Hot Chocolate Fudge
Hot Chocolate Fudge is a rich, creamy, and sweet dessert that captures the nostalgic warmth of classic hot cocoa in a thick, indulgent fudge form. Easy to make using simple pantry staples, it melts in your mouth and is perfect for cozy nights, gifting, or celebrations.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 small squares 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups high-quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal once the fudge sets.
- Melt Ingredients Gently: Combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, and cocoa powder in a heatproof bowl. Melt slowly over a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently until silky smooth and fully combined.
- Add Flavoring: Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, ensuring the flavors blend evenly throughout the fudge base.
- Pour and Set: Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Slice and Enjoy: Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut into small squares. Serve immediately or store for later indulgence.
Notes
- Use quality chocolate for richer, smoother fudge.
- Don’t skip the salt to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Stir constantly while melting to prevent burning or clumping.
- Use room-temperature butter and vanilla to help the mixture emulsify smoothly.
- For best consistency, chill fudge overnight before slicing.
- Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between cuts for clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: hot chocolate fudge, chocolate fudge recipe, easy fudge, homemade fudge, gluten free dessert, holiday gift fudge, creamy fudge