Skip the thermometer and the guesswork. This vanilla fudge recipe turns white chocolate and condensed milk into silky, bakery-style fudge.
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Delicious Homemade Vanilla Fudge
This easy vanilla fudge recipe proves that you don’t need complicated fudge recipes, a rolling boil, or sugar thermometers to get perfect results. With just a few simple ingredients, the creamy mixture comes together easily in a pot over medium-low heat. There’s no worrying about the soft ball stage, crystallization, or a gritty grain, making this a super-easy fudge recipe anyone can master.
It’s a great recipe to add to your Christmas goodie tray along with some of these Christmas Cookies and Treats. But it is so delicious and made with such simple ingredients, you will want to make it year-round.
Tips for Making Perfect Fudge
Tap the pan before chilling. Gently tap the pan on the counter after spreading the fudge mixture to release any hidden air pockets, which will create a smoother fudge.
Don’t rush the chill time. If you cut the fudge before it is fully set, you may end up with messy edges and a soft center.
Do not overmix. Once the fudge is smooth, stop stirring. Continuing to stir the mixture as it cools can create a grainy texture.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
Below are the five simple ingredients you need to make this fudge, along with a few substitution recommendations.
- White Chocolate chips (4 cups – $6.75): White chocolate baking bars will also work. Just be sure to use high-quality chocolate for smoother melting.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons – $0.90): Use this recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract for a delicious and budget-friendly option.
- Sweetened condensed milk (28 oz can – $3.80): Essential for the recipe. Do not substitute it.
- Salt (½ teaspoon – $0.01): Enhances the fudge’s overall flavor. I recommend using fine sea salt.
- Walnuts (1 cup – $1.40): Pecans make a good substitute for the walnuts.
The recipe cost is calculated based on the amounts needed and may vary due to fluctuating grocery costs.
How To Make Vanilla Fudge
Melt the chocolate, stir in the ingredients, chill, and serve. Let me show you how.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan over low heat.
- Stir until the chips are melted.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the salt, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Spread the fudge into the pan and chill until set.
- Slice and serve.
Vanilla Fudge Recipe FAQs
The chocolate can burn easily if the heat is too high. The key to melting the chocolate is to do it low and slow.
Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week.
I recommend using an 8-inch pan to achieve the perfect thickness.
Vanilla Fudge Recipe
Recipe Cost 12.86 Serving Cost 0.40Equipment
- 8-inch pan
- large saucepan
- Wooden mixing spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups white Chocolate chips
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 28 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides.
- Add the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a large, heavy saucepan over low heat. Stir consistently until the chips are almost melted.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir until the white chocolate mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
- Spread the fudge in an even layer into the prepared pan.
- Chill for 2-3 hours or until set.
- Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut the fudge into 32 squares.
- Serve and Enjoy!
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