Why I Love Making Dark Chocolate Fudge
There’s just something magical about the way dark chocolate fudge melts in your mouth—smooth, rich, and perfectly sweet without being too much. I still remember the first time I made it with my daughter on a chilly Sunday afternoon. The aroma of melted chocolate filled the kitchen, and by the time we poured it into the pan, we were already licking the spatula clean.
It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to—reliable, simple, and always a hit with my family. Whether I’m wrapping it up for a holiday gift or keeping a batch in the fridge for a sneaky evening treat, this dark chocolate fudge always hits the sweet spot—kind of like this strawberry cheesecake ice cream that’s equally creamy and indulgent. And honestly? It disappears just as fast as it sets.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make this delicious dark chocolate fudge—just a few basic kitchen tools I’ve relied on for years. It’s part of what makes this recipe so stress-free and fun to whip up, even on a busy day.
Essential Tools from My Kitchen
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl – For gently melting the chocolate mixture
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – Helps stir everything smoothly without scraping your pan
- 8×8 inch square pan, lined with parchment paper – Makes lifting and cutting super easy
- Sharp knife – For slicing clean, perfect squares after chilling
If you’ve got these on hand, you’re already halfway there. No candy thermometers, no special equipment—just real, simple fudge made the old-fashioned way.
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Fudge
This recipe keeps it simple—only five ingredients, but each one plays a role in making your fudge creamy, smooth, and rich in flavor—just like this chocolate glazed donut that uses minimal ingredients for maximum impact.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
Thick and creamy, this acts as both the sweetener and the base—no extra sugar needed. - 450g dark chocolate, chopped
Use good-quality chocolate with 60–70% cocoa. The better the chocolate, the richer the fudge. - 85g unsalted butter
Adds a silky finish and keeps the texture smooth and soft, not dry or crumbly. - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Just a splash boosts the chocolate flavor and adds a little warmth to the finish. - ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
A small pinch brings balance and depth. I always include it for that subtle contrast.
That’s it—no corn syrup, no marshmallows, and no fancy ingredients. Just rich, classic chocolate fudge you can trust.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Fudge
This dark chocolate fudge comes together quickly—no boiling, no tempering, and no stress. You’ll just melt, mix, and chill.
- Line your pan
Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment, leaving extra overhang for easy lifting. - Chop and melt
Chop the chocolate, then melt it with butter and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat (or microwave in short bursts), stirring until smooth. - Add flavor
Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt once melted. - Pour and level
Spread the mixture into the pan and smooth the top. - Chill to set
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then lift out and slice into squares.
Tips & Sweet Tricks
Even though this fudge is simple, a few clever touches can make it extra special.
- Chill Time Counts – Let it set fully in the fridge for clean slices and a firmer bite.
- Mix in Add-Ins – Stir in chopped walnuts, almonds, or dried cranberries before pouring into the pan.
- Go Bittersweet – Love deep, bold chocolate? Use 70% cocoa for a more intense flavor.
- Gift-Ready Tip – Wrap pieces in parchment and tie with twine—perfect for homemade holiday gifts!
What’s Inside Each Fudge Square
Wondering what you’re actually biting into? Here’s the nutrition breakdown per piece (approximate):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Total Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Protein: ~1.5g
- Fiber: ~1g
Thanks to the dark chocolate, each square contains natural antioxidants—and it’s naturally gluten-free too.
Serving Ideas for Dark Chocolate Fudge
This fudge is one of those treats that fits every kind of occasion. Here’s how I love to enjoy or share it:
- Holiday gift or party favor – Wrap squares in parchment and stack them in a festive tin
- Afternoon pick-me-up – Serve with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy break
- Dessert topper – Crumble over vanilla ice cream or swirl into warm brownies
- Potluck-ready – Easy to slice, pack, and pass around
- Just because – Sneak one after dinner (or mid-morning—I won’t judge!)
No matter how you serve it, this fudge always earns a smile.
FAQs About Dark Chocolate Fudge
What is the secret to good fudge?
The key is balance—using real butter, high-quality dark chocolate, and not overheating the mixture. Letting it chill fully also gives that perfect firm-but-creamy texture.
Can I use dark chocolate for fudge?
Dark chocolate is ideal—it melts beautifully, delivers a rich, deep flavor, and also comes with proven health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
What’s the difference between dark chocolate and fudge?
Dark chocolate is solid and intense, while fudge is a creamy confection made by combining chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and butter. It’s much softer and melts in your mouth.
What kind of chocolate is best for fudge?
Choose a good-quality bar or chips with 60–70% cocoa content. The higher the quality, the better your fudge will taste.
Conclusion
This dark chocolate fudge is one of those desserts that reminds me how simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. It’s rich, creamy, and just sweet enough—and the best part? You don’t need a candy thermometer or a ton of time.
Whether you’re gifting it, sharing it at a potluck, or saving a secret stash in the fridge (guilty!), this fudge brings a little joy to any moment—just like these small batch chocolate chip cookies that are perfect when you’re craving something sweet without going overboard. And once you see how easy it is, you’ll be making it again and again—just like I do.
Print
Dark Chocolate Fudge (Full Printable Recipe)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: Makes 36 small squares 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This rich, creamy dark chocolate fudge melts in your mouth and comes together in just minutes—no stress, no thermometer needed. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or sneaky fridge treats!
Ingredients
- 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
- 450g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
- 85g unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the dark chocolate, butter, and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt, if using.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
6. Lift out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve or store.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Sugar: ~10g
- Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~1.5g
Keywords: dark chocolate fudge, easy chocolate dessert, homemade fudge, holiday gift fudge, no-bake chocolate treat