Microwave Fudge
Make delicious microwave fudge in just minutes! This easy recipe requires pantry ingredients and minimal effort. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings.
This microwave fudge is the perfect treat when you have a chocolate craving. It comes together with simple pantry staples and just a few minutes of cook time, delivering rich, chocolatey goodness with almost no effort. No candy thermometer, no long stirring sessions—just quick, easy fudge with a smooth texture and that classic deep cocoa flavor.
This recipe is perfect for last-minute desserts, edible gifts, or sudden sweet cravings. You can add nuts, swap extracts, or keep it classic and plain. However you make it, this is one fudge recipe you’ll want to keep on hand year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Fudge
Fast and foolproof. Just a few ingredients and a microwave get you perfect fudge in minutes.
Pantry-friendly. Made with staples like powdered sugar, cocoa, and butter—no condensed milk required.
Great texture. Smooth, rich, and just the right amount of sweetness, with optional nuts for crunch.
Perfect for gifting. This fudge sets beautifully and holds up well—ideal for sharing or holiday tins.
Freezer-friendly. Make ahead and stash some away for the next chocolate craving or surprise guest.
Ingredient Notes
- Confectioners’ sugar – Also called powdered sugar, this gives the fudge its smooth, creamy texture. No need to sift.
- Unsweetened cocoa – For rich chocolate flavor. Use natural cocoa, not Dutch-process.
- Milk – Regular whole or 2% milk works well here.
- Butter – Use unsalted for best control over saltiness.
- Salt – Just a dash helps balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warm depth and rounds out the chocolate.
Steps to Make Microwave Fudge
- Combine the powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, butter, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the butter melts. Stir the hot mixture until smooth and glossy.
- Add vanilla and chopped nuts, then spread into a greased or parchment-lined pan.
- Let it cool completely until firm, then cut into squares and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
- Nut-free version. Omit the pecans or walnuts for a classic, smooth-textured fudge.
- Swirl-in toppings. Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter, caramel, or marshmallow cream on top before spreading smooth.
- Flavored fudge. Swap vanilla for almond, peppermint, or maple extract.
- Double chocolate. Stir in mini chocolate chips at the end—they’ll partially melt for a marbled effect.
- Holiday version. Add crushed candy canes or top with red and green sprinkles for festive flair.
How to Store
Store at room temperature: Keep fudge in an airtight container lined with wax paper between layers. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week at cool room temperature.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freeze: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer‑safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before unwrapping to prevent condensation.
Microwave Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 pound confectioners' sugar, 3 2/3 cups
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- Dash salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, or walnuts
Instructions
- Microwave ingredients. Combine the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, milk, butter, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl; stir to blend and microwave on high power for 2 to 3 minutes or until the butter has melted. Stir until smooth.
- Finish the mixture. Add the vanilla and nuts and stir to combine.
- Transfer to the pan. Spread the mixture into the pan and cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
What does “1 pound 3 2/3 cups” confectioners’ sugar mean? No need to post this, I would just like a clarification to my confusion.
Sorry, that is 1 pound, which is 3 2/3 cups. Either/or. New recipe format, so I’m going through to catch these things. Sorry about that! Thanks!