The Easiest 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge (No Fail Recipe!)

Name: 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk; 3 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet); ¼ cup unsalted butter

If making fudge were any easier, it would make itself. This 3 Ingredient chocolate fudge is stress-free and 100% chocolatey joy!

This homemade fudge is the perfect sweet treat for any time of year, whether you’re whipping up a Valentine’s Day surprise, prepping gifts for the Christmas season, or just craving an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

Jump to Recipe

Three squares of chocolate fudge are stacked on parchment paper, with a bite taken from the top piece. The text "3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge" is displayed in a playful font above. In the background, a bowl of chocolate chips is visible.

The creamy texture is irresistible, and since it’s made with pantry staples, you probably already have everything you need.

No need for a candy thermometer or a complicated double boiler—just a few simple ingredients, a saucepan, and a little bit of patience (okay, about two hours of chilling).

It’s so easy that even if it’s your first time making fudge, you’ll nail it!

Three squares of chocolate fudge are stacked on a white cloth with a bowl of chocolate chips nearby, set on a wooden board.

Table of Contents

Ingredient List
Recipe Directions
Choose the Best Chocolate for Your Fudge
More Delicious Treats
FAQs
Recipe Card

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 10 minutes

Bake time: N/A

Chill time: 2 hours

Servings: 2 pounds

3 Simple Ingredients, Perfect Fudge!

You only need three ingredients to make this easy fudge recipe, and chances are, they’re already in your kitchen!

No fancy tools, no special techniques—just a handful of pantry staples that come together for the creamiest, most indulgent fudge ever. Here’s what you’ll need:

A top-down view of a marble countertop with three glass bowls: one with chocolate chips, another with a stick of butter, and the third containing condensed milk.

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – The secret to that smooth, creamy texture.
3 cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) – Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor!
¼ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

3 Ingredient Fudge Recipe Directions

1️⃣ Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 (or similar size) baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2️⃣ Melt the chocolate mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir to combine.

A saucepan on a marbled surface contains chocolate chips, a block of butter, and creamy condensed milk, ready to be melted and mixed together.

A silver pot filled with cooked black beans on a marble countertop. The beans are submerged in a thick, dark broth.

3️⃣ Heat gently: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. As the chocolate melts, the chocolate mixture will thicken and become smooth—just like frosting!

A pot of cooked, thick chocolate ganache sits on a marble countertop. The ganache has a smooth, glossy texture. The pot has a metallic handle and the marble has a light, textured pattern.

4️⃣ Transfer to the prepared pan: Pour the fudge into the lined baking pan, spreading it into an even layer. (For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist.)

A square baking pan lined with foil, filled with unbaked brownie batter. The pan is placed on a marble countertop.

5️⃣ Let it set: Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 4 hours or place it in the fridge for about 2 hours.

6️⃣ Slice and serve: Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into small pieces and enjoy!

Twenty-five square pieces of chocolate fudge evenly arranged on a sheet of parchment paper. The background is a light-colored marble surface.

Close-up of several pieces of chocolate fudge arranged on a wooden board. One piece is positioned in front of the board. The fudge has a rich, smooth texture and a deep brown color.

Storage Tips

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

This easy chocolate fudge recipe is the perfect treat for any time of year—whether you’re making a homemade fudge gift for the holiday season or just need a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Three pieces of rich, dense chocolate fudge stacked on a piece of parchment paper. One piece is on top and two are side by side on the bottom, showcasing their textured surface and delicious appearance. A small chocolate chip is nearby.

Choose the Best Chocolate for Your Fudge

For the best 3-ingredient chocolate fudge, you’ll want to use high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly and delivers a rich, deep flavor. Here are some top choices based on cocoa content, texture, and taste:

1. Couverture Chocolate (Best for Ultra-Smooth Texture)

Brands: Valrhona, Callebaut, Guittard, Scharffen Berger
Why? High cocoa butter content makes for silky, creamy fudge with a glossy finish.

