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If you have been searching for an easy microwave fudge recipe, then stop. You have come to the right place! Combining only 4 ingredients and taking only 10 minutes you will be pleasing the entire family with this batch of easy condensed milk fudge. The cherry on top? You don’t need a candy thermometer.
“Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any purchase made through such links will award me a small commission (at absolutely no extra cost for you). These funds help me keep this blog up and running. Learn more about it here.”
If your childhood memories include small plastic packets tied off with colourful ribbon filled with traditional fudge – then I’m about to take you back. Think school bazaars, fundraising fudge, and decorative Christmas fudge. These all originated using an easy old fashioned fudge recipe passed on from generations.
Similarly, our Outydse Soetkoekie recipe and Traditional South African Koeksisters recipe may bring a rush of memories if you grew up in a South African household. 10 Other South African recipes you should try again today.
EASY OLD FASHIONED HOMEMADE FUDGE
I’ve convinced myself that I was doomed when it came to making fudge. I have memories of trying various fudge recipes as a younger girl. Some not setting, some crystallising, but I don’t recall having one fudge batch success. I wasn’t going to let that define my fudge making skills, I had to redeem myself.
After reading and researching I realised that it couldn’t, and shouldn’t be that hard to make microwave fudge. People were making easy old fashioned homemade fudge to sell to raise money, surely it could be do-able.
And, it is!
MICROWAVE FUDGE RECIPE VARIATIONS
Once you master the basic fudge recipe, play around with a variety of flavours and additions. If you need inspiration, then try any of the below.
Add after the first two minutes:
- One teaspoon of peppermint or caramel essence instead of vanilla essence.
- 2 Tablespoons of cocoa
- 2 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter
Add just prior to pouring into baking tin to set:
- 1 cup roughly crushed biscuits
- ½ cup Chopped walnuts.
- 15 chopped cherries
- ½ cup of chopped peanuts
HOW LONG CAN FUDGE BE STORED FOR?
According to Can it go bad, like most candies and confections, fudge can go bad. Because there are so many recipes and production methods, it really is difficult to give an exact shelf life.
Naturally, homemade fudge will most likely have a shorter shelf life than fudge bought from the store. The high amount of sugar and fat in fudge can act as a good preservative, allowing this treat to stay delicious far longer than brownies or other similar baked goods.
In general, fudge that is kept in an airtight container at room temperature will last for one to two weeks. Refrigerating fudge can extend its shelf life to two to three weeks. Freezing fudge will extend its shelf life to around three months, if tightly sealed.
HOW TO STORE FUDGE
Always store fudge in an airtight container. This is to prevent it from being exposed to excess moisture as well as drying out. If you decide to store your fudge at room temperate, then it should be kept away from heat or light. This will prevent it from going off faster.
If you refrigerate your fudge, you should still seal it in an airtight container. This will help keep the moisture levels steady and prevent other flavours from being absorbed.
Fudge freezes very well. However, Don’t refreeze once thawed and consume within a week. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. To store fudge in the freezer, it is best wrapped tightly in wax paper and then plastic wrap before being placed in an airtight container. Freeze it in a large block, as it can dry out more easily when cutting into smaller pieces.
HOW DO I KNOW IF FUDGE IS OLD?
It is highly unlikely that fudge will mold or rot. As fudge ages, the texture and taste will start to deteriorate. The older the fudge is, the drier it can become. If there are large, deep cracks in the surface of the fudge, it may be too old to be eaten and should be discarded.
Fudge that has been exposed to too much moisture will spoil faster. It may become mushy or soggy and we don’t recommend that you eat it. Even more so if there is any separation of liquid on the surface of the fudge.
Finally, if the fudge becomes hard and has an oily sheen to the surface, it is best you throw it out. It will be unpleasant tasting at this point.
HOW TO MAKE EASY MICROWAVE FUDGE
Prepare a dish roughly the size of 22 x 22 cm by lining it with baking paper. You can also spray it if you do not have baking paper. I find it easier to lift out the fudge once it has set if poured onto the baking paper.
Combine the castor sugar, condensed milk, and margarine in a large microwavable bowl. The bigger the bowl the better as it will continue to rise as it cooks, and you risk it boiling over.
Initially microwave for 2 minutes. Remove and whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined.
Cooking the easy microwave fudge
Place back into the microwave oven and continue to cook for 10 minutes, stopping at regular intervals to whisk. I had to stop every 60 seconds or so. The key is to dedicate 10 minutes of your time to watching the fudge as it cooks in the microwave. It can boil over easily, and you need to stop and whisk it before it does.
Once you have done the 10 minutes, the mixture should be a light to a darkish caramel colour. Add the essence and stir in until the mixture starts to thicken.
