This cocoa microwave fudge recipe may very well be famous, but I hadn't heard of it until now. This simple, made in the microwave, cocoa fudge is truly incredible!
A Microwave fudge recipe... Who would have thought?
This simply amazing cocoa and powdered sugar fudge recipe is a huge favorite of mine.
Let it be said that though I do love chocolate truffles and champagne, I adore chocolate cocoa microwave fudge.
And after finding this recipe, I'm afraid I might begin to adore this easy homemade fudge a little bit too much.
Table of contents
Why I Love Microwave Fudge
My love affair began during the Christmas holidays, which is the time I'm looking for gifts for the neighbors.
As a child I recall making marshmallow fluff fudge to give away.
Standing at the stove, while constantly stirring, remains in my head. It was so worth it.
But somehow I never had amazing success with that recipe in Colorado.
I'm guessing it has to do with the fact that our boiling point is lower here, which throws the whole 5 minute fudge thing out of whack.
I briefly tried a recipe called perfect fudge when I decided I'd master the candy thermometer. It was perfect...when it turned out!
And then I started trying a variety of condensed milk recipes for fudge, but they never seemed to have the taste that I recalled.
I've eaten a bit of fudge in my day.
Christmas might seem like fudge time but vacations always found us scoring fudge too. Think about it. Every boardwalk and mountain town always has a store that makes fudge.
Just thinking of those glass cabinet fronts lined with every possible variety of fudge always makes me drool.
And the aroma that comes out of those usually wood framed doors with big brass door knobs is pure heaven, if you are a chocolate lover like me.
So whether fudge is to Christmas or to vacations, I don't really care.
The point is that this microwave fudge is for anytime and this year I am choosing Valentine's Day to be that time.
I just couldn't hold back. I've had this easy chocolate fudge recipe since Christmas along with these photos.
In fact, this recipe has probably been out there for at least as long as microwaves have been commonplace in one's kitchen. But somehow I didn't get the memo.
This is fudge to be reckoned with and it is so damn simple to make that it deserves your attention. I hope I got it!
This cocoa fudge could be called Hershey's cocoa fudge, or it could be called easy fudge, but honestly?
I just call this "should be famous cocoa fudge"...because really it should be!
This is not a condensed milk fudge. It tastes just like grandma's old fashioned fudge recipe.
What To Know About Making Microwave Fudge
Yes! And this recipe proves it! Truly one of the best cocoa fudge recipes I know of.
There are a few secrets but this recipe is almost foolproof. Just be sure not to scrape the hardened parts off the side of the bowl into the pan or the fudge may crystallize and become grainy.
Fudge should not be stirred before it reaches a certain temperature. By heating this in the microwave it allows it to reach the correct temperature before you begin stirring. You don't want to overstir fudge or it becomes grainy. And then just stir it until it becomes glossy.
Tips For Making 5 Ingredient Microwave Fudge:
Line a 13 x 9" pan or a 15 x 10" pan with aluminum foil. If you like your fudge extra-thick extra thick use a 9" square pan.
Get out a sifter or micromesh strainer because you don't want your cocoa or powdered sugar to be lumpy.
If you have a sifter use it or press the cocoa and powdered sugar directly into a large microwaveable bowl.
Stir well.
Pour milk in a circle directly over the cocoa and sugar. DO NOT STIR.
Cut butter into small cubes and place all over on top of the powdered sugar cocoa milk mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and heat in microwave on high for about 3 - 4 minutes. You want to totally melt the butter.
If it is not quite melted, add another 30 seconds or so each time until it is.
Once the butter is melted, using a wooden spoon, stir this fudge recipe with cocoa powder, until the mixture is shiny.
Now add the toasted walnuts if using, and the vanilla extract.
Stir again and pour into your choice of pan. Spread evenly and chill until firm.
However, I always serve this cocoa fudge at room temperature.
It tastes so much better that way.
Why this cocoa microwave fudge recipe?
Perhaps it was the ingredients that caught my attention. I'd never heard of powdered sugar in fudge.
And regular milk? Nope. Usually fudge calls for condensed milk or evaporated milk, but thanks to this recipe all of the ingredients were on hand in my pantry when I spontaneously decided I needed more gifts.
Plus, I was able to double the recipe easily, which made an enormous pan of chocolate cocoa fudge.
Yes, I must admit that if the cocoa microwave fudge didn't turn out, I knew I'd have to throw a lot away, but I'm a bit courageous in the kitchen when trying something new.
Substitutions For Cocoa Powder Fudge
This easy microwave fudge recipe is made with vanilla extract.
Want rum fudge? Add rum extract. Want minty fudge? Add mint extract.
I love walnuts. If you love pecans or macadamias or almonds, just sub in your favorite nut.
So Valentine's Day easy homemade fudge anyone?
Much easier than making truffles, no special trips to the grocery required, and if you are like me you have a leftover unopened bottle of champagne from New Year's that should be drunk.
I'm totally down with this.
Champagne and this soon to be famous cocoa microwave fudge?
I think I'll leave the recipe out for Manservant to find!
Happy Valentine's Day to all. And to all a Good Night!
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Cocoa Microwave Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 36 Servings 1x
- Category: Candy
- Cuisine: American
Description
Should be famous cocoa fudge is simple to make in the microwave. Cocoa, powdered sugar and butter makes this fudge taste like old fashioned fudge!
Ingredients
- 32 oz bag powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 c unsweetened cocoa
- 2 sticks salted butter or 16 T at room temperature
- ½ c milk
- 1 ½ c toasted walnuts (optional)
- 2 T vanilla extract
Instructions
Line a 15 x 10 baking sheet, 13 x 9" or 9" square if you want thicker fudge, with foil, leaving enough hanging off the edges so you can remove the fudge easily from the pan.
