Creamy Low-Fat Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Name: Creamy Low-Fat Chocolate Fudge
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 0.66666698455811 cup low-fat sweetened condensed milk; 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
cup low-fat sweetened condensed milk
teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Directions:

Combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Stir gently until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for added flavor.
Pour the melted mixture into an ungreased 10-inch square pan, spreading it evenly.
Refrigerate the pan for approximately 3 hours, or until the fudge has set completely.
Once set, cut the chilled fudge into 25 squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 79
Total Fat: 3g (4% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (10% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 1mg (0% Daily Value)
Sodium: 9mg (0% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 12g (4% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 11g
Protein: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Calcium: 21mg (2% Daily Value)
Potassium: 33mg (1% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate fudge has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The word "fudge" is believed to have originated in the United States, with one popular story claiming it came from a mistake. It is said that a confectioner accidentally "fudged" a batch of caramels, creating a new dessert in the process. This error led to the creation of a sweet, soft, and rich treat that became a staple in American homes. By the early 20th century, fudge recipes started appearing in cookbooks and were shared at social gatherings, making it a beloved candy throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Regional Variations of Fudge

Fudge recipes vary widely by region, with each area adding its unique twist. In the northeastern United States, especially in places like New England, traditional chocolate fudge made with butter and cream is most common. In the Midwest, you might find fudge made with a heavier use of nuts, like walnuts or pecans. In contrast, the southern U.S. has embraced variations with ingredients such as marshmallows or caramel, creating even richer versions of the classic treat. The creamy low-fat version of fudge, like the one described in this recipe, is a modern adaptation for those seeking a lighter indulgence without sacrificing flavor.

How Creamy Low-Fat Chocolate Fudge Differs from Other Fudge Recipes

This low-fat version of chocolate fudge offers a healthier alternative to traditional fudge. Unlike the classic recipe, which uses heavy cream, butter, and full-fat sweetened condensed milk, this version substitutes low-fat sweetened condensed milk. This not only reduces the overall fat content but also maintains the rich, chocolatey flavor and smooth texture that fudge lovers crave. The result is a lighter treat with fewer calories, making it a perfect option for those watching their fat intake but still desiring a decadent dessert.

Where Is Chocolate Fudge Typically Served?

Chocolate fudge is typically served during special occasions and festive gatherings. In the United States, it is particularly popular around holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Its often made in large batches to share with family and friends. Fudge is also a common offering at bake sales, fairs, and parties, where its rich, indulgent flavor makes it a hit with all ages. In some regions, it's even given as a homemade gift, beautifully wrapped in decorative paper to create a personal and delicious present.

Interesting Facts About Chocolate Fudge

Fudge was first introduced at the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago, where it was sold in small boxes. It quickly gained popularity in the U.S. and became known as "fudge candy."
Despite its popularity, the first written recipe for fudge didn't appear until 1886, when it was published in a letter sent by a woman named Larkin to her friend, who had requested the recipe.
The word "fudge" can also refer to an "error" or "mistake," which is fitting considering the story behind its invention!
In the 1950s and 1960s, fudge became a popular treat to serve at holiday parties, and it was often homemade. Today, it can be found in almost every store, often in a variety of flavors.

FAQ about Creamy Low-Fat Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Yes, you can use different types of chocolate chips (such as milk, dark, or even white chocolate). Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the fudge will vary depending on the type of chocolate you choose.

If the fudge turns out too soft, try refrigerating it for longer to help it set properly. If it’s still too soft after chilling, it could be due to the amount of moisture in your condensed milk or the size of the pan used. For next time, use a smaller pan to ensure thicker pieces.

Yes, you can omit the vanilla extract if you prefer or substitute it with another flavoring like almond extract or a splash of coffee for a unique twist.

Absolutely! You can stir in chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, or even dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just fold them in gently after melting the chocolate and before pouring the mixture into the pan.

Yes, you can use regular sweetened condensed milk instead of low-fat. Keep in mind that this will change the calorie content and may affect the texture, making it richer and denser.

The fudge typically takes about 3 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. You can speed up the process by placing it in the freezer for about an hour, but make sure to let it thaw slightly before cutting.

If you don’t have a 10-inch square pan, you can use a slightly larger or smaller pan, but be aware that this will affect the thickness of the fudge. A smaller pan will give you thicker pieces, while a larger pan will spread the fudge out thinner.

