Do you like the combination of sweet and salty? Then you will love this Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge. It is super easy to make and makes a great homemade gift as well.
For some reason I always thought fudge was rather complicated to make; requiring a candy thermometer and some precision. Turns out nothing could be further from the truth. I found this easy chocolate fudge recipe that has no become my go-to. And I think you will love it too.
I came across a super simple recipe for cinnamon chocolate fudge. While reading that recipe, my eyes were opened to the fact that sweetened condensed milk really turns fudge making into a breeze.
Although I love cinnamon, my husband isn’t the biggest fan. I am a new convert to the sweet & salty flavor combination. I don’t know what took me so long, because sweet and salty definitely rule! At least on my taste buds. So, I turned the recipe into a Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge.
Ingredients and substitutions for this easy fudge recipe
- Sweetened condensed milk - use either regular store bought, homemade, or a dairy free version
- Salt - even if not sprinkling flaky salt on top, be sure to add a little salt in the fudge batter to balance the flavors
- Chocolate - I like dark chocolate, but this fudge recipe also work with other chocolate varieties from semi-sweet, to milk and white chocolate. Use either chocolate chips or chopped up chocolate bars
- Butter - optional, makes extra creamy fudge. Omit or use vegan butter for dairy free fudge
- Toppings/Add-ins - the sky's the limit: flaky salt, nuts like walnuts or pecans, cranberries, toffee bits, shredded coconut, crushed candy canes, cookie crumbles...
How to make this Easy Dark Chocolate Fudge Recipe
1. Start by preparing a square pan by lining it with wax or parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl stir together the sweetened condensed milk and salt.
3. Then add the chocolate and butter.
4. To make the fudge on the stove top, start a water bath in a heavy saucepan with barely simmering water. Place the bowl with the fudge ingredients on top. Stir frequently while melting everything together on low heat. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
Alternatively melt the fudge batter in the microwave in short 10-20 second bursts until everything is melted. Stir in between bursts.
5. Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish. Smooth out with a spatula and sprinkle sea salt on top.
Now you’ll have to wait out the 2 or so hours the fudge takes to set in the fridge. Trust me—it’s worth the wait!
6. Finally, using a sharp knife cut the fudge into 1-inch squares on a cutting board. Store the fudge pieces in an airtight container at room temperature on in the fridge.
Now the biggest challenge is pacing yourself. These little creamy, chewy chocolate fudge bites are seriously addictive. I cannot take any responsibility for the number of sea salt chocolate fudge squares that make it into your mouth. It’s almost like they walk in there by themselves!
So it's a good idea to give some away. Chocolate fudge is a fantastic and always welcome homemade gift idea for Christmas and other occasions.
If you tried this recipe and dessert, what did you think? Do you prefer the dark chocolate fudge or regular milk chocolate fudge? If you gave this recipe a whirl, please share your thoughts, results, pictures and ideas with me! I would love to hear from you!
FAQS
Why do you put salt in fudge?
Salt is great at balancing the sweetness in desserts. By way of contrasting the sugar in the sweetened condensed milk it emphasizes and balances the sweetness.
Why did my fudge come out soft?
The optional butter in this easy fudge recipe makes for extra creamy fudge. Because of that creaminess the fudge might seem too soft for you. Try omitting or reducing the butter.
Also, sweeter chocolate varieties like milk or white chocolate tend to be softer than dark chocolate to begin with. Used in fudge, it may not set as firmly as dark chocolate.
Original Images 2013
Try my other Fudge variations:
- Triple-Layered Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Fudge Recipe
- Oreo Chocolate Fudge
- Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
Recipe
Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk or homemade sweetened condensed milk
- 1 pound dark chocolate chips, chopped bar, or wafers
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter optional
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper with overhang on all sides (for lifting out later).
- Chop dark chocolate into small pieces. Stir sweetened condensed milk and salt together in a bowl. Add chocolate pieces and butter.
- Place the bowl on top of a double boiler and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mixture is melted and smooth and has thickened. Alternatively, melt the ingredients in the microwave in short 10-20 second bursts. Keep stirring in between bursts.
- Pour melted mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or coarse sea salt. Let the fudge set in the fridge for at least 2 hours, then use a sharp knife to cut into 1” pieces on a cutting board.
Nutrition
Pin this Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge recipe for later?
Random Questions
Using salted or unsalted butter is a matter of preference. Salted butter can add a touch of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the fudge. However, unsalted butter allows for more control over the overall saltiness of the fudge.
Dark chocolate fudge has a rich and intense chocolate flavor with a slightly bitter undertone. The deep cocoa notes are complemented by the sweetness of the condensed milk and the added touch of salt, creating a well-balanced and decadent treat.
