Ingredients

– 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Optional toppings: crushed nuts, sea salt, sprinkles, or mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prepare a square 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the fudge once it has set.

2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Place this mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the ingredients are melted and smoothly combined. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Once the mixture is silky smooth, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This will infuse the fudge with a delightful aroma and enhance its flavor.

4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. The thickness of the fudge can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you like it thick, keep it to one inch, but if you prefer a slightly thinner fudge, spread it out a bit more.

5. Now is the perfect time to get creative! If desired, sprinkle your chosen toppings over the surface of the fudge. Crushed nuts will add a delightful crunch, sea salt a savory-sweet contrast, sprinkles will make it playful, and mini marshmallows add a pillowy texture. You can even combine different toppings to create your own unique version.

6. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. This will allow it to set properly and achieve that perfect fudgy consistency. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for 1 hour, but be sure to cover it to prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

7. Once the fudge has set, gently lift it out of the baking pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Transfer it to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized squares or rectangles. The fudge is rich, so small portions are ideal.

8. Serve the fudge on a decorative platter or in individual candy cups. It makes a delightful gift or a centerpiece for any dessert spread. Remember to share the joy with friends and loved ones!

Tips and Variations

– Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination for a different flavor profile.
– Add in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or crushed cookies to give your fudge an extra layer of texture and depth.
– Experiment with flavored extracts like peppermint, almond, or even orange to infuse unique tastes into your fudge.
– Store the fudge in an airtight container in a cool place. It stays fresh for up to two weeks, but I doubt it will last that long!

Conclusion

This simple fudge recipe is a delightful way to recreate the joy of my childhood and share it with others. Its rich, velvety texture and decadent sweetness make it a timeless treat for any occasion. So why not make a batch of this simple fudge and create some memories of your own? After all, life is sweeter when shared with loved ones, and this fudge is the perfect accompaniment to those precious moments. Enjoy!