Chocolate Walnut Fudge

Name: Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 145 min
Ingredients: 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 can sweetened condensed milk; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 cup walnuts; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

This fudge turns creamy on the stovetop without requiring a candy thermometer. Walnuts interrupt the rich chocolate with a welcome crunch in each chilled square.

By Betty Lou Gardner2 hr 25 minUpdated 2026-08-25

Made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla, and walnuts, this easy stovetop fudge comes together without a candy thermometer. After a good chill, it cuts into small, creamy squares that fit right in on holiday trays, cookie exchanges, and homemade gift boxes.

Betty Lou Gardner in a family archival photograph

Granny’s Kitchen Notes

From Betty Lou Gardner

I stay close to the stove once the chocolate starts melting because fudge can scorch faster than people expect if the heat gets too high. Sometimes I use pecans instead of walnuts, depending on what is already sitting in the cupboard around Christmas time.

How to Make Chocolate Walnut Fudge

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Parchment-lined 8x8-inch square baking pan ready for chocolate walnut fudge.

Chocolate Walnut Fudge, preparation step 5.

Prepare the Pan

Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift out the fudge after it chills.

Chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt melting in a saucepan over low heat.

Melt the Chocolate

Warm the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt together slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, until nearly melted and smooth.