Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe

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This Chocolate Walnut Fudge is an absolute game-changer when it comes to easy desserts. With only five simple ingredients and no need for baking or a candy thermometer, it’s a foolproof recipe that anyone can make.

As a kid, I remember standing on my tiptoes, watching my grandmother make homemade fudge in her kitchen. She had this magical recipe box filled with handwritten cards from Lola, Ruby, and Virginia, each with their own fudge-making method. And while I loved eating the fudge, their recipes always took more time than my young self had the patience for. I was fascinated by the process, but let’s be honest—spending hours in the kitchen wasn’t my idea of fun.

Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to say I love making fudge—only now, I’ve found a way to make it easy! Once I discovered that you could whip up a delicious batch of fudge with just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, I was hooked. No candy thermometer, no waiting for the perfect temperature, just quick and foolproof fudge. This chocolate walnut fudge is a staple in the cookie boxes I hand out during the holiday season. It’s always a hit!

More dessert recipes from my grandmother’s kitchen try these pecan cookies, banana walnut bread, and thumbprint cookies.

Why I love this easy fudge recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This fudge is easy to make and has only 5 ingredients.
• Quick and No-Bake: No special equipment is needed. You’ll just need a saucepan and a way to break up the walnuts.
• Rich, Creamy Texture: This fudge is ultra-smooth and creamy thanks to the sweetened condensed milk.
• Nutty Goodness: I’m all about adding nuts to most baked goods, and adding walnuts to this fudge gives it a wonderful nutty texture that balances out the sweetness.

Simple Ingredients

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – You could also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Not to be confused with evaporated milk.
• Vanilla Extract
• Chopped Walnuts – Use a food processor or a mallet to break the walnuts into small pieces.
• Pinch of Salt – I used kosher salt.

How to make chocolate walnut fudge

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with foil.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate

Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and cook until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Remove from the heat when the chocolate is close and let it melt fully by stirring.

OR, add chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute. Microwave in 30-second increments until the chips melt and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the flavor

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 cup of the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Pour and chill

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top, pressing them in gently. Place the fudge in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once set, remove it from the pan and cut it into small squares.

Variations

Peppermint – Add peppermint extract instead of vanilla and replace the walnuts with 1/4 cup of broken candy canes.

Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in ½ cup of peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut butter combo everyone will love.

Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, deeper flavor.

Fruit and Nut Fudge: Add dried cranberries or cherries along with the walnuts for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Marshmallows: Adding 2 cups to melt with the sweetened condensed milk and the chocolate chips is a great addition.

Change up the nuts: You could add almonds, peanuts, or pecans instead of walnuts.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Fudge

• Storage: This fudge will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, in the fridge for 30 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap the fudge in plastic wrap before storing it in the freezer.
• Make it festive: For a holiday twist, sprinkle some sea salt, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before chilling.
• High-quality ingredients: Use a chocolate chip like Ghiradelli for the best results.

Want more recipes to round out your holiday cookie boxes?

These three are all perfect additions: Christmas Crack, Sprinkle Cookies and this classic Peanut Butter Cookie.

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