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Make a delicious and decadent fudge in minutes with this easy small batch microwave fudge recipe! This small batch recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it’s sure to become a new favorite. Ready in minutes, there’s no need for a candy thermometer or a stove – just mix, microwave, and chill!
If you love rich and creamy chocolate desserts, you will love our decadent Chocolate Lava Cake, our fabulous mini Chocolate Pie that sits on a buttery shortbread crust, our delicious Oreo Balls, and our quick and easy Deep Dish Brownie!
Why You’ll Love This Fudge Recipe
- Efficiency: This microwave fudge recipe minimizes the time and effort associated with traditional fudge-making. No need for stovetop cooking or candy thermometers; just combine, microwave, and chill!
- Portion Control: With its single serving size, you won’t have to worry about overindulging or wasting leftovers.
- Versatility: You can easily customize this fudge with various add-ins, making it suitable for a range of tastes and dietary preferences.
What Is Microwave Fudge?
Microwave fudge is a convenient twist on the classic candy, which traditionally involves sugar, butter, milk, and chocolate. Instead of slow-cooking on the stove, this method utilizes the microwave to deliver delicious fudge in less time. It’s an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Our Unique Approach to Microwave Fudge
For this scrumptious recipe, we focus on three core ingredients: chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of vanilla extract. If you’re after some added crunch, consider tossing in some chopped nuts, although that’s entirely up to you. With these basic ingredients, you’re just minutes away from a delectable treat that’s both fast and satisfying.
RELATED: The Best Cookie Recipes For One
Ingredients
- 3 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Semi-sweet chocolate chips are commonly used for their balanced flavor, but you can substitute them with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your taste preference. Brands I use often are Guittard, Ghirardelli, and Nestle’s Toll House. If you have leftover chocolate chips, consider using them in a small batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies, Blondies, or a mini Flourless Chocolate Cake.
- 3 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient adds creaminess and sweetness to the fudge. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, use coconut condensed milk as a substitute. You may like to use the rest of the sweetened condensed milk in a mini Tres Leches Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream, or Key Lime Pie!
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: These are optional but recommended for added crunch and flavor. Choose either, or substitute with dried fruit or shredded coconut for a different texture. We have so many recipes that call for nuts, use a handful in our small batch Butter Pecan Granola or in a Mini Pecan Pie.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor. Use pure extract for the best results.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
With this small batch Microwave Fudge recipe, the possibilities for customization are endless. Here are a few ideas:
- Dark Chocolate & Walnut Fudge: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to add a rich, deep flavor to your fudge. Add chopped walnuts for a unique crunch and a mildly bitter undertone that pairs well with dark chocolate.
- Milk Chocolate & Pecan Fudge: Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a creamier, sweeter fudge. Use chopped pecans which lend a sweet, buttery crunch that complements the milk chocolate beautifully.
- Dairy-Free Coconut & Almond Fudge: Make your fudge dairy-free by using dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk. This gives your fudge a subtle coconut flavor. Replace the chopped nuts with chopped almonds for a match made in heaven with the coconut.
- Vegan Fudge With Dried Fruit: Make a vegan-friendly version by using dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk. Instead of nuts, stir in your choice of chopped dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, or dates. This adds a unique, sweet and tangy flavor and a chewy texture to your fudge.
How To Make Microwave Fudge
- Line a small baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Butter or spray with oil spray. Set the dish aside.
Note: You will NOT be placing this dish in the microwave.
Pro Tip: For an effortless fudge removal process, I recommend lining your dish with either foil or parchment paper. Ensure the edges extend over the sides of the dish. This method allows you to lift the set fudge out easily once it has fully hardened.
- Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for 30 seconds more.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and vanilla.
- Spread into the pan. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Lift the fudge from the pan using foil ends; cut the fudge into squares.
Expert Tips For Perfect Microwave Fudge
- Microwave the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in brief spurts, making sure to stir after each round to avoid burning the mixture.
- If you’re aiming for ultra-smooth fudge, feel free to leave out the nuts or use finely ground ones for a subtler crunch.
- To attain the ideal fudge texture, place the mixture in the refrigerator until it becomes firm. This step is key to achieving that classic fudge consistency.
RELATED: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
The size of the baking dish you choose can significantly impact your fudge’s outcome. We suggest opting for either a 5×5-inch dish, offering a base area of 25 square inches, or a 4×6-inch dish with a 24 square-inch base. For dish recommendations, check out the options available on our Store page.
Certainly! If you’re looking to make a larger batch, you have a couple of options. You can either use two 5×5-inch baking dishes or opt for a single 6.5×6.5-inch or 6×8-inch baking dish. For dish recommendations suitable for doubling the recipe, visit our Store page.
You can use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk.
Microwave fudge can sometimes be grainy for a few reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons:
The chocolate chips were not melted completely. If the chocolate chips are not melted completely, the fudge will be grainy. To prevent this, make sure to melt the chocolate chips in the microwave on high heat for short bursts, stirring in between each burst.
The fudge was overcooked. If the fudge is overcooked, it will become grainy. To prevent this, do not microwave the fudge for longer than necessary.
The fudge was not stirred frequently enough. Stirring the fudge frequently helps to break up any large chunks of chocolate and to ensure that it melts evenly. If the fudge is not stirred frequently enough, it may become grainy.
The fudge was not chilled for long enough. The fudge needs to be chilled for at least 2 hours, preferably 4, before cutting it into pieces. If the fudge is not chilled for long enough, it may not set properly, which can also lead to a grainy texture.
Yes, you can make this recipe without a microwave. To do this, melt the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the fudge into a greased baking dish or one that has been lined with parchment paper or foil and let it cool completely. Place in the refrigerator for about 4 hours, and cut it into pieces.
Microwave fudge might not set for a few reasons:
Insufficient Cooking Time: Fudge requires heat to melt the chocolate and blend it properly with the other ingredients. If the mixture isn’t heated enough, it may not set as desired. Microwave strengths vary, so you might need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Incorrect Ingredient Proportions:
The balance between the chocolate and the sweetened condensed milk is crucial in fudge recipes. Too much condensed milk can prevent the fudge from setting properly.
Inadequate Cooling Time: After the microwave process, fudge needs ample time to cool and harden. If you try to cut it too soon, it can appear as if it hasn’t set.
By ensuring you have the right ingredients in the correct proportions, adequate microwave and cooling time, you should achieve a well-set, delicious batch of fudge.
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 “Fudge For One” 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 Microwave 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 aluminum foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Butter or spray with oil spray. Set the dish aside.Note: You will NOT be placing this dish in the microwave.Pro Tip: For an effortless fudge removal process, I recommend lining your dish with either foil or parchment paper. Ensure the edges extend over the sides of the dish. This method allows you to lift the set fudge out easily once it has fully hardened.
- Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for 30 seconds more.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate chips are completely melted.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and vanilla.
- Spread into the pan. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Lift the fudge from the pan using foil ends; cut the fudge into squares.
Notes
- Microwave the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in brief spurts, making sure to stir after each round to avoid burning the mixture.
- If you’re aiming for ultra-smooth fudge, feel free to leave out the nuts or use finely ground ones for a subtler crunch.
- To attain the ideal fudge texture, place the mixture in the refrigerator until it becomes firm. This step is key to achieving that classic fudge consistency.
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 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!