Fudge with Chocolate Frosting

A 5-ingredient semisweet fudge with lush chocolate frosting and optional chopped nuts for extra crunch. Rich, buttery, moist, irresistibly chocolatey, and done in 15 minutes.

This simple recipe is truly a genius idea to turn decadent chocolate icing into an all-time favorite sweet dessert – fudge. The original recipe may be using only 2 ingredients but I went an extra mile to make this fudge taste great with a few additional ingredients – not to worry, they are all pantry staples.

If you’re obsessed over dessert cuisine just like many of us, this easy recipe is a time saver during holiday meal prep and you can make it ahead!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A definite crowd-pleaser for the holiday season when chocolate cake seems too heavy but you’re craving some chocolatey goodness. One batch makes 16 yummy pieces. 
• EASY! No baking, no candy thermometer or special equipment involved. It is a quick desert where the only cooking part is melting the chocolate (and you don’t even need a double boiler). The work takes less than 15 minutes and then we simply wait for the fudge to set and chill. This fudge turns out perfect every time I make it.
• This chocolate frosting fudge is an upgraded version of 2-ingredient chocolate frosting fudge and will have a richer flavor as I add butter and vanilla extract.

Ingredients Notes

To make my version of the chocolate fudge cake, I only use 5-6 simple ingredients

The full list of ingredients is on the recipe card below.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you prefer bitter chocolate, use dark chocolate chips. If you want a sweeter fudge recipe, use milk chocolate chips. Old-fashioned fudge recipes use natural cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa powder. High-quality chocolate chips or real chocolate gives the best flavor. Whichever you go with, make sure it is unsweetened chocolate, with no added sugars.
• Unsalted butter + salt or salted butter. Try to make sure the sweet-salty balance is nice. The butter should be at room temperature.
• Chocolate frosting. I use canned store-bought frosting, but the best frosting is always homemade. I have one tub of store-bought frosting, but you can use 1.5 or even two, there is always room for more frosting plus you can use it for another dessert.
• Pure vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts of choice (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• 9” square dish lined with parchment paper and greased with cooking spray. You can also use an 8-inch pan, then you will have a thicker chocolate frosting fudge.
• Saucepan or double boiler to melt the chocolate. You can always use a microwave-safe bowl, of course too.
• Optional, stand mixer or hand mixer (use on low speed). Truly optional, I always combine the fudge mixture by hand and it always has a creamy consistency and rich chocolate flavor

Homemade Chocolate Fudge Frosting

If you are not excited to use a store-bought frosting, here is a simple frosting recipe for you.

For starters, it is up to you what kind of chocolate you will use, both milk chocolate frosting and dark chocolate fudge frosting are amazingly delicious. Chocolate with 50 to 70% cocoa content is the best choice.

To make a silky-smooth chocolate fudge frosting for this recipe you will need:

• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate chips of choice
• 4 cups powdered sugar or icing sugar
• ⅔ cup heavy cream, whole milk, or condensed milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

In a small saucepan melt butter, then add cocoa powder to the melted butter and stir until they are well incorporated. Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, add half of the powdered sugar and whole milk or heavy cream, and mix. The heavy cream can change the consistency of the frosting to your liking.

Add the remaining half and pure vanilla extract. Mix until the chocolate frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Once done and cooled, it can last in the fridge for 2-3 days so you can also use it with chocolate cakes, cupcakes, or as a perfect complement to American buttercream frosting.

You can do the same with a double boiler setup: a saucepan + a heat-proof bowl.

How To Make Chocolate Fudge With Chocolate Frosting

1. Line a 9” square dish with parchment or foil. Leave a little overhang to help with the removal of the fudge later on. Set aside.
2. Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a medium saucepan. Heat over low, stirring frequently until they have melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove the melted chips from the heat, and stir in the frosting, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
4. Fold in the nuts, or any other desired mix-ins you might want to add.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it into a smooth, even layer.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
7. Once set, use the overhanging liner to lift it out of the dish, cut and serve.

Storage

Keep the fudge refrigerated in an airtight container for 1 week.

The fudge recipes freeze well too. You can freeze it in an air-tight container for 2 months.

Substitutions & Variations

• Other frosting options: berry-based frosting or cream cheese frosting – you can buy the canned one and it is delicious.
• Peanut butter lovers can mix in some peanut butter chips too. Chocolate and peanut butter are a great match.
• Different Flavors: you can add some espresso powder, dried fruits, mint extract, orange extract, fresh zest, or toasted coconut. It is a great dessert recipe to customize.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Chocolate Frosting Fudge

• Keep the chocolate chips melting on low heat and do not let it boil otherwise the chocolate mixture will become grainy. Gently stir to make sure there are no lumps as chips, especially cheap ones, tend to leave some chunks in the mix.
• If the fudge doesn’t hold the shape well, it hasn’t been properly set yet. Put it back in the fridge.
• If the fudge is too firm once set, don’t worry, it is normal for the fudge to harden at a cool temperature. Leave it on the counter and it will soften very quickly.

Popular Questions

What Can I Add To Canned Chocolate Frosting?

You can add melted chocolate, butter, and some vanilla extract, mix it with canned chocolate frosting, and set it in the fridge – you will make delicious and easy fudge with a creamy texture.

What Is Fudge Frosting Made Of?

Homemade fluffy chocolate fudge frosting is usually made of melted chocolate (chips, cocoa powder, or chopped chocolate bars) with heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. Fudge frosting can use any type of chocolate from milk to dark, or even white.

What To Do With Extra Chocolate Frosting?

If you use chocolate frosting for decorating cakes or cupcakes and have some left, you can make easy fudge or fudgy brownies with it. To turn perfect frosting into fudge, simply layer it in a pan and refrigerate for 2 hours. A great recipe for a quick sweet snack and it turns out delicious even if it is your first time making it.

Is Chocolate Ganache The Same As Fudge?

Chocolate fudge and chocolate ganache have different consistencies but the same main ingredient: chocolate chips or chocolate bars. Ganache is used in thin layers on top of cakes and will make a rich chocolate layer that firms up just a little bit while fudge sets and hardens fully and holds its shape once set and is used as a separate dessert.

Both can be made with real chocolate, chocolate bars, or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. 

What’s The Difference Between Fudge And Chocolate Fudge?

Fudge is a general term for a firm dense candy dessert with rich buttery flavor. Fudges can be made with chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, and so on. So not all fudges are chocolate fudge, it is just a variation.

What Is The Difference Between Chocolate Frosting And Icing?

Chocolate frosting types are chocolate fudge frosting, chocolate buttercream frosting, etc – they are all thick, buttery, rich in flavor, and spreadable. Icing is made thinner like chocolate ganache and we don’t spread it – we pour it. Chocolate glaze is even thinner than chocolate icing.

If you love this easy treat recipe, you’re going to love these other holiday desserts too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Fudge Recipes

White Chocolate Fudge

Christmas Cookie Fudge

Velveeta Fudge

Easy No-Cook Fudge

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