Irresistibly Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe: Your 5-Ingredient, No-Bake Delight!

Craving a rich, creamy, homemade fudge but short on time? This **Microwave Fudge Recipe** is your ultimate solution! With just five essential ingredients, you can whip up a batch of decadent chocolate fudge, complete with an optional luscious caramel layer, all made effortlessly in your microwave. No need for an oven, no stovetop hassle, and minimal cleanup — just pure, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Microwave Fudge

• Effortlessly Easy: Forget standing over a hot stove! This recipe is entirely microwave-based, making it incredibly simple for even beginner bakers.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need five core ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
• Quick to Prepare: Active prep time is less than 15 minutes, leaving more time for chilling and enjoying.
• No-Bake Perfection: Ideal for hot weather or when oven space is limited during holiday baking marathons.
• Kid-Friendly: Its straightforward process makes it a fantastic recipe for kids to help with, creating delicious memories together.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with various flavorings and mix-ins to suit any preference.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade fudge makes a thoughtful and impressive gift for friends, family, and neighbors.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Fudge

The beauty of this microwave fudge lies in its simplicity. High-quality ingredients are key to achieving that rich, smooth, and irresistible texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Microwave Fudge Recipe

Making this fudge is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave an overhang on all sides. This “sling” will be your best friend when it comes to lifting the hardened fudge out of the pan for easy cutting.
2. Melt the Fudge Base: In a large, microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the unsalted butter (cut into tablespoons), milk chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat in short bursts. Begin with 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly for about 20-25 seconds after each interval. The key here is patience and frequent stirring. This ensures even melting and prevents the chocolate from scorching. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, with no lumps remaining.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted and smooth, remove it from the microwave. Stir in the vanilla extract and the fine sea salt until fully incorporated. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Set the Chocolate Layer: Pour the velvety chocolate fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8-inch pan. Using a spatula lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, gently spread the fudge into an even layer, making sure it reaches all corners of the pan and has a smooth, flat top. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the caramel.
5. Prepare the Caramel Layer (Optional but Recommended!): In a separate small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped soft caramels and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave for 10 seconds, then stir vigorously for 20 seconds. Repeat this process: microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring for 20 seconds after each, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. If the caramel seems too thick, you can add another tablespoon of heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency. *Slow melting and frequent stirring are crucial here to prevent the caramel from seizing or burning.*
6. Combine and Chill: Carefully pour the warm, melted caramel evenly over the chilled chocolate fudge layer in the pan. Use a nonstick-sprayed spoon or spatula to gently spread the caramel to the edges. If you desire a “salted caramel” fudge, now is the time to sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. Once both layers are complete, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap.
7. Allow to Harden: Transfer the covered pan back to the refrigerator and allow the fudge to harden and set completely. For the best results and easiest cutting, refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours. Rushing this step can result in a softer, messier fudge.
8. Cut and Serve: Once fully chilled and firm, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. For clean, precise slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it quickly, and then cut the fudge into small, bite-sized pieces. Reheat the knife after a few cuts if it starts to drag. Enjoy your homemade microwave fudge!

Expert Tips for Fudge-Making Success

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, a few simple tips can elevate your microwave fudge from good to absolutely phenomenal:

• Use Glass Bowls for Melting: Always microwave your ingredients in a glass bowl instead of plastic. Glass heats more evenly and retains heat better, helping the chocolate and butter melt smoothly without scorching or absorbing unwanted flavors from plastic.
• Microwave with Care: The secret to perfectly melted chocolate and caramel in the microwave is low and slow heat. Never blast it on high power for long durations. Heating in short 30-second intervals (and 10-second intervals for caramel), followed by thorough stirring for 20-25 seconds each time, is essential. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth, consistent mixture.
• Line the Pan Properly: Don’t skip the parchment paper or foil lining! Leaving a generous overhang on the sides of your 8×8-inch pan creates a “sling” that makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire block of fudge out once it’s set. This saves you from struggling to pry it out and helps maintain its perfect shape.
• Smooth Evenly with Nonstick Spray: For that picture-perfect, smooth top layer on your fudge, lightly spray your spatula with nonstick cooking spray before spreading the fudge into the pan. This prevents the sticky mixture from clinging to the spatula and allows for effortless, even spreading.
• Achieve Clean Cuts with a Hot Knife: To get neat, professional-looking slices of fudge, use a sharp knife that has been warmed under hot running water. Wipe the knife dry immediately before cutting. The warmth helps the knife glide through the fudge without dragging or crumbling. Reheat and dry the knife after every few cuts for the best results.
• Patience with Chilling: While tempting to cut into your fudge early, resist the urge! Refrigerating the fudge overnight or for at least 8 hours is crucial for it to fully set and firm up. This patience will be rewarded with perfectly sliceable, non-sticky fudge.
• Consider Your Microwave’s Power: Microwaves vary in wattage. If your microwave is particularly powerful, you might need even shorter heating intervals (e.g., 15-20 seconds) to avoid overheating and burning the chocolate. Keep a close eye on it, especially during the first few attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this microwave fudge recipe!