Since the recipe uses sweetened condensed milk, it's already quite sweet. Reducing the sugar content may alter the texture and consistency of the fudge. If you’re looking for a less sweet version, you could experiment with dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, always check the labels of your chocolate chips and other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Comments

Linda Roberts

07/04/2023 03:01:06 PM

I have my own recipe that uses about the same quantities of condensed milk and chocolate. However, I believe this recipe might turn out too dense with chocolate. To avoid this, make sure that at least two-thirds of the chocolate used is milk chocolate, as otherwise, it could taste like melted chocolate chips. For best results, follow these instructions: stick to one can of condensed milk for every 12 ounces of chocolate.

Melissa Rivera

05/03/2024 01:49:19 AM

Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is that it requires no cooking. Simply combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in a bowl, microwave for 3 minutes (stirring every minute), add vanilla extract, pour into a bowl, freeze for about an hour, and voila – it's ready to enjoy!

Nathan Collins

12/12/2023 07:12:57 PM

This rich chocolate treat couldn't get any easier! I didn't have low-fat milk on hand, so I opted for fat-free. To make it a tad less guilt-inducing, I threw in some finely chopped almonds and assorted dried fruit. The blend of chocolate, crunchy nuts, and chewy fruit was absolutely fantastic. Indulgent!

Dennis Wright

09/04/2023 05:14:37 AM

I used a full can of non-fat condensed milk and an entire bag of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips in this recipe. I also threw in some chopped pecans. The result was delicious and the recipe was super easy to follow.

Jonathan Perez

12/26/2022 10:53:39 AM

Recently tried making a quick version of this in the microwave and it turned out to be a perfect sweet treat. I used a mix of semi-sweet and white chocolate chips that I had leftover, and threw in some chopped macadamia nuts. The result was fabulous!

Nancy Cruz

02/19/2024 04:24:54 AM

Great recipe! While it may not be as decadent as traditional full-fat fudge, it still makes for a delicious chocolatey treat, especially for those watching their fat and calorie intake. Surprisingly, even my boyfriend, who usually prefers full-fat treats, enjoyed it. One important tip is to avoid overcooking the fudge to prevent it from becoming too hard. Simply melt it until smooth, then pour into the pan. The best thing about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make! It only takes a few minutes to prepare and sets up in just a couple of hours. Definitely worth a try!

Samuel Robinson

04/25/2023 07:10:14 AM

Very simple to make and delicious in flavor. I baked mine in a square pan that measures 8 by 8 inches.

Nicole Baker

10/15/2024 05:59:22 AM

I am amazed at how simple it was to prepare! I only made half of the recipe and didn't measure precisely, but it turned out fantastic! Creamy and full of chocolate flavor :)

James Sanchez

07/29/2023 08:19:18 AM

I substituted regular sweetened condensed milk for the low-fat version and baked it in an 8x8 pan. Unfortunately, the texture turned out to be too soft and mushy, more like a frosting consistency. Refrigerating it improved it slightly, but it still lacked the creamy and rich taste that you expect from fudge. It also didn't set firm. I'll be on the lookout for a different recipe without nuts.

Tyler Parker

03/06/2025 08:52:07 PM

This fudge is delicious and so simple to make. I'm surprised that using fat-free milk can make it guilt-free! Next time, I'll use a smaller pan to make it thicker.

Christopher Gomez

05/21/2025 07:32:36 PM

I wouldn't say it's completely guilt-free, but it's definitely quick, easy, and delicious. I used this recipe as a topping for an eclair dessert from this website, and it was really amazing.

Rachel Edwards

09/17/2022 05:06:41 PM

This recipe is truly amazing - simple, quick, and incredibly delicious. I'll be gifting it to everyone on my holiday list without a doubt.

Raymond Phillips

05/09/2025 11:25:12 AM

My niece has promised to share this recipe with me many times, always claiming to be too busy to write it down. Four ingredients and she couldn't jot it down before leaving? Well, now I won't need to ask anymore. Thank you for sharing the recipe!

Justin Thompson

08/20/2023 07:15:01 PM

This dish has a pleasant taste. However, I would recommend using a pan that is no larger than 8 inches. The pieces become too thin when cooked in a 10-inch pan as advised.