One Two Three Fudge: The Easiest, Most Delicious Fudge Recipe Ever!

Fudge. The very word conjures up images of rich, decadent chocolatey goodness. But the thought of making it yourself can sometimes seem daunting. All those steps, the candy thermometer, the precise timing… it can feel like a recipe for disaster! But what if I told you that there’s a fudge recipe so simple, so foolproof, that anyone can make it? Enter the One Two Three Fudge. This recipe is a game-changer. It’s so easy to remember, and the results are consistently amazing. Get ready to impress your friends and family (and yourself!) with this incredibly easy and delicious fudge recipe.

## What is One Two Three Fudge?

The name itself is a huge clue to the simplicity of this recipe. It refers to the ratio of the three main ingredients: one part chocolate, two parts sweetened condensed milk, and three parts chocolate chips. That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques, just simple ingredients that combine to create a rich, smooth, and intensely chocolatey fudge.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

* **Easy to Remember:** The 1-2-3 ratio makes it incredibly easy to memorize and scale up or down as needed.
* **Foolproof:** This recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginner candy makers.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, this fudge can be ready in under an hour (including setting time).
* **Versatile:** The basic recipe is a blank canvas for all sorts of flavor additions and variations.
* **Delicious:** The most important reason! This fudge is rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey – pure indulgence!

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk:** This is the key ingredient that provides the sweetness and creamy texture of the fudge. Make sure you are using sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
* **2 cups (12 ounces) Chocolate Chips:** This is where you can get creative! Use semi-sweet, dark, milk, or even a combination of different chocolate chips. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorite.
* **3 ounces (3 squares) Baking Chocolate:** This adds richness and depth of flavor to the fudge. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or unsweetened chocolate, depending on your preference.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** This is where you can customize the fudge to your liking! Some popular additions include:
* Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
* Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins)
* Marshmallows
* Peanut butter swirl
* Espresso powder
* Sea salt

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* **8×8 inch Baking Pan:** This is the perfect size for the recipe, but you can also use a 9×9 inch pan for a slightly thinner fudge.
* **Parchment Paper:** Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the fudge without sticking.
* **Medium Saucepan:** For melting the ingredients together.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For stirring and scraping the sides of the pan.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Pan:** Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and baking chocolate.
3. **Melt the Chocolate:** Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. If the mixture is getting too hot, remove it from the heat temporarily and continue stirring.
4. **Add Vanilla and Mix-Ins (Optional):** Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and any desired mix-ins.
5. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. **Chill:** Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm.
7. **Cut and Serve:** Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the fudge into squares and serve. Enjoy!

## Tips for Success:

* **Use Good Quality Chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate will directly impact the flavor of the fudge. Use good quality chocolate chips and baking chocolate for the best results.
* **Don’t Overheat the Chocolate:** Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize and become grainy. Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly.
* **Stir Constantly:** Stirring constantly will prevent the chocolate from burning and ensure that the mixture is smooth and creamy.
* **Be Patient:** Don’t rush the chilling process. The fudge needs to be fully chilled in order to set properly.
* **Cut with a Warm Knife:** To make it easier to cut the fudge, warm a sharp knife under hot water, then dry it before cutting.

## Variations and Add-Ins:

This recipe is a fantastic base for experimenting with different flavors and add-ins. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Peanut Butter Fudge:** Swirl peanut butter into the fudge mixture before chilling.
* **Rocky Road Fudge:** Add marshmallows and chopped nuts to the fudge mixture.
* **Mint Chocolate Fudge:** Add mint extract to the fudge mixture and top with crushed peppermint candies.
* **Salted Caramel Fudge:** Swirl caramel sauce into the fudge mixture and sprinkle with sea salt.
* **Espresso Fudge:** Add espresso powder to the fudge mixture for a coffee-flavored kick.
* **White Chocolate Fudge:** Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
* **Nutella Fudge:** Replace some of the chocolate with Nutella.
* **Cookies and Cream Fudge:** Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.

## Troubleshooting:

* **Fudge is too soft:** This is usually caused by not chilling the fudge long enough. Make sure the fudge is fully chilled before cutting. If it’s still too soft, you can try freezing it for a short period of time.
* **Fudge is grainy:** This can be caused by overheating the chocolate or using poor quality chocolate. Make sure to melt the chocolate over low heat and use good quality chocolate.
* **Fudge is too hard:** This can be caused by overcooking the fudge. Be careful not to overcook the fudge while melting the chocolate.
* **Fudge is sticking to the pan:** Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper before pouring in the fudge mixture. This will make it easy to remove the fudge without sticking.

## Storing Fudge:

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the fudge for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.

## Scaling the Recipe:

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it scales. If you want to make a larger batch, simply multiply all the ingredients by the same factor. For example, to double the recipe, you would use 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk, 4 cups of chocolate chips, and 6 ounces of baking chocolate.

To make a smaller batch, simply divide all the ingredients by the same factor. For example, to halve the recipe, you would use 1/2 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1.5 ounces of baking chocolate. Note that it can be harder to melt smaller amounts of chocolate without burning. Keep a close eye on the process and stir frequently.

## Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitutions:

While sweetened condensed milk is the key ingredient for this recipe’s texture and sweetness, if you are in a pinch, there are a few alternatives, although the results will vary slightly:

* **Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk:** There are recipes available online for making your own sweetened condensed milk using milk and sugar. Be aware that the texture and sweetness levels may not be identical to the canned version, so adjust accordingly.
* **Evaporated Milk + Sugar:** This is *not* a direct substitute. You would need to significantly reduce the amount of liquid and add a substantial amount of sugar to attempt to replicate the sweetened condensed milk. This is not recommended for beginners.

It’s always best to use actual sweetened condensed milk for the most consistent and successful results with this recipe.

## Chocolate Choices:

The type of chocolate you choose will dramatically impact the final flavor of your fudge. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

* **Semi-Sweet Chocolate:** A classic choice, offering a balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity.
* **Dark Chocolate:** For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar (or add a touch of honey) if you prefer a sweeter fudge.
* **Milk Chocolate:** Creates a sweeter, milder fudge that is perfect for kids (and adults who love milk chocolate!).
* **White Chocolate:** Offers a completely different flavor profile. Be aware that white chocolate can be more prone to seizing, so melt it very carefully.
* **Combination:** Mix and match different types of chocolate for a more complex flavor. For example, combine semi-sweet and dark chocolate for a balanced richness.

Using chocolate chunks instead of chips can also add an interesting textural element to the fudge.

## Serving Suggestions:

This fudge is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:

* **As a Gift:** Package the fudge in a pretty box or tin for a homemade gift.
* **On a Dessert Platter:** Include the fudge on a dessert platter with other sweets and treats.
* **With Ice Cream:** Top a scoop of ice cream with a square of fudge.
* **In a Cookie:** Chop up the fudge and add it to your favorite cookie recipe.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy a square of fudge with a cup of coffee or tea.

## Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Per Serving (approximate, based on 64 servings from an 8×8 inch pan):

* Calories: Approximately 100-150
* Fat: 6-9g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 5-10mg
* Sodium: 10-20mg
* Carbohydrates: 12-18g
* Sugar: 10-16g
* Protein: 1-2g

## Final Thoughts:

The One Two Three Fudge is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to homemade candy making. Its simplicity empowers even the most hesitant bakers to create a truly impressive and delicious treat. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the easiest, most satisfying fudge you’ve ever made. Happy fudging!

This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! The versatility, ease, and deliciousness make it a winner every time. Remember to have fun experimenting with different flavors and add-ins to create your own signature fudge.