Pour into prepared dish and let it cool down. I like to let it cool down for about 20-30 minutes before attempting to cut it.
Once it is completely cool, remove the fudge pieces and store.
Easy Microwave Fudge
Ingredients
- 500 ml Castor Sugar 420g
- 1 tin Condensed Milk 397g
- 100 g Butter Or Margarine
- 5 ml Vanilla or Caramel Essence 1tsp
Instructions
- Prepare a dish roughly the size of 22 x 22 cm by lining it with baking paper. You can also spray it if you do not have baking paper.
- Combine the castor sugar, condensed milk, and margarine in a large microwavable bowl.
- Initially microwave for 2 minutes. Remove and whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Place back into the microwave oven and continue to cook for 10 minutes, stopping at regular intervals to whisk. (I had to stop every 60 seconds or so. The key is to dedicate 10 minutes of your time to watching the fudge as it cooks in the microwave.)
Until next time!
Joy says
Oh my goodness, this recipe is the best! Thanks for the warning on keeping an eye on it. I will invest in a larger bowl because I will be making this again and again. Great instructions and recipe layout. I look forward to trying out more of your recipes.
My wife followed this recipe and it brought back memories of home. So easy to follow and perfect highly recommend it
Did this one again today, added mint essence and cocoa. So delicious!
Sounds delicious! Mint has to be one of my favourite flavours. Thanks for sharing with us.
Can it be made ahead and frozen?
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for popping by. Yes! Absolutely you can make the fudge ahead and freeze it. If you store it properly it will last for up to 3 months. To be sure your fudge is kept as fresh as can be in the freezer, it’s important to keep it free of any air or moisture. First, wrap it in waxed paper then in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container or freezer bag. Enjoy!
It tastes just like tablet, a Scottish sweet my grampa used to make. Thank you I love it
Hi Maggie, thanks for the comment. So glad you like it.
I am hopless at baking etc, anytime I have tried to make fudge it tastes good but have to eat it with a spoon from a jar as it does not set. When I saw your recipe I thought well 1 last try. To my surprise it set and tasted brilliant, going to be making this again and again. Thank you.
Hi Lorraine, I hear you! Getting fudge to set is always the tricky bit, but I am yet to fail when doing this one as well. Glad it was a success! Thanks for visiting our site and leaving a comment.
Wow this fudge was so easy to make and taste’s amazing! I’ve tried making fudge on the stove and it was hours of work and then in the end wouldn’t set. This was the crumbly texture and dark caramel colour that we love, so thank you
Hi Rene, thanks for popping by and leaving such a great review! We’re glad you found the recipe to be easy and tasty. Feel free to rate it so others can enjoy it too :-). Take care
Followed this to the letter and it’s not set. Can I put back in the microwave or do I just bin it?
Hi Carol, sorry to hear it’s not set.
There are several reasons why your microwave fudge may not have set properly but given you have followed the recipe to the tee it could poasibly be due to the following reasons:
1. Incorrect temperature: Fudge requires a certain temperature to set properly. If the temperature was too low or too high during cooking, it can affect the final texture and consistency of the fudge. Microwave fudge does not depend on a specific temperature like traditional fudge made on a stovetop. Instead, it relies on proper cooking time and consistency to achieve the desired result. The fudge should be cooked until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency
2. Variations in microwave power: Microwaves can vary in power levels, so the cooking time given in a recipe might not be suitable for your specific microwave. Adjusting the cooking time or power level accordingly might help.
If the fudge still does not set despite following the recipe, it may be worth experimenting with adjustments in the future, such as reducing the cooking time or increasing the cooling time, to find the right balance for your microwave.
There are a few options you can try before discarding it:
1. Chill it: Place the fudge in the refrigerator for a few hours to see if it will firm up. Sometimes, proper chilling can help the fudge to solidify.
2. Heat it again: If the fudge is still soft after chilling, you can try reheating it in the microwave on low power for short intervals. Be sure to heat it gradually and stir in between to prevent burning. However, this may not always work, and overcooking can cause the fudge to become grainy.
3. Repurpose it: If your fudge cannot be salvaged as a solid block, you can use it as a dessert sauce or topping. Simply heat the fudge and pour it over ice cream, brownies, or other desserts.
If none of these methods work, it may be best to discard the fudge. However, I would recommend experimenting with the other options first to see if you can salvage it in any way.
Let me know how you get on.
It is because l, the recept doesn’t tell you when to add the key ingredient and that is the Vanilla essence. That is what makes it set. I add my Vanillia the last 60 seconds and then whennit comes out, you have to stir it quickly and place it in the container and then into the fridge.