Making fudge at home is surprisingly easy and accessible. With just four effortless ingredients and a microwave at your fingertips, you can whip up richly decadent and delightfully creamy vanilla fudge in no time. With no stove-top required and no need for a candy thermometer, you’re assured of achieving sweet, creamy success each and every time. This decadent delight is perfect for special occasions, as a thoughtful gift, or simply to satisfy your cravings.
Why Our Recipe
- Microwave magic: a quick and easy recipe that’s stove-top and candy thermometer-free!
- Indulge in velvety smooth fudge every time with our easy-to-follow recipe requiring only four simple ingredients.
While some fudges may have their merits, let’s face it: not all fudges are created equal? We’ve all had the misfortune of encountering subpar fudge at some point. Foolproof fudge crafted with sweetened condensed milk yields a quick, effortless, and silky-smooth treat. Here’s a revised version of your text:
While past experiences may have led you down the wrong path, we’re confident that our latest creation – the richest and most decadent fudge you’ve ever tasted – will redeem us in your eyes.
Ingredient Notes
- This rich mixture serves as the foundation for your decadent fudge. Locate a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
- Select superior-grade white chocolate chips to elevate the overall taste experience. While cheaper alternatives might not produce a seamless finish,
- A small amount of butter imbues a depth of flavour and facilitates the melting process smoothly.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract, preferably a pure and concentrated one, to ensure an optimal and intense flavor in your final product.
Optional Additions
This velvety fudge is a masterpiece of texture and taste, boasting a sublime smoothness that’s simply irresistible – and the fun doesn’t stop there, as it invites creative experimentation.
Stir in chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or crushed cookies into the mixture just prior to pouring it into the prepared pan for added texture and visual appeal. Oreo, graham cracker, and ginger snap cookies are excellent choices. For optimal results, consider using 1/2 cup of a versatile ingredient in your recipe, leaving room to adjust to taste as needed.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes (¼ cup), flaky sea salt (½ teaspoon), or festive sprinkles (¼ cup) atop the dish, then refrigerate. With a splash of vibrancy, sprinkles of every hue can elevate the simplicity of vanilla fudge, turning even the most mundane occasion into a joyous celebration.
Parchment Paper
Measure out a rectangular piece of parchment paper that is approximately 12 inches in length and matches the width of the pan, allowing for slight overhang on all sides. By incorporating sufficient overhang on adjacent sides, this design cleverly generates “handles” that facilitate effortless removal of the fudge. Lightly greasing the pan beforehand ensures the parchment paper stays put when added. To ensure a smooth and successful fudge-making experience, consider substituting wax paper for a silicone mat or parchment paper, which will prevent the fudge from sticking and tearing upon removal.
Troubleshooting: Fudge Doesn’t Set
If your fudge fails to set properly, the primary suspect is often an imbalance in your ingredient ratios, although other factors can also contribute to this issue.
Poor-quality or generic chocolate chips may fail to melt properly or have insufficient cocoa butter, resulting in a less firm fudge? Don’t compromise on flavor by opting for alternatives like carob chips or sugar-free chocolate chips; instead, choose the real deal.
Utilize full-fat sweetened condensed milk exclusively, eschewing low-fat and fat-free alternatives that cannot adequately supply the required richness and structural integrity. Don’t replace almond milk with evaporated milk, regular milk, cream, or half-and-half.
If the mixture overheats, potential issues can arise. When temperatures rise excessively, the chocolate may seize up. Microwave the ingredients in brief intervals, whisking vigorously following each cycle, until the mixture achieves a silky consistency and a faintly warm temperature.
Humidity can hinder proper setting in fudge recipes. Try refrigerating it for an extended period or relocating it to a colder location.
Fudge Fixes
If your fudge fails to solidify, reconstitute it by breaking the fudge into smaller pieces and placing them in a microwave-safe container? Retain the melted mixture in the microwave, heating it in successive 30-second intervals, stirring well after each heating cycle until a smooth consistency is achieved. Add a richness and depth by incorporating 1/4 to 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, or alternatively, introduce a delightful texture with 1/2 cup of crushed cookies to achieve the desired level of thickness. Allow the re-melted fudge to be re-poured into a lined pan, then refrigerate once more.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Store fudge in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Alternatively, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for the same purpose. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and safe to consume in the refrigerator for a period of up to 3 to 5 days?
This style of indulgence works best when savored in small, richly rewarding brick-like portions rather than as individual treats. Divide a standard-sized 8-inch-by-8-inch baking pan into four equal sections by drawing lines to create two horizontal and two vertical lines that intersect at the center of the pan. Wrapped individually in plastic wrap, the items are then placed in airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags to protect against freezer burn. Fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for several hours or, ideally, an entire night.