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This small batch chocolate fudge is rich, smooth, and easy to make. You can prepare it in the microwave or on the stovetop using simple pantry ingredients, creating a creamy homemade fudge sized perfectly for one or two people.
Featured Comment
“Easiest fudge recipe ever – love it!”
– Dara
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This small batch chocolate fudge comes together with just a few ingredients and simple steps.
- Stovetop or Microwave: Choose the method that works best for you. Both produce smooth, creamy fudge every time.
- Perfectly Portioned: This recipe makes just the right amount for one or two people with no waste.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Using quality chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk creates a smooth, melt in your mouth texture.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts, dried fruit, or flavor extracts to create your favorite fudge variation.
This small batch chocolate fudge is one of those recipes I turn to when I want a simple dessert that still feels special. It is rich, smooth, and made with ingredients I almost always have on hand.
I love that it makes just enough for one or two servings, so I can enjoy a sweet treat or share a small gift with a friend without making a full pan of fudge. It is easy to customize and sets beautifully every time.
If you enjoy rich chocolate desserts, you might also like our single serving chocolate lava cake, mini chocolate pie, small batch Oreo balls, or our deep dish brownie.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch fudge recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use semi sweet chocolate chips for a rich chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Dark or milk chocolate chips work as well if you prefer a different flavor. Brands like Guittard, Ghirardelli, and Nestle melt smoothly and create a creamy texture. If you have extra chocolate chips, use them in small batch chocolate chip cookies, small batch blondies, small batch chocolate chip pancakes, or mini flourless chocolate cake.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient gives the fudge its smooth, creamy texture and adds sweetness to the mixture. Coconut condensed milk works well if you need a dairy free alternative. Any leftover condensed milk can be used in recipes like mini tres leches cake, single serve vanilla ice cream, single serve chocolate ice cream, or key lime pie for one.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Nuts are optional, but they add a nice crunch and deeper flavor to each bite. You can also use dried fruit or shredded coconut as an addition. Leftover nuts work wonderfully in small batch butter pecan granola or mini pecan pie.
- Vanilla Extract: A small amount of pure vanilla extract brings out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the fudge. Even a little makes a noticeable difference.
Recipe Variations
These small batch fudge variations offer simple ways to customize this easy fudge recipe:
- Dark Chocolate Walnut Fudge: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor and stir in chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- Rocky Road Fudge: Fold in a handful of small marshmallows and chopped nuts for a classic rocky road flavor.
- Chocolate Fudge with Dried Fruit: Stir in dried cherries, apricots, or dates for added sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.
- Milk Chocolate Pecan Fudge: Swap in milk chocolate chips for a sweeter fudge and fold in pecans for a rich, buttery texture.
- Mint Chocolate Fudge: Add a small amount of peppermint extract and fold in crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing option.
How To Make A Small Batch Of Chocolate Fudge
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Dish: Line a 5×5-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving extra on the sides so you can lift the fudge out easily. Lightly butter or spray the lining and set the dish aside.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Microwave Method: Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds and stir. Heat for another 30 seconds and stir again until smooth.
- Stovetop Method: Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add the Mix-Ins: Stir in the chopped nuts and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Spread and Chill: Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Cut into Squares: Lift the fudge out using the parchment or foil. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Heat Gently: Whether using the microwave or stovetop, warm the chocolate and condensed milk slowly. Microwave in short intervals or cook on low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent scorching and keep the mixture smooth.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: Higher quality chocolate chips melt more evenly and create a richer tasting fudge.
- Adjust the Texture: For a completely smooth fudge, leave out the nuts. If you want a little crunch, use finely chopped nuts so they blend in easily.
- Line the Dish Well: Use parchment paper or foil with overhang so the fudge lifts out cleanly once it sets.
- Let It Fully Chill: Refrigerate until firm before cutting. This helps the fudge hold its shape and gives clean slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, double the ingredients and use either two 5×5-inch dishes or one 6×8-inch dish.
Yes. This small batch chocolate fudge relies on melting chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk, so a thermometer is not needed.
Fudge that is too soft usually needs more time in the refrigerator. If it still has trouble setting, the chocolate may have been overheated or too much liquid was added.
Chocolate can seize if it overheats or comes in contact with water. Heat gently and stir often to keep the mixture smooth.
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping the blade clean between cuts for sharp, neat edges.
RELATED: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small batch chocolate fudge recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Chocolate Fudge
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup)
- 3 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a small baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving extra on the sides so you can lift the fudge out easily. Lightly butter or spray the lining and set the dish aside.
- Melt the chocolate in either the microwave or the stove:* Microwave Method: Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds and stir. Heat for another 30 seconds and stir again until smooth.* Stovetop Method: Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Lift the fudge out using the parchment or foil. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Heat Gently: Whether using the microwave or stovetop, warm the chocolate and condensed milk slowly. Microwave in short intervals or cook on low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to prevent scorching and keep the mixture smooth.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: Higher quality chocolate chips melt more evenly and create a richer tasting fudge.
- Adjust the Texture: For a completely smooth fudge, leave out the nuts. If you want a little crunch, use finely chopped nuts so they blend in easily.
- Line the Dish Well: Use parchment paper or foil with overhang so the fudge lifts out cleanly once it sets.
- Let It Fully Chill: Refrigerate until firm before cutting. This helps the fudge hold its shape and gives clean slices.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Hi,
I want to make this but only have Baker’s Chocolate will that work? and if so use 3oz?
Thank you
Kim
Yes.
How would one cook it on stove? Thanks!
Instead of melting the chocolate along with the sweetened condensed milk in the microwave, place the 2 ingredients in a small saucepan and melt the chips over medium-low heat. Stir until the chocolate chips have melted, then follow the rest of the recipe.
Can this recipe be doubled. If so what size pan should you use.
If you would like to double the recipe, use either two 5×5-inch baking dishes or use one 6.5×6.5-inch baking dish, or one 6×8-inch baking dish. These dishes can be found on our Store page.
Great recipe.
I made this fudge and it would not firm up. What did I do wrong?
Did you use sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk? Evaporated milk does not work for this recipe. This is the number 1 reason people say their fudge doesn’t firm up. If you use sweetened condensed milk and the fudge is still too soft, you can store it in the refrigerator longer.
Trying today with white chocolate chips!
Hello Joanie
Can I use whipping cream in place of condensed milk?
In many recipes whipping cream can be used instead of sweetened condensed milk but other ingredients will need to be modified. I have not tested this fudge recipe with whipping cream but think it should work, you might want to add a bit of sugar because the fudge will not be as sweet.