2. Premium Chocolate Bars (Great for Deep Flavor)

Brands: Lindt, Ghirardelli, Godiva, Green & Black’s, Theo
Why? These bars melt beautifully and have a rich, high-quality cocoa taste.

3. High-Quality Chocolate Chips (Most Convenient)

Brands: Ghirardelli, Guittard, Enjoy Life (for dairy-free)
Why? Easy to use, but make sure they contain cocoa butter rather than fillers like palm oil.

4. Baking Chocolate (Unsweetened or Semi-Sweet for Customization)

Brands: Baker’s, Scharffen Berger, Valrhona
Why? Allows you to control the sweetness, especially if you want a less sugary fudge.

What to Avoid:

🚫 Cheap chocolate chips with vegetable oils (they don’t melt smoothly).
🚫 Low-quality candy melts (waxy texture, artificial flavor).
🚫 Excessively sweet chocolate if you prefer balanced fudge.

For the best creamy texture, go for semi-sweet or dark couverture chocolate—but if you like a sweeter fudge, milk chocolate works great too!

Callebaut Belgian Dark Couverture Chocolate Semisweet

GHIRARDELLI 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Premium Baking Chips

Lindt EXCELLENCE 90% Cocoa Dark Chocolate Bar

SCHARFEEN BERGER Baking Chocolate Chunks, Bittersweet

More Delicious Treats

If you love chocolate as much as I do, you won’t want to miss these delicious recipes.

Authentic French Chocolate Truffle Recipe – Indulge in rich, cacao-packed truffles that are perfect for gifting or enjoying all to yourself.
Super Moist Chocolate Cake Recipe from Scratch – A tender, ultra-moist chocolate cake with no buttermilk needed (and a secret ingredient that makes it extra special!).
Best Ranger Cookies Recipe with Chocolate Chips – A hearty, chocolatey twist on a classic cookie with oats, crispy rice cereal, walnuts, and coconut.
Easy Hot Cocoa Cookies Recipe with Cocoa Powder Mix – Soft, rich chocolate cookies topped with gooey marshmallows—just like a warm cup of cocoa!
3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies – An American classic.

For even more sweet treat inspiration, check out:

15 Easy Desserts with 3 Ingredients To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth – Quick, simple, and absolutely delicious!

Happy baking! 🍫

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge FAQs

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips?

Yes! You can make a delicious white chocolate fudge by swapping the chocolate chips for high-quality white chocolate. Just be aware that white chocolate is a bit softer, so your fudge may have a slightly different texture.

Do I really not need a candy thermometer?

Nope! This is an easy fudge recipe, so there’s no need for a candy thermometer or complicated steps. Just melt, pour, chill, and enjoy!

How do I keep my fudge from getting grainy?

Make sure you melt the chocolate mixture slowly over low heat and stir constantly. If chocolate overheats, it can seize up and affect the creamy texture.

Can I add mix-ins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Try stirring in chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or even a little bit of espresso powder for a mocha twist. Just mix them in before pouring the fudge into the prepared pan.

How do I store homemade fudge?

Store your homemade chocolate fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Is it illegal to eat an entire batch in one sitting?

While there are no official laws against it, your taste buds may declare you guilty of excessive deliciousness. (And you might want to hide the evidence before anyone asks for a piece!)

Chocolate fudge squares on a parchment paper and wooden board, surrounded by chocolate chips. A bowl filled with chocolate chips is placed nearby on a white surface.

3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge

Course Dessert

Keyword chocolate, from scratch

Prep Time 10 minutes

Author Nathalie Brown

Ingredients

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups chocolate chips milk, dark, or semi-sweet
¼ cup unsalted butter

Instructions

Line an 8×8 or similar size pan with foil or parchment and spray lightly with non-stick spray. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir to combine.
Heat over low heat and stir frequently. Do not heat too quickly or it can scorch.
As the chocolate melts, the mixture will then start to thicken up. Continue to stir. Fudge is done when it is smooth and looks like frosting.
Transfer the fudge to the lined pan and press into the bottom in an even layer.
Allow to set at room temperature for 4 hours or in the fridge for about 2 hours.
Slice and serve.