Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe – Walnuts & Condensed Milk

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe – Walnuts & Condensed Milk

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a serious sweet tooth. And honestly, is there anything more comforting than a rich, decadent piece of chocolate fudge? I first made this recipe years ago when I was craving something chocolatey but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s become a family favourite ever since, and I’m so excited to share it with you! This easy chocolate fudge recipe, with its lovely chewy texture and optional walnuts, is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fudge is seriously simple to make – no fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying. The combination of creamy chocolate, sweet condensed milk, and crunchy walnuts (if you choose to add them!) is just chef’s kiss. It’s perfect for gifting, potlucks, or just a little self-care treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delicious fudge:

• 1 cup (approximately 200g) chopped couverture milk chocolate
• 200 grams sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.25 cup (approximately 30g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using couverture chocolate really makes a difference. It has a higher cocoa butter content, which gives the fudge a beautiful shine and a wonderfully smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you can’t find couverture, good quality milk chocolate will work, but the texture might be slightly different.

Now, about the sweetened condensed milk – you can use regular or low-fat, depending on your preference. Regular will give you a richer, creamier fudge, while low-fat will be a little lighter. I usually go for regular, because, well…fudge!

And finally, the walnuts and vanilla extract are totally optional. My grandma always added walnuts, so it feels extra special to me, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan, or experiment with other nuts!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, line a 6×6-inch square pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the fudge out later.
2. Now, in a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, condensed milk, and butter.
3. Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water (making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water!). This is called a double boiler. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth. Patience is key here – you don’t want to burn the chocolate!
4. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract (if using).
5. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
6. Let it cool to room temperature, then pop it into the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, or even better, overnight, to set completely.
7. When it’s firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil/parchment overhang.
8. Finally, cut it into squares with a hot knife for nice, clean edges. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your fudge turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few tips:

• Preventing Scorching: Keep the heat low when melting the chocolate. Low and slow is the way to go! Stir constantly to distribute the heat evenly.
• Clean Cuts: Running your knife under hot water before each cut will give you those beautiful, clean edges we all love.
• Proper Setting: Don’t rush the chilling process! The longer it chills, the firmer it will be.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Chocolate Fudge Adaptation: Use a vegan chocolate and a plant-based condensed milk alternative. Coconut condensed milk works beautifully! My friend Sarah swears by this version.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter into the melted chocolate mixture before pouring it into the pan.
• Salted Caramel Fudge: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the fudge before it sets.

Gluten-Free Confirmation (Naturally Gluten-Free)

Good news for those avoiding gluten! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chocolate doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Spice Level (Not Applicable)

This fudge is all about sweet indulgence! But, if you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of chili flakes could add a surprising kick.

Festival Adaptations (Gift-Giving Ideas)

This fudge makes a wonderful gift!

• Diwali: Package squares in small, colourful boxes and tie with a ribbon.
• Christmas: Add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top before it sets for a festive touch.
• Any Occasion: Simply arrange the fudge in a pretty tin or container.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this fudge is delicious on its own! But if you want to get fancy, you can:

• Serve it with a glass of cold milk.
• Crumble it over ice cream.
• Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Storage Instructions

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. It actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavours meld together!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

(1) Can I use chocolate chips instead of couverture chocolate? What will be the difference?

You can, but the texture will be slightly different. Couverture chocolate has a higher cocoa butter content, resulting in a smoother, shinier fudge. Chocolate chips often contain stabilizers that can affect the texture.

(2) My fudge is too soft – what went wrong?

It likely didn’t chill long enough, or the ratio of ingredients might be slightly off. Make sure to chill it for at least 4 hours, and double-check your measurements.

(3) How can I get perfectly clean cuts when slicing the fudge?

Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before each cut. Wipe it clean between slices.

(4) Can this fudge be made ahead of time? How long will it keep?

Yes! You can make it up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a month.

(5) Can I add other nuts or dried fruits to this fudge? What would you recommend?

Absolutely! Pistachios, almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, or cherries would all be delicious additions.

(6) Is it possible to make a darker/more intense chocolate fudge? How?

Yes! Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. You can also add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture for an extra chocolatey boost.