Every item on this page was chosen by The Fed & Fit team. The site may earn a commission on some products (read more here).
If you’re looking for the easiest and most reliable fudge recipe on the internet, congratulations, you’ve arrived! This classic chocolate walnut fudge is no-fail and incredibly easy. This is my go-to recipe for all of my holiday fudge gifting, it’s an easy recipe to double (or quadruple in my house) and doesn’t require the same commitment as baking cookies. I hope you love it!
Best Ever Chocolate Walnut Fudge
I love fudge. If you live in Texas, you’ve probably been to Buccees, and if you’ve been to Buccees (at least a large one), you may know that they have a fudge selection that will leave you stunned and suddenly, craving fudge. Going to Buccees and trying new fudge flavors used to be one of my very favorite things to do on roadtrips – in case you’re wondering, peanut butter chocolate and classic chocolate were my very favorites.
This recipe for classic chocolate walnut fudge is decidedly not-fussy, giving me the confidence to make this beloved treat on my own!
Homemade Fudge Ingredients
This list is only 5 ingredients long, some of which you may have in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 24 ounces (4 cups) of chocolate chips
- 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
Ingredient Modifications and Variations
This classic fudge is incredible as is, but if you want to switch things up, we have ideas for you!
- Make it dairy-free – use a dairy free sweetened condensed milk (THIS one is great!) in place of the regular sweetened condensed milk.
- Make it nut-free – simply omit the walnuts if you prefer/need a nut-free fudge.
- Use a different nut – if you don’t love walnuts, but you like the idea of a crunchy, nutty addition to your fudge, swap them for pecans, pistachios, or even peanuts!
- Add mix-ins – forgo the nuts and add in another mix-in! Crushed cookies, chopped candy, and mini marshmallows would all be really delicious options.
- Add sprinkles – before your fudge sets, add some sprinkles on top for a nice festive touch! We love THESE sprinkles!
- Add some nut butter – swirl some nut butter on top of the fudge before it fully sets. Peanut butter would be delightful here! To do so, use a teaspoon to add 12-16 dollops of nut butter on top and drag a toothpick or knife through the peanut butter from top to bottom and side to side in a continuous motion to make the swirls.
How To Make Easy Chocolate Walnut Fudge
This fudge is so incredibly easy to make, for really real. It just requires about 10 minutes of hands-on time and a couple hour’s worth of patience while it sets.
- Combine the chocolate, condensed milk, and salt – in a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate and the condensed milk with the salt together over medium/low heat for about 5-10 minute until smooth.
- Add the vanilla and walnuts and pour – stir in the vanilla and walnuts, then pour the fudge mixture into an 8×8 pan that’s either greased or lined with parchment paper.
- Let chill, slice, and serve – let the fudge chill for 2 hours, slice, and then serve or store at room temperature.
Storing and Freezing Fudge
Fudge is best stored in an airtight container on the counter. Storing it this way keeps it from drying out. Storing fudge in the refrigerator is possible, but you’ll want to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container – the plastic wrap + airtight container duo will do the best job of keeping your fudge from becoming too crumbly.
Freezing fudge is another really great way to store it, especially if you’re looking for long-term storage. To freeze your fudge, simply wrap it in plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and then pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Chocolate Fudge FAQs
Here are our best secrets for the yummiest fudge: first, make sure that the recipe you’re using has enough sugar so that the fudge is nice and creamy. The condensed milk and chocolate in this recipe are already sweetened so that the fudge is creamy, but not way too sweet. Secondly, while you will let your fudge set in the fridge, then we recommend serving it at room temperature for the most satisfying fudgy bite.
Fudge typically becomes dry and crumbly when it’s overcooked. To avoid this, make sure that you take the fudge off the heat once the chocolate, condensed milk, and salt are smooth and the vanilla and walnuts are stirred in.
Store your fudge in an airtight container on the counter to keep it soft!
Just for You
Dessert Recipes
Want more recipe ideas like this?
Ingredients
- 24 ounces (4 cups) chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and the condensed milk with the salt together over medium/low heat in a medium saucepan for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla and walnuts, then pour the fudge mixture into an 8×8 pan that's either greased or lined with parchment paper.
- Let the fudge chill for 2 hours, slice, and then serve or store at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- Make it dairy-free – use a dairy free sweetened condensed milk (THIS one is great!) in place of the regular sweetened condensed milk.
- Make it nut-free – simply omit the walnuts if you prefer/need a nut-free fudge.
- Use a different nut – if you don’t love walnuts, but you like the idea of a crunchy, nutty addition to your fudge, swap them for pecans, pistachios, or even peanuts!
- Add mix-ins – forgo the nuts and add in another mix-in! Crushed cookies, chopped candy, and mini marshmallows would all be really delicious options.
- Add sprinkles – before your fudge sets, add some sprinkles on top for a nice festive touch! We love THESE sprinkles!
- Add some nut butter – swirl some nut butter on top of the fudge before it fully sets. Peanut butter would be delightful here! To do so, use a teaspoon to add 12-16 dollops of nut butter on top and drag a toothpick or knife through the peanut butter from top to bottom and side to side in a continuous motion to make the swirls.
Leah says
YUM!!!! I’m not sure there could be an easier way to make fudge! The tips said to not overcook it, and I was afraid that I didn’t let it melt it enough, but it was great.
I think next time I’ll put it in a 13×9 pan though and have it thinner.
Melissa Guevara says
We are so glad you enjoyed, Leah! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We really appreciate it! -Team FF