Craving the cozy, comforting flavor of hot cocoa in a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat? This Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe is your answer. We’ve captured the essence of a warm mug of hot chocolate, complete with mini marshmallows, in an incredibly simple, no-fail fudge. Forget complicated candy thermometers and grainy results. This recipe is designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want a delicious, shareable dessert without the fuss. It’s the perfect sweet indulgence for holiday gatherings, gifts, or a quiet night in.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe
This isn’t just another chocolate fudge. It’s a unique twist on a classic, and here’s why it will become your new go-to dessert:
- Incredibly Easy: You only need a handful of simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep time. It’s a perfect recipe for beginners!
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: We use a secret ingredient—mini marshmallows—that melt into the fudge, creating a supremely smooth and creamy consistency that never gets grainy.
- Authentic Hot Cocoa Flavor: A combination of rich chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder delivers a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor that truly mimics a cup of hot chocolate.
- No Candy Thermometer Needed: This recipe relies on a simple melting and mixing method, so you can achieve perfect fudge without any special equipment.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Fudge
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent treat:
Sweetened Condensed Milk
This is the foundation of our easy fudge, providing the sweetness and structure that makes it set up perfectly without a long cooking time.
Good Quality Chocolate Chips
We recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips as they provide a balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet. You can also use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
This deepens the chocolate flavor, giving it that distinct “hot chocolate” taste. A small amount goes a long way in creating a rich, complex profile.
Butter
Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. It adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy finish.
Mini Marshmallows
This is the secret to the ultra-creamy texture! The marshmallows melt right into the chocolate mixture, ensuring a smooth fudge and adding a hint of vanilla flavor reminiscent of hot cocoa toppings.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the fudge.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Fudge: Step-by-Step
Ready to make the creamiest fudge of your life? Follow these simple steps.
- Prep Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to act as handles. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out later.
- Melt the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Dissolve the Cocoa: Remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add the Magic Ingredients: Add the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the fudge is thick and glossy. This is the key to that signature hot chocolate fudge texture.
- Pour and Set: Immediately pour the fudge into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle extra mini marshmallows on top for decoration.
- Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3-4 hours, or until it is firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small squares.
Tips for the Creamiest, Most Foolproof Fudge
While this Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips will guarantee success every time.
- Use Low Heat: The biggest mistake in fudge making is scorching the chocolate. Use low and slow heat and never walk away from the saucepan.
- Stir Constantly: This prevents the bottom from burning and ensures all the ingredients melt evenly for a silky-smooth texture.
- Quality Matters: Since there are so few ingredients, their quality really shines through. Use a good brand of chocolate chips and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. If you enjoy this, you should try some of our other delicious fudge recipes.
- Work Quickly: Once the marshmallows are melted, the fudge will begin to set up fast. Be ready to pour it into your prepared pan as soon as it’s ready.
Fun Variations and Topping Ideas
Want to customize your fudge? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Fudge: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a festive twist. This is a great alternative to our classic peppermint bark recipe.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Fudge: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warming kick.
- Rocky Road Fudge: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds along with the marshmallows.
- Salty & Sweet: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before chilling.
Storing Your Homemade Fudge
Proper storage is key to keeping your fudge fresh and delicious.
- Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place layers of wax paper between the squares to prevent them from sticking.
- Refrigerator: You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Fudge Troubleshooting: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Why is my fudge grainy?
Graininess usually happens when sugar crystallizes. This recipe cleverly avoids that issue by using sweetened condensed milk and melted marshmallows, which ensures a consistently smooth and creamy result without the risk of crystallization.
Why isn’t my fudge setting?
If your fudge is too soft, it’s likely due to an incorrect ratio of ingredients. Be sure to use a standard 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Also, ensure you’ve chilled it for the recommended amount of time (at least 3-4 hours) to allow it to fully firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be made with chocolate chips, which makes it incredibly easy. We recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced flavor, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips also work well.
No, you do not need a candy thermometer for this recipe. It relies on a simple method of melting sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips, which creates a foolproof fudge that sets perfectly every time without precise temperature control.
Properly stored in an airtight container, this hot chocolate fudge will last for up to 1 week at room temperature, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to separate layers with wax paper.
The secret to this recipe’s creamy texture is melted mini marshmallows. They dissolve into the chocolate base, creating a consistently smooth, soft fudge and preventing the grainy texture that can come from sugar crystallization.
If your fudge doesn’t set, it’s usually because it hasn’t been chilled long enough or the ingredient ratios were off. Make sure to chill the fudge for at least 3-4 hours in the refrigerator. Also, double-check that you used a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
If you loved this fudge, you’ll adore these other easy dessert recipes. Try our simple Chocolate Peanut Clusters for a crunchy, salty-sweet treat, or whip up some no-bake Oreo Truffles for your next party. And for a truly decadent bite, don’t miss our amazing Sugar Cookie Truffles.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe! It’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share a photo on Pinterest!
Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe (Easy & Creamy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to use as handles.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are fully melted and the fudge is thick and glossy.
- Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with extra mini marshmallows, if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until firm.
- Use the parchment handles to lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into small squares and serve.
Notes
Variations: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist, or a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for a Mexican hot chocolate flavor.
