You know what? Paula Deens 5 Minute Fudge is the easiest chocolate treat under the sun, and once you try it, you’ll be tucking squares into every holiday gift box this season.
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deens 5 Minute Fudge
- No oven needed—just a bowl and a microwave
- Ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish
- Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture every single time
- Perfect for quick dessert fixes or last-minute gatherings
- A wonderful chocolate treat that doubles as a homemade gift
- Customizable with nuts, extracts, or festive sprinkles
- Paula Deen’s exact recipe—trusted Southern goodness
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand recommended)
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli or Nestlé Toll House)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter until the chips nestle in.
- First Microwave Burst: Microwave on high for 1 minute—oven mitt recommended since bowls can get scorching hot.
- Stir Thoroughly: Remove carefully and stir vigorously until the butter and chips melt into a glossy sauce.
- Final Melt: Microwave again for 1–2 minutes in short bursts, stirring between each to keep the mixture lump-free.
- Flavor It Up: Stir in vanilla extract and fold in pecans if you want a nutty crunch.
- Chill Out: Pour the warm fudge into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Firm Up: Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes, then chill for 30–60 minutes until it feels firm to the touch.
- Slice & Serve: Lift the fudge slab via the parchment, slice into 16–20 neat squares with a sharp knife, and enjoy!
Servings & Timing
- Yield: Makes about 16–20 bite-size squares
- Prep Time: 2 minutes to stir and assemble
- Cook Time: 3 minutes of microwave bursts
- Chill Time: 30–60 minutes for firm-setting perfection
- Total Time: Under 1 hour (most of it unattended in the fridge)
Variations
- White Chocolate Bliss: Swap semisweet chips for white chocolate chips and add 1 tsp almond extract.
- Mocha Magic: Stir in 1 Tbsp instant espresso powder with the vanilla extract.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop dollops of peanut butter on top, then swirl before chilling.
- Holiday Peppermint: Mix in crushed candy canes and garnish with peppermint bits.
- Dairy-Free Treat: Use dairy-free chips and coconut condensed milk alternative.
Storage & Reheating
Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer keeping, freeze squares individually on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes—no microwave required unless you love that just-warm bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this fudge on the stove instead of the microwave?
A: Yes—use a double boiler on low heat, stirring until smooth, then follow the chilling steps.
Q: Why did my fudge turn grainy?
A: Graininess often means it overheated; shorten each microwave burst by 10–15 seconds and stir more frequently.
Q: Is sweetened condensed milk necessary?
A: It’s the shortcut that makes this a true 5 Minute Fudge; regular cream won’t set up the same way.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate chips instead?
A: Certainly—just note milk chocolate is sweeter, so you might skip any added sweet mix-ins.
Q: How can I speed up chilling time?
A: Freeze for 15–20 minutes, but watch closely so edges don’t frost.
Q: My fudge is too soft—any tips?
A: Let it chill a bit longer or stir in an extra handful of chips to thicken.
Conclusion
Paula Deens 5 Minute Fudge is a sweet lifesaver whenever you need a quick dessert or a homemade gift. With simple pantry staples and effortless steps, it’s destined to become a staple in your holiday repertoire. Try it today, share your favorite twist below, and explore more quick dessert ideas around the blog!
Paula Deens 5 Minute Fudge
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk Eagle Brand recommended
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli or Nestlé Toll House
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Stir sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl until mixed.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, then carefully remove and stir.
- Microwave again for 1–2 minutes in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and fold in chopped pecans if desired.
- Pour mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes until firm to the touch.
- Lift fudge out of the pan, slice into squares, and enjoy at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