While both contain chocolate, the main difference lies in their texture and consistency. Chocolate is a solid confection with a smooth and uniform texture, whereas fudge is a soft and chewy candy with a creamy and rich consistency.
The secret to good fudge lies in achieving the right balance of ingredients and ensuring proper temperature control during the cooking process. Maintaining a precise ratio of chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and other ingredients while following the recipe's instructions is key to achieving the desired creamy texture.
When it comes to garnishing dark chocolate fudge, flaky sea salt is an excellent choice. The delicate texture and subtle salinity of flaky sea salt beautifully complement the rich and intense flavors of dark chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of taste and texture.
Dark chocolate refers to a type of chocolate that contains a high percentage of cocoa solids and little to no milk. On the other hand, fudge is a sweet, soft, and chewy confection made by combining sugar, butter, and milk. While dark chocolate can be a component of fudge, the two differ in terms of texture, composition, and overall taste profile.
Dee
Love the Fudge! My fiancé had never had Fudge before and he's hooked now. Question though can it be frozen? I'm running put of fridge space for the holidays lol
Jennifer @ Leelalicious
Hi Dee! I hear you regarding the limited fridge space over the holidays. lol Absolutely, you can freeze it in an airtight container to keep until you need it.
Brenda
Does this fudge have to be stored in the refrigerator? Can nuts be added without changing the measurments of the rest of the ingredients?
Katie
Does this fudge hold up we'll? I'm wanting to make some to mail for a Christmas gift and am wondering if it's firm enough to mail.
Regina
Oh I am really not sure. I made them in rainy season in Vietnam so it was super hot and humid. Based on what the consistency was like there I'd say no. But the fudge might look quite different in normal/temperate climate
Steph @MisplacedBrit
YUM!!
And it even works without the extra butter...
Though this one had liquorice powder in it too 😀
http://misplacedbrit.com/recipes/salted-dark-chocolate-liquorice-fudge/
Regina
Love your version! So happy you tried my recipes 🙂
jzs
look so good
however, I would like to know about the ingredient salt flakes,
please let me know
thank you, jzs
Regina
You can use coarse salt or Fleur de sel. In a pinch even regular salt will work. But it has less texture and not much of a visual effect.
Olena @ iFOODreal.com
Ah, sweet and salty...give me more! I just made raw protein no bake fudge and while I was browsing foodgawker for photo composition ideas I stumbled upon your recipe. What a great idea! I sprinkled some coarse sea salt on top of my fudge and oh heaven! Looks so pretty and tastes divine! Thanks Regina!
Regina
Haha...glad to hear this recipe could give you an idea for your fudge. Sweet and salty really is divine!
ashley - baker by nature
Sweet and Salty is my JAM! Love this fudge SO much.
Regina
Sweet and salty absolutely ROCKS!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
Now that is one incredible looking fudge...love the sweet and salty!!!
Regina
Yes, sweet and salty all the way! I am so glad I finally discovered this flavor combination.
Rosie @ Blueberry Kitchen
Yum, your fudge looks and sounds so good!
Regina
Thank you very much Rosie!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
Mmmm looks amazing Regina!
Regina
Thank you so much Aimee 😀
Jacquee @ I Sugar Coat It!
Big fan of the sweet/salty combo and the simplicity of this recipe! Re: the urban backdrop - grab a scraper and make it happen again. 😉
Regina
Haha...thank you for your creative suggestions how to re-do the urban look 😉
amy @ fearless homemaker
OOh, I DO love the combination of sweet + salty, so I know I'd love this fudge. It looks SO good!
Regina
Thank you so much Amy. This fudge really brings out the wonderful sweet&salty combination.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Cust
This sounds amazing!
Regina
Thank you Dorothy!
Kathleen Richardson
It's a shame the landlord had to paint that great spot for photo shoots. If I was you, Regina, I'd console myself with some Salted Dark Chocolate Fudge.
Regina
Yes, you are right Kathleen. Fudge can be very soothing and comforting 😉
Kathleen Richardson
Regina, I'm getting ready to make the fudge and just noticed that there is no mention of adding the butter anywhere in the recipe or any other place in this blog post.
Regina
I am so sorry about that Kathleen. Thank you for pointing it out. The butter is added at the same time as the chocolate. I will edit the recipe right away.
sally @ sallys baking addiction
salt may just be my favorite accompaniment to chocolate. 🙂 This fudge looks wonderful and dark chocolate is my favorite kind of chocolate fudge!
Regina
It was the first time I did anything salted chocolate and I couldn't believe how much I loved it 🙂