In a large microwaveable bowl combine powdered sugar and cocoa. Stir until all major lumps dissolve or to be on the safe side you could sift this. SInce I do not own a sifter, I use a mesh strainer which does the job! If you have found you still have lumps after removal from the microwave, I have found that an immersion blender works really well to break them up. Therefore sifting is the best thing if you want to avoid lumps.
Pour milk over sugar mixture but DO NOT STIR!
Cut the butter into cubes by slicing the butter in half lengthwise. Turn it on its side and slice again. Now slice the butter as you normally would and you should end up with 4 cubes to a slice. Place the butter cubes on top of the milk.
Now microwave on high for three to five minutes or until the butter has melted entirely. Make sure to lightly cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a paper towel in case you have a splattering accident! Check at three minutes for melting and then add a minute. Check again. Add another 30 seconds to a minute. Just get that butter melted.
Now stir well and incorporate all that sugar with all that butter. Mixture should become shiny. Now add vanilla and nuts and stir again. Spread in pan and chill until cool.
Damn! How easy is that?
Notes
Please see above post for substitutions for making this microwave fudge recipe.
More Fudge Recipes
White Chocolate Funfetti Fudge
Maggie says
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I couldn't believe how fast and easy this was to make. As I am alone I made 1/2 the recipe. I will have to freeze some so I don't over indulge. It was so easy and tastes like just like the cocoa fudge I remember making years ago by stirring the pot for what seemed like hours to reach the right temperature stage. (This was before the marshmallow fluff and the scm versions which are good also.) Your version has the taste of the old fashioned fudge I love. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
Abbe says
So glad you discovered it Maggie! It reminds me of old-fashioned fudge, too!
Mona says
This recipe looks easy ! And the fudge looks delicious. Can I add chocolate chips and raisins? I am afraid the chocolate chips may start melting in the sugar butter mixture and change the consistency?
Abbe says
I think you are right about the chocolate chips! But nuts or raisins would be awsome!
Rita Kerr says
How long does it take to harden?
Abbe says
Hi Rita,
It hardens pretty fast! It has been awhile since I've made it, but I would say within a few hours.
Carla says
I found this recipe in a Microwave Cookery book years and years ago, lol! I loved it and been looking for it recently. Thanks, truly the single best fudge.
Abbe says
Thanks Carla! Now I know where it came from! Truly can't believe how good it is whenever I make it!
Sissi says
Your fudge looks to addictive! I like both the texture and the presence of chocolate and also walnuts. I tried making fudge several times but it never worked... I think I didn't add enough sugar (I always cut down the sugar content by half because I am not used to very sweet food). Yours looks perfect!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Sissi! I must say though that fudge is supposed to be sweet and if you cut down on the sugar the consistency will not work. This is a forgiving recipe though, and if you tried cooking the sugar I can guess that your ratios were probably off. I love nuts in fudge and hope you give this a try! Tastes like old fashioned fudge but made a modern way!
Pam says
Sure am glad to find your blog again! This fudge sounds addicting and the recipe is unique for sure with milk and powdered sugar. Never have used them in fudge. It's damn easy too! You're right, every touristy town seems to have a store that makes fudge. The best one I've come across is a candy store in Holland, MI, their fudge is to die for!!!
Have a wonderful week, Abbe!
mimi rippee says
I just can't eat fudge. It's just too sweet for me! When a certain friend of mine still lived in town, every Christmas she would make chocolate fudge, and I couldn't eat it. And I felt so bad about it... I can't really tell from your recipe if yours would be as sweet....
Lynn Elliott Vining says
Ooooooooooo! My Valentine would so gobble up all that fudge in one setting! Love it! Thanks!
Marissa says
Not only does your fudge look perfect, I can't believe how simple the recipe is!! My mom always made it with marshmallow cream - I've got to turn her on to this recipe!
Susan says
Making fudge was one of the first things I learned when I was growing up and I made it often. Sounds like a quick and easy recipe for when the fudge urge arises 🙂
sippitysup says
Ok. Another childhood memory. Fudge was the only thing my dad ever cooked when I was a kid. I say "cooked". Though his version required no oven. It may have been the marshmallow version you mentioned. I don't think he used confectioner sugar because his always had a little grit to it! Me, I've never even attempted to make fudge... I guess that will always remain my dad's territory. GREG
Christine says
Wow! Sounds good! It's been a long time since I've eaten fudge.
Juliana says
Oh Abbe...all done in the microwave? Amazing...and I love the nuts in it, love the combination of creamy and lightly crunch...thanks for the recipe.
Happy Valentine's Day!
GiGi Eats says
THESE really should be famous - not only for how they're probably AMAZING but for how easy they are with next to no ingredients necessary!!!
Liz says
Wow, I've never even considered making fudge with cocoa powder! This whole recipe intrigues me, too, so I'll have to give it a whirl!!
angiesrecipes says
These chocolate fudges look incredibly delicious with walnuts! My husband is going to LOVE these. What kind of cocoa powder did you use, Abbe?
Abbe Odenwalder says
I used Hershey's and Trader Joe's has a good cocoa, too. They are both a natural cocoa type. Enjoy!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Microwave fudge is da bomb! Only way Mrs KR makes it these days. This looks wonderful -- terrific combo of flavors and textures. Thanks!
Monique says
Looking good!
Holly says
Pinned to my fudge board! Looks good!
Gerlinde @Sunnycovechef says
I am amazed how easy this fudge recipe is. I will pin the recipe and make it later. It’s raining cats and dogs here and I don’t have any powdered sugar n my pantry.