Craving a decadent dessert but short on time? This Microwave Fantasy Fudge recipe is your answer! Forget hours of stovetop simmering and chilling – this dreamy, rich fudge comes together in minutes using only your microwave. It’s the perfect easy recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. Get ready to indulge in a homemade treat that's unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple to make. This is one of those healthy meals, only it’s a sweet one!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows for mix-ins
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, butter, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
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Microwave in Stages: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes total, but keep an eye on it, as microwaves vary.
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Stir in Vanilla: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Add Mix-ins (Optional): If using, gently fold in your favorite mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or mini marshmallows.
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Set & Chill: Pour the fudge into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish or similar container. Let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set properly.
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Cut & Serve: Once firm, cut the fudge into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Fudge:
- Don't Overheat: Overheating can lead to grainy fudge. It's better to microwave in shorter intervals and stir frequently to ensure even heating.
- Use a Microwave-Safe Bowl: This is crucial to avoid any accidents.
- Grease the Dish: Greasing the dish will prevent the fudge from sticking and make it easier to cut into squares.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the fudge to cool completely before refrigerating to avoid a soft, melty texture.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter along with the other ingredients.
- Mint Chocolate Fudge: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring.
- Salted Caramel Fudge: Stir in 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce after the vanilla.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your serving and any added mix-ins. However, a rough estimate per square (assuming an 8x8 inch pan cut into 16 squares) is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This quick and easy microwave fantasy fudge recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. It's a delicious and delightful dessert that's sure to impress, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen. Whether you prefer it classic or with fun mix-ins, this recipe offers endless possibilities for creating a personalized treat. Enjoy creating and savoring this simple, yet satisfying dessert!