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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.
I’m sorry, I guess I have a lot to learn. I thought ALL fudge involved powdered sugar, this one doesn’t. Is that due to the sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, exactly! The sweetened condensed milk replaces the need for powdered or granulated sugar. It’s already sweet and gives the fudge that smooth, creamy texture without any of the cooking and stirring traditional fudge requires. That’s what makes this such a quick and easy recipe.
Will this work with white chocolate chips?
I haven’t tested this recipe with white chocolate chips but it should work. Keep in mind that white chocolate is more sensitive to heat, especially in the microwave, so melt it slowly and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Because I’ve only tested this recipe as written, that’s the version I can fully guarantee. If you give the white chocolate a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.
Loved this (and others) recipe, made just enough to have a great little snack. :). Making the cookies next. Can’t believe how lucky I was to have found your site which I feel is one of the best around. It’s so perfect for one or two person households. Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so happy you’re enjoying the recipes and that the fudge was just the right amount. I hope you love the cookies too, and I truly appreciate you being here.
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.
I started out with a plan to make 3 batches for gifts. It was a big hit! Really fun to do different twists. Cranberry walnut, cherry almond, 5 nut, cherry pistachio…. We obviously made a LOT more than 3 but so well worth it. So simple and delicious!
Thank you! I highly recommend it!
I haven’t had the finished product yet, but if licking the bowl is any indicator, this will be amazing!!! I love these small-batch dessert recipes. My boyfriend is diabetic but has an insatiable sweet tooth. It’s great to find recipes like these that I can whip up for him without a bunch of leftovers that we can’t resist eating!
Enjoy one dish cooking so much! Live alone Senior. Glad I found your recipes!
This is very yummy! I used the one in the cookbook I received in my email. It says to use butter or spray on the foil… I didn’t do that so I did have to peel the foil off the bottom.. BUT, it turned out really good! I am so glad to have small disserts… keeps me from eating too many sweets. Perfect!
I’m glad you enjoyed the fudge. Thank you so much for your feedback.
Can you please give the amount of condensed milk in tablespoons or cups? I don’t have a kitchen scale.
Thanks.
3 ounces is 6 tablespoons.
I’m so excited to have found you, Joanie. This fudge recipe is not only easy to make it’s so creamy delicious. I used milk chocolate. I can’t stop making and eating this.
Thank you much
Sherrie
Sherrie, I’m so happy you found us and I’m thrilled to know you are enjoying the fudge recipe. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.
What size pan does this make?
The one shown and mentioned in the recipe measures 5-inches by 5-inches (25 square inches). A 4-inch by 6-inch will work well too.
I made this with home made condensed milk and it never firmed up.
Did you use 1/2 cup (3-ounces) of chocolate chips? Did you refrigerate the fudge? If so, I cannot think of a reason why it did not firm up for you.
Joanie you are a genius! Sitting at home (Covid-19 quarantine) and wanting something sweet, preferably chocolate. I only had half a bag of chocolate chips, so checked out Pinterest for a recipe. Along came yours, I had all of the ingredients except walnuts which was fine with me. This was the fastest, easiest fudge I have ever made and living alone it was the perfect size for one. Although I know it will be gone by tomorrow. When the fudge cooled a bit I threw in a small amount of mini marshmallows, Perfect!
how much is 3 ounces of the condensed milk? like a tablespoon?
About 6 tablespoons.
This is absolutely genius!!! Portion controlled fudge! I have this pinned so I can use it again and again!
OMG this could be very dangerous, haha. I may find myself making this daily.
Ooh, I’d love to see a version of this for other fudge flavors! Penuche, vanilla, etc. … :-d
I love nuts but I love raisins more in my fudge! I’ve also made this fudge with almond or orange extract instead of vanilla. One may want a mint extract instead. Different flavors for different moods 🙂
I like raisins in fudge too, Dawn. Thank you for sharing your versions.
thank you looking into this I have tried my own version I used 12 ounces of hot water I tea bag and let that steep then I added 1/3 cup of orange juice , I tablespoon of lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/8 of a teaspoon of cloves, and 1/8 of a teaspoon of ginger. It had a very strong clove taste so I think I need to cup back on the cloves. I also used honey instead of sugar. I just used that to my own taste. I hope you can help me out . Thank You
do you have a reciepe for one cup I think they called russain tea or spiced tea it had tang and lemonade mix andsome spices
Hi Sue,
No, I don’t have a recipe for this but am intrigued. I’ll have to look into it.
3 oz by volume or weight for the milk? Can’t wait to try this!
By volume, Sarah. Hope you love the recipe!
This looks delicious! It caught my eye as I was browsing your site whilst my banana bread for one is cooking… oops!
Hi Licia,
Thank you so much.
easiest fudge recipe ever – love it!
I have always stayed away from making fudge, because the idea intimidated me. But this recipe is so easy and simple. Perfect for just me.
Yes, microwaving makes it super easy.
I’m loving this recipe. Sometimes I just want a little taste of something and not a bunch sitting in the house. Thank you.
You are so welcome, Mary. Small dessert portions are perfect so that I'm not tempted to eat more than I should 🙂
This looks delicious and I love how it's so easy to make!! <3
Thank you, Katherine – so easy!
Yum! Love the smaller portion! Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Patricia. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
What?! Omg! This is perfect, I'm def in trouble now! I'll be whipping this recipe up for myself everyday! Yummy!!
I probably shouldn't have read this post. Now I'll be making fudge for me all the time. #pregnancycravings
Mine turned out perfect. Quick and easy.
I love fudge and this looks so easy! No one else in my family likes it so I can't justify making my recipe too often but with how quick this looks I could justify it.
Fudge for one? Yes Please! I don't eat nuts but I'll just leave those out!
Oh my word thank you so much!!! I love sweets but my family are not huge sweet eaters! I am so excited to have my own little portion to feed my craving for fudge!!! I just found your website but I am so in love with it already!!! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lindsay. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!