If you’ve ever wanted a quick and indulgent sweet fix, this Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how rich and creamy it turns out, with that perfect crunch from the walnuts that keeps you coming back for one more bite. It’s super simple to make, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and honestly, my family goes crazy for it every time I pull it out. Stick with me here—I’ll share everything you need to know to nail this fudge right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless & Quick: You can whip up this fudge in under 20 minutes—perfect when you need a last-minute treat.
- Balanced Texture: Creamy chocolate with just the right amount of walnut crunch every time.
- No-Bake Magic: No oven needed, just a microwave and a few simple ingredients.
- Great for Gifting: This fudge makes a thoughtful homemade gift that folks truly appreciate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a fudge that’s both rich and delightfully nutty. I like to use high-quality chocolate chips and fresh walnuts for the best flavor—and remember, a good sweetened condensed milk makes all the difference here!
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Choose a good-quality brand for smooth melting and rich chocolate flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess—don’t swap it out or you’ll miss that classic fudge texture.
- Vanilla extract: It brightens the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors—it’s the secret behind a perfect batch of fudge.
- Chopped walnuts: Fresh walnuts add that signature crunch; toast them lightly if you want an extra nutty depth.
Variations
I love how flexible this Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe is, and you’ll be pleased to know you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I often experiment with different nuts or add a dash of espresso powder for a little twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap walnuts for toasted sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether for a smooth fudge experience.
- Dark Chocolate Fudge: Use bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, less sweet bite.
- Flavored Fudge: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or a dash of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor—I discovered these tweaks after trying it out with friends.
How to Make Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Chocolate
First things first—line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it a breeze to lift out the fudge later without sticking or crumbling. Dump your chocolate chips into a large microwave-safe bowl, then pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top but don’t stir yet.
Step 2: Melt and Mix
Pop that bowl into the microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Let it stand for another minute—this resting time helps the chocolate finish melting evenly. Stir it well until smooth. If any chips haven’t melted, zap it in 15-second bursts, stirring between, until perfectly creamy. This method prevents burning and helps you get that silky fudge texture.
Step 3: Flavor and Fold in Nuts
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt (trust me, the salt brings out the deep chocolate flavor). Next, gently fold in ¾ cup of the chopped walnuts. Mixing carefully ensures you keep the nuts intact and distributed evenly throughout the fudge.
Step 4: Set and Serve
Pour the fudge batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Press the remaining walnuts into the surface for a decorative and crunchy finish. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes until set. When ready, lift the fudge out by the parchment edges, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe
- Use Good Chocolate: I’ve found that high-quality chocolate chips melt smoother and taste richer—don’t skimp here!
- Microwave in Intervals: Avoid burning by heating in short bursts instead of all at once.
- Chill Properly: Give the fudge enough time to set firm in the fridge; rushing this step can lead to sticky fudge.
- Cut with a Warm Knife: Run a knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice for cleaner edges.
How to Serve Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before chilling—it gives the fudge a pretty finishing touch and balances out the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or a glass of cold milk—both really help balance the richness. For holiday gatherings, I also like serving it alongside fresh fruit for a little contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve wrapped individual fudge squares in festive parchment and tied them with twine—makes the perfect handcrafted gift. You could also layer different types of fudge in a clear box to create a dazzling dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge—it stays fresh and chewy for up to two weeks. Just be sure the container seals well so no fridge odors sneak in.
Freezing
If you want to store fudge longer, freezing works like a charm. I wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays great for 3 months, and thawing is quick—just sit at room temp for 20 minutes.
Reheating
While I don’t usually reheat fudge, if you want to soften it a bit, just pop a piece in the microwave for 10 seconds and it will soften without losing texture or flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts in this fudge?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work beautifully. Just chop them roughly and fold them in as you would the walnuts. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding can enhance their flavor.
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What if I don’t have a microwave? Can I make this fudge another way?
You sure can! Use a double boiler on the stovetop to gently melt the chocolate chips and condensed milk, stirring constantly until smooth. This method takes a little longer but gives you more control over the melting process.
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How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?
Graininess often happens from overheating or crystallizing sugar. To avoid this, melt the chocolate slowly and don’t microwave too long at once. Stirring well and letting the fudge set undisturbed in the fridge helps keep it silky smooth.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional sweetened condensed milk contains dairy, so for a vegan version, you can try using sweetened condensed coconut milk or another plant-based condensed milk alternative, and a dairy-free chocolate chip. Expect some differences in texture but it’s doable!
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to get that perfect creamy fudge without messing with candy thermometers or complicated steps. It’s become my go-to quick holiday treat and an easy way to impress friends with homemade goodies. I hope you’ll enjoy making—and eating—this fudge as much as we do. Believe me, once you try it, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen, too!
Print
Chocolate Walnut Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 25 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy Chocolate Walnut Fudge is a quick and easy treat made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for snacking or gifting during the holidays, this fudge combines smooth chocolate with the delightful texture of toasted walnuts in just minutes.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Walnuts
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (divided: ¾ cup for mixing in, ¼ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
- Melt the chocolate mixture: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe bowl and pour the sweetened condensed milk over them. Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then let it stand for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. If any chocolate chips remain unmelted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully smooth.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt thoroughly into the smooth chocolate mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
- Incorporate the walnuts: Fold ¾ cup of the chopped walnuts into the chocolate mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble the fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Press the remaining ¼ cup walnuts evenly on top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Chill to set: Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until the fudge is firm enough to cut.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper edges, cut into squares, and serve. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Chocolate Walnut Fudge!
Notes
- A quick and easy holiday treat that is perfect for snacking or gifting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
- For an extra rich taste, lightly toast the walnuts before mixing them in.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 208 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 46 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
