Two-Ingredient Fudge

Whipping up a batch of old-fashioned fudge involves a lot of specialty tools and closely watched pots, which can be a fun time when you’re in the mood for it but not if you want fudge fast. So, imagine our delight at discovering this two-ingredient fudge recipe! Not only does this no-fail candy require literally two ingredients, but it also comes together in minutes. No fiddly candy-making tools needed.

Once the easy fudge mixture is cooled and sliced, you’ll have a batch of luscious, smooth chocolate fudge that’s wonderful for wrapping as a gift, selling at a bake sale or storing in your secret candy stash.

Ingredients for Two-Ingredient Fudge

• Sweetened condensed milk: Double-check that you’re buying a can of sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk. I find that these two products are packaged in a deceivingly similar way. In this easy fudge recipe, you can’t use evaporated milk as a sweetened condensed milk substitute as you could with some other recipes. So, just be mindful of this while you’re at the store.
• Chocolate chips: Since chocolate chips are one of the only two ingredients in this easy fudge, we recommend buying the best chocolate chips at the store. After all, the chocolate chips flavor the fudge, while the sweetened condensed milk creates the texture. A good-quality chocolate should taste rich, bitter and deeply chocolaty.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your pan

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Line an 8-in. square pan with parchment or waxed paper, extending the edges over sides of the pan.

Editor’s Tip: Cut two 8-inch-wide pieces of waxed paper or parchment long enough to extend over the edges of the pan. Fit the pieces crosswise over each other in the pan so you can lift the fudge from the pan when it’s ready.

Step 2: Warm the condensed milk, then add the chocolate

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Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a small heavy saucepan. Heat the milk on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s warm—this will take only a minute or two.

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Pour in the chocolate chips, and cook and stir the chips into the condensed milk until the chips are completely melted. The mixture will be thick.

Step 3: Let the fudge set up

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Pour the fudge mixture into the lined baking pan. Allow the fudge to stand at room temperature until it’s set, about two hours.

Editor’s Tip: Use the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula to smooth the mixture evenly into the pan. If you want the fudge to be really flat, smooth a piece of storage wrap over the top before you let it cool.

Step 4: Slice the fudge

Use the edges of the parchment or waxed paper to lift the fudge from the pan. Peel the paper off and place the fudge on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice the fudge into pieces.

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Two-Ingredient Fudge Variations

Since this two-ingredient fudge is so easy, we’re sharing a few fun twists, such as including mix-ins like nuts and dried cherries or swapping in other flavored baking chips for the chocolate chips. Yup, it’s that easy to change up this easy fudge recipe, so feel free to get creative if you’re feeling inspired!

• Cherry hazelnut fudge: Make the recipe as above. When the chocolate chips are melting into the warm condensed milk, stir in 1 cup chopped dried cherries and 1/2 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts. Spoon the mixture into the pan and let it cool for two hours before slicing.
• White chocolate fudge: Reduce the sweetened condensed milk to 1 cup and warm it in a saucepan. Stir in 3 cups white chocolate chips until they’re melted and smooth. Spoon the mixture into the pan, and allow it to cool and set for four hours or overnight.
• White chocolate peanut butter cup fudge: Make the white chocolate fudge as above. Then, when the white chocolate chips are melted, gently stir in 1-1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups (that’s about 25 mini PB cups). Spoon the mixture into the pan, and let the fudge cool and set for four hours or overnight.

How to Store Two-Ingredient Fudge

Store your easy fudge in an airtight container, placing sheets of parchment or waxed paper in between each layer of fudge if you’re stacking it. Fudge will last for up to one week at room temperature. If you plan to keep the fudge for longer than one week (good luck with that since it is so delish), move it to the refrigerator. There, it can last for two to three weeks.

Can you freeze two-ingredient fudge?

Yes, you can freeze two-ingredient fudge. Simply transfer the pieces to an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw them at room temperature and enjoy!

Two-Ingredient Fudge Tips

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What happens if I overcook fudge?

Overheating this two-ingredient fudge can take some of the moisture content out of the final product. If the fudge is overcooked, it may turn out crumbly and hard rather than silky. To avoid this, simply warm the milk without boiling it, then immediately stir in the chocolate chips until they’re melted.

Are you supposed to stir fudge?

With classic, old-fashioned fudge, you don’t want to stir it because it could become grainy. Because this two-ingredient fudge doesn’t contain granulated sugar nor does it need to come to a boil, the chocolate chips should be stirred into the sweetened condensed milk right away. So, yes, you will need to stir at some point while making this easy fudge recipe.

Can I use a different pan?

Yes, you can let this two-ingredient fudge set in any pan. Just know it will change the thickness of the fudge, of course, and may need a bit longer to set.