• Can I use a different type of chocolate? Yes! While milk chocolate creates a classic, sweet fudge, you can absolutely use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor. White chocolate chips also work, but may require a slightly longer chill time. Ensure you use high-quality chocolate for the best taste.
• My fudge didn’t set. What went wrong? The most common reason for unset fudge is using evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk, or using a low-fat sweetened condensed milk. Sweetened condensed milk is crucial for the fudge’s setting properties. Ensure you’re using full-fat sweetened condensed milk. Also, ensure adequate chilling time (at least 8 hours, preferably overnight).
• Can I omit the caramel layer? Absolutely! The chocolate fudge alone is incredibly delicious. If you prefer a simpler chocolate fudge, just skip steps 5 and 6 and enjoy the rich chocolate layer on its own.
• How can I prevent the chocolate from burning in the microwave? The key is short bursts of heat and frequent stirring. Never heat for longer than 30 seconds at a time for the chocolate mixture, and 10 seconds for the caramel. Stir well after each interval, even if it doesn’t look fully melted yet. The residual heat will continue the melting process.
• Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Yes, definitely! Stir in your favorite additions like chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), mini marshmallows, pretzel pieces, or crushed cookies (like Oreos) into the chocolate fudge mixture *after* it’s melted and before spreading it into the pan.

More Holiday Treats to Delight

If you loved this easy microwave fudge, be sure to explore more delightful recipes perfect for the holiday season or any sweet occasion:

Print Recipe

Microwave Fudge

By Chelsea Lords

This Microwave Fudge is the easiest treat you’ll ever make—just five ingredients and no stovetop or oven required for a rich, creamy, homemade dessert!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Yields: 36 pieces

Equipment

• 8 x 8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Large microwave-safe glass bowl
• Spatula
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• 3 cups milk chocolate chips (see note 1 for alternatives)
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (full-fat recommended)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, skip if using salted butter)
• For the Optional Caramel Layer:
• 5.7 ounces soft caramels (unwrapped, about 1 bag)
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping the caramel)

Instructions

• 1. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil, ensuring a generous overhang on all sides for easy removal later. Cut the unsalted butter into tablespoon-sized pieces.
• 2. Melt Fudge Base: In a large, microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the butter, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals. After each burst, remove the bowl and stir thoroughly for 20-30 seconds. Continue this process until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are fully melted and combined. Be patient and stir often to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.
• 3. Flavor Fudge: Once melted and smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt until well combined.
• 4. Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour the chocolate fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Lightly spray a spatula with nonstick cooking spray and use it to spread the fudge into an even, smooth layer that touches all sides of the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the caramel.
• 5. Melt Caramels: In a separate small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped soft caramels and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave for 10 seconds, then stir vigorously for 20 seconds. Repeat this process (10-second bursts, 20-second stirring) until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the caramel is a pourable consistency. Melt slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning and ensure a smooth caramel.
• 6. Add Caramel Layer: Evenly spread the melted caramel over the chilled chocolate fudge layer. Use a nonstick-sprayed spoon or spatula to gently smooth and spread the caramel to the edges. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel finish.
• 7. Chill Overnight: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to harden and set completely. For best results and clean cuts, chill overnight or for at least 8 hours.
• 8. Cut and Serve: Once fully set, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire fudge block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board. To cut into small, neat pieces, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and then slice. Reheat and dry the knife as needed between cuts. Enjoy your homemade microwave fudge!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 – Choosing Your Chocolate: Milk chocolate yields a classic, rich, and sweet fudge. For a less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor, consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. For the best possible taste and texture, always opt for high-quality chocolate brands such as Ghirardelli® or Guittard®.

Storage: Store your Microwave Fudge in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and firm texture. It is best enjoyed cold within 2–3 days, but will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods, as this can cause it to soften and dry out.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 piece | Calories: 40 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 5 mg | Sodium: 34 mg | Potassium: 15 mg | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 50 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 10 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is an approximation only. It may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

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