Why Everyone Loves This 5-Minute Fudge

• It’s Super Quick and Easy: Traditional fudge recipes can be a bit intimidating with all the boiling and precise temperature control. Not this one! With just five minutes of prep, you’ll have a smooth, chocolatey fudge that sets beautifully and tastes like you spent hours making it.
• You Don’t Need Fancy Ingredients: One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples—chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla. No need for anything fancy or hard to find. Just basic ingredients that come together in the most magical way.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade fudge makes an amazing edible gift. Cut it into squares, wrap it in festive tins or bags, and you have a thoughtful, homemade present that everyone will love.
• Customizable for Every Taste: Switch things up with fun add-ins! Craving peppermint? Crush some candy canes and mix them in. For a nutty crunch, throw in walnuts. If you want a fruity kick, dried cranberries work great!

What You’ll Need

• Chocolate chips: Semisweet works best, but feel free to use milk or dark chocolate if that’s what you love.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Here’s the trick to getting that smooth, creamy texture.
• Butter: Just a couple of tablespoons for a rich, smooth consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): If you like a little crunch in your fudge, go for it!
• Pinch of salt: A small touch that enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Optional Add-Ins for a Festive Touch:

• Crushed peppermint: Adds a festive crunch and minty kick.
• Dried cranberries: A tart contrast to the sweet chocolate.
• Mini marshmallows: Perfect if you love Rocky Road-style fudge.
• White chocolate drizzle: Gives it a fancy, bakery-style look.

How to Make Rachael Ray’s 5-Minute Fudge

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, mix chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat on low, stirring until everything melts together smoothly.
2. Mix in the Flavorings: Once the chocolate melts, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, salt, and any mix-ins like walnuts or peppermint, making sure everything is well mixed.
3. Pour and Spread: Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Pour in the fudge mixture and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Let It Set: Pop the pan into the fridge and let the fudge chill for at least two hours. Once it’s firm, lift it out using the parchment paper, slice it into squares, and enjoy!

Key Takeaway: This simple fudge recipe is a holiday lifesaver. It’s quick, foolproof, and totally gift-worthy!

Tips for the Best Fudge

• Use Good-Quality Chocolate: The chocolate you use makes a big difference in how your fudge turns out. Go for high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for the smoothest, most luxurious texture.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Chocolate can be tricky. If it gets too hot, it can get grainy. Just keep the heat low and stir constantly for that smooth texture.
• Be Patient When Cutting: For clean, sharp edges, let the fudge chill completely before cutting. If you want perfect slices, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it off, and then slice.
• Store It Right: Fudge stays fresh at room temperature for about a week if you keep it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge for up to three weeks, or freeze it for up to three months.

Fun Ways to Serve and Gift This Fudge

• Put Together a Dessert Platter: This fudge pairs beautifully with Christmas cookies, peppermint bark, and holiday truffles. Arrange them on a festive platter for a picture-perfect dessert spread.
• Wrap It Up for Holiday Gifts: Cut the fudge into bite-sized squares and place them in decorative tins, bags, or festive boxes. Tie them with ribbons, add a little holiday tag, and you have the perfect homemade gift.
• Pair with Hot Drinks: A piece of this fudge with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or even spiced eggnog? Pure holiday magic!
• Drizzle It for a Fancy Touch: If you want to make your fudge look even more impressive, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle a bit of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Final Thoughts

Rachael Ray’s 5-Minute Fudge is the ultimate Christmas treat—quick, delicious, and so easy to make. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a holiday party, giving it as a gift, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a total win. So grab your ingredients, melt, mix, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I Make This Fudge Without Nuts?

Absolutely! Just leave them out, or swap them for something else like dried fruit or mini marshmallows.

Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with white, milk, or dark chocolate depending on your taste.

What Should I Do If My Fudge Turns Out Grainy?

If your fudge is dry or grainy, it may have overheated. Try remelting it gently with a bit of butter or heavy cream to bring back the smoothness.

Is This Fudge Freezer-Friendly?

Yep! Wrap it up tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature before serving.