-preferred chocolate chip brands.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

While the melted chocolate is still hot, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until they’re fully incorporated.

Step 4: Transfer and Cool

Spread the fudge in your prepared pan and place it in your refrigerator until the fudge is firm.

Test Kitchen Tip: If you’d like to add any toppings to your fudge, like chopped nuts, do so before putting it in the fridge.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge has set, use the foil lining to lift it out of the pan. Cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces and treat your sweet tooth!

How to Store Microwave Fudge

If you have leftover fudge, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three weeks. Here’s more info on how long fudge lasts at different temperatures.

How to Customize Your Microwave Fudge

Once you’ve mastered microwave fudge, make it your own. Here are some of our favorite fudge toppings:

Chopped peanuts, almonds or walnuts
Crushed cookies or candy bars
Sprinkles
Peanut butter or marshmallow fluff swirl
Dried fruit
Glazed bacon
Almond or orange extract
Espresso

Common Microwave Fudge Questions

How Do You Fix Microwave Fudge?

If your microwave fudge didn’t turn out how you’d expect, there are a couple of things that could be responsible.

The first would be that the chocolate was overcooked by the microwave. Since microwave power varies from unit to unit, a minute and a half of zapping could be too powerful and turn your chocolate grainy. To revive it, add a tablespoon more butter or additional chocolate chips and stir. This should return the mixture to a smooth, creamy texture.

If your chocolate was burnt in the microwave, however, it’s best to toss the chocolate and start over.

Another issue could be that sweetened condensed milk was swapped for regular milk or a milk alternative, resulting in a runny fudge. Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has had its excess water removed and sugar added, resulting in a thick, glue-like texture. This thickness is important to this microwave fudge recipe as it helps solidify and stable the fudge. The best way to avoid this mistake is to stick to sweetened condensed milk, or use evaporated milk and add your own sweetener.

Check out these other common fudge mistakes and how to fix them.

What Can I Do With Fudge That Won’t Set?

If you used the correct ingredients and method but your fudge still didn’t set up, don’t toss it! Instead, use it to top a bowl of ice cream or spread it between cake layers for a fudgy filling. Or you can eat it with a spoon, we won’t judge.

Next, take a look at these fun gift shop fudge recipes.

1 / 36

Three-Chocolate Fudge I make this fudge at Christmastime to give to friends and neighbors. That tradition started years ago when I made more candy than my husband, three sons and I could eat, so we shared it. It's a tasty tradition I'm glad to continue. —Betty Grantham, Hanceville, Alabama Get Recipe Check out our best fudge recipes, too.

Taste of Home

Fudge-Topped BrowniesIf you love brownies and fudge, why not combine the two? Mix up a pan of these exquisite brownies for any holiday or special gathering—or just when you want to treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate dessert. —Judy Olson, Whitecourt, Alberta