5-Minute Microwave Chocolate Fudge

Section: Indulgent Desserts for Sweet Endings

Experience rich chocolate fudge in just five minutes using your microwave. With only a handful of classic pantry ingredients—like condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and sugar—you’ll achieve velvety, melt-in-your-mouth squares of pure decadence with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this method requires no special skills or equipment. Optional nuts add delightful crunch, making it easy to tailor for any occasion. Once it cools, cut and share gooey, chocolatey pieces everyone will love!

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
By Lina Lina
Last updated on Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:26:37 GMT
A plate of chocolate fudge cake with walnuts on top. Bookmark
A plate of chocolate fudge cake with walnuts on top. | tinycakee.com

This 5-Minute Microwave Chocolate Fudge is the recipe I rely on when I need a sweet treat in a flash. With just a handful of simple ingredients and nearly zero effort, you get a satisfyingly rich chocolate fudge that comes together faster than you’d believe. It is the dessert that impresses last-minute guests or quiets a chocolate craving any day of the week. I vividly recall a rainy afternoon when I whipped up a batch on a whim and ended up sharing it with neighbors who now request the recipe every winter.

I first made this recipe on a busy afternoon when friends dropped by unexpectedly. We all marveled at how simple it was and I have kept it in my kitchen rotation ever since. My kids now love helping me stir the mixture and sneak in a few chocolatey tastes before refrigerating.

Ingredients

  • Condensed milk: this gives the fudge its creamy consistency and signature sweetness Use the freshest can you can find for best results
  • Sugar: brings that classic fudgy sweetness Make sure it is fine granulated so it dissolves evenly
  • Butter: adds richness and helps the fudge set A good quality butter really shines here so use fresh and unsalted if possible
  • Cocoa powder: the heart of the chocolate flavor Dutch processed or natural cocoa powder both work Just make sure it’s unsweetened for true chocolate intensity
  • Nuts: optional but wonderful for texture and added flavor Walnuts and pecans are favorites but you can try hazelnuts or leave them out entirely for pure chocolate
  • Choose fresh ingredients especially for butter and nuts to maximize flavor Your fudge will only be as delicious as your chocolate and dairy

Instructions

Preparing the ingredients:
Gather all your ingredients before starting Clear some space on your counter and set out a large microwave safe bowl to hold the fudge mixture Double check you have parchment paper or a silicone mold for easy unmolding once set
Mixing the base:
Combine the condensed milk sugar and butter in your microwave safe bowl Make sure your butter is room temperature so it blends smoothly Add cocoa powder and mix until there are no lumps The mixture should look thick and glossy with a strong chocolate aroma
Microwaving:
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for two minutes Carefully remove the hot bowl and stir thoroughly to ensure everything is combined evenly Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for an additional two minutes The mixture will look shinier and slightly thickened by the end
Folding in nuts:
If adding nuts chop them roughly and stir them gently into the hot chocolate mixture right after microwaving This step is all about getting that crunchy surprise in every bite Work quickly before the fudge begins to cool and set
Molding and chilling:
Pour the hot fudge into a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone mold Use a spatula to smooth the surface Refrigerate for at least one hour The fudge needs to chill fully to slice cleanly and hold together
A close up of a chocolate cake with nuts on top.
A close up of a chocolate cake with nuts on top. | tinycakee.com

Butter is my favorite ingredient in this recipe There is just something magical about that creamy texture it gives fudge My family always lingers at the fridge waiting for the first perfectly chilled square

Storage Tips

Store extra fudge in an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay fresh and satisfyingly fudgy for at least a week If you prefer firmer squares keep them chilled and only let them warm up slightly before serving Room temperature fudge will be softer and great for spreading on toast or crackers

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairyfree version swap the condensed milk for a coconut condensed milk and use plantbased butter The cocoa powder can be replaced with highquality chocolate melted with a bit less butter or oil to keep firmness

Serving Suggestions

Cut the chilled fudge into small squares for classic candy tray presentation Add a dusting of cocoa or mix in dried berries for special occasions For parties skewer bite size pieces on decorative toothpicks and serve with coffee

Cultural and Historical Context

Microwave fudge bursts onto the dessert scene as a time saving hack for busy families and sweet lovers Hosting fudge in my house is a nod to generations of holiday treat trays but now it belongs to even the busiest weeknights

Seasonal Adaptations

Mix chopped dried cranberries for holiday flair Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive winter twist Sprinkle sea salt over the top as soon as you pour it into the mold for summer gatherings

A plate of chocolate cake with nuts on top.
A plate of chocolate cake with nuts on top. | tinycakee.com

This fudge delivers rich chocolate flavor with minimal effort. Keep it chilled for the cleanest slices and maximum satisfaction.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use any type of cocoa powder?

Yes! Both unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder work well, but choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.

→ Is it necessary to add nuts?

No, nuts are optional. You can leave them out or swap with other toppings for varied texture and flavor.

→ How do I store leftover chocolate fudge?

Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.

→ Can I double the ingredients for a bigger batch?

Absolutely. Just ensure your bowl is large enough and microwave in increments, stirring in between for even heating.

→ Why is my fudge grainy instead of smooth?

Graininess may result from undissolved sugar or lumps of cocoa. Make sure all ingredients are fully combined for a creamy texture.

5-Minute Microwave Chocolate Fudge

Microwave chocolate fudge ready in just five minutes. Velvety, sweet, and perfect whenever dessert cravings strike.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
4 minutes
Total Time
9 minutes
By Lina: Lina

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 16 Portion Count (16 squares)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Optional Additions

05 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Assemble all ingredients and prepare a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or use a silicone mold for easy removal.

Step 02

In the microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Mix to blend. Add cocoa powder and stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous.

Step 03

Microwave the mixture on high power for 2 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts, as it will be hot.

Step 04

Stir the mixture vigorously to ensure even consistency. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat on high power for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 05

Fold in chopped nuts, if using, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 06

Pour the hot fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour, allowing the fudge to cool and set completely.

Step 07

Once completely chilled, remove the fudge from the pan and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy.

Helpful Hints

  1. For the best texture, use high-quality cocoa powder and real butter. Adding nuts is optional, but pecans, walnuts, or almonds work particularly well. Store finished fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large microwave-safe mixing bowl
  • 8x8-inch baking pan or silicone mold
  • Parchment paper
  • Stirring spatula
  • Refrigerator

Allergy Information

Review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter), tree nuts (if using), and may contain other allergens depending on ingredient brands.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Use this nutritional summary as a guide – it's not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 170
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 2 g