Old Fashioned Fudge 2 is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fudge that feels like a sweet hug from Grandma’s kitchen. This homemade fudge recipe uses just four pantry staples and no oven necessary, making it a quick, old fashioned sweet treat perfect for holiday treats or everyday sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Fudge 2 Recipe
- No oven required—perfect for hot kitchens and quick sweet whims.
- Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, then chills into creamy perfection.
- Uses simple pantry staples—no specialty candy ingredients needed.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays firm but never grainy.
- Customizable with nuts, swirl-ins, or flavored extracts to suit every taste.
- Makes about 36 small squares—ideal for sharing, gifting, or holiday treats.
- Store in fridge or freezer for grab-and-go sweet moments.
- Timeless old fashioned fudge that evokes family memories and cozy holidays.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Fudge 2
- 14 ounces (1 can, 397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces (about 2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips (Nestlé Toll House recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Madagascar or Tahitian works beautifully)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (a generous pinch, to balance sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional for crunch (substitute sunflower seeds for nut-free)
Directions
- Line the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal; lightly butter or spray the lining to prevent sticking.
- Warm Condensed Milk: In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently warm the sweetened condensed milk until it flows smoothly—avoid boiling to prevent graininess.
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, mixing until fully melted and silky; use a silicone spatula to scrape every last bit from the sides.
- Add Butter, Vanilla & Salt: Stir in the room-temperature butter one tablespoon at a time, then fold in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Fold in Nuts (Optional): If you love a bit of crunch, gently fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans now for an even distribution throughout the fudge.
- Smooth & Tap: Pour the glossy mixture into your prepared pan, using the spatula to smooth the top; tap the pan firmly on the counter to release air bubbles and create an even surface.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch—cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent fridge odors.
- Cut into Squares: Lift the chilled fudge from the pan using the foil overhang, peel away the lining, and slice into approximately 36 small squares with a sharp knife—wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Servings & Timing
- Makes about 36 small squares
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (easy stovetop melt)
- Chill Time: 2 hours (patience is key for perfect texture)
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Peppermint Swirl: Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and swirl in crushed candy canes before chilling.
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Stir 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter into the melted fudge for a nutty twist.
- Salted Caramel Fudge: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt before chilling.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Swap half the chips for white chocolate and fold in 1/4 cup dried cranberries.
- Espresso Infusion: Dissolve 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder in the melted mixture for a mocha kick.
- Coconut Almond Bliss: Use sweetened flaked coconut and almond extract for a tropical vibe.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fudge in an airtight container, layering parchment between pieces to prevent sticking. Kept in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks; in the freezer, airtight for as long as 3 months.
Thaw frozen squares in the fridge overnight before serving. No reheating needed—fudge is best enjoyed cool or at room temperature.
FAQs
- Why is my fudge grainy? Graininess usually means it boiled too hot or too fast—keep the heat low and stir gently for a super-smooth finish.
- Can I substitute milk chocolate chips? Yes, but milk chocolate has more sugar and less cocoa fat—your fudge will be sweeter and slightly softer.
- How can I get perfectly clean cuts? Chill the fudge thoroughly, then heat your knife blade under hot water, wipe dry, and make swift, confident cuts.
- Can I double this recipe? Absolutely—just use a 9×13-inch pan and increase ingredients proportionally; chilling time may need an extra hour.
- Is this fudge gluten-free? Yes, all main ingredients are gluten-free—just double-check brands for hidden additives if you have celiac concerns.
- My fudge separated—what happened? Separation often comes from adding cold butter abruptly; ensure your mix is still warm when you stir it in.
- Can I add mix-ins like marshmallows? Mini marshmallows work great—fold them in gently after melting to keep them fluffy, not melted.
- What’s the best way to gift this fudge? Stack squares in decorative tins or wrap individual squares in wax paper twist ties for a charming homemade treat.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Fudge 2 is a quick, no-bake chocolate fudge that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Its simple ingredients, customizable flair, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make it a must-try traditional dessert. Give it a whirl, share your sweet creations, and don’t forget to leave a comment or star rating below!

Old Fashioned Fudge 2
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 397g)
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (a pinch, to balance sweetness)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional for crunch
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal; lightly butter or spray the lining.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently warm the sweetened condensed milk until it flows smoothly—avoid boiling to prevent graininess.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, mixing until fully melted and silky; use a silicone spatula to scrape every last bit from the sides.
- Stir in the room-temperature butter one tablespoon at a time, then fold in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- If you love a bit of crunch, gently fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans now for an even distribution throughout the fudge.
- Pour the glossy mixture into your prepared pan, using the spatula to smooth the top; tap the pan firmly on the counter to release air bubbles and create an even surface.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch—cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent fridge odors.
- Lift the chilled fudge from the pan using the foil overhang, peel away the lining, and slice into approximately 36 small squares with a sharp knife—wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.