Butterscotch Fudge

This Butterscotch Fudge recipe is sweet, creamy, and full of butterscotch flavor. You are just three ingredients away, and a little time, from enjoying your own homemade fudge. No candy thermometer needed!

When the sweets craving strikes make some of this easy microwave butterscotch fudge. Or try out these puffy Fluffernutter Cookies, sandwiched together and stuffed with marshmallow frosting. Rocky Road Brownies are a family favorite and these Coconut Macaroons are gorgeous and also a no bake recipe.

Yes, you read that correctly, this fudge is only made with three ingredients. Well, technically four ingredients if you want to add the optional pinch of salt. Of course, I add it because I love that when you add just a little salt it brings out the sweetness in dessert recipes.

It’s such an easy fudge recipe that you can simply mix up a couple batches of it in almost no time at all. That is what makes it such a great recipe to make for holiday gatherings or family get togethers.

It’s also really great to take to church pot lucks or work functions, especially around the holidays.

Of course, you can just make it for yourself to enjoy with a tall glass of milk or hot cup of coffee.

To customize the fudge, add in some nuts. Walnuts are probably the most popular nut to use in fudge, but you can use pecans (like in this white chocolate pecan fudge), peanuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, or almonds.

Just mix the chopped nuts in right before you are ready to pour it into the baking pan to set.

You can also add mini marshmallows, like in this hot chocolate fudge, and add in at the same time you would the nuts.

This fudge is all made mostly in the microwave, so it could be considered microwave fudge. No oven needed what-so-ever.

This butterscotch fudge is super sweet and will definitely cure your sweet tooth and your butterscotch craving!

PRO TIP! Use a good quality, thick sweetened condensed milk. We use Eagle brand. It will make a difference in your fudge so don’t skimp here.

What are the best Butterscotch Chips for Fudge?

There are only a few candy brands that make butterscotch chips. You want to use one that has a great flavor and is a good quality. Our favorite brand is Guittard, but the chips are difficult to find in my area and have to be ordered online.

Hershey’s also has a great butterscotch chip, so use those if you can’t find Guittard. Next up is Nestle Toll House, these I use a lot mostly because it’s what they sell here. They have more of an artificial butterscotch taste, but still good and will definitely work in this recipe.

There are the store brands like Great Value (Walmart), Baker’s Corner (Aldi) and Signature Select (Albertson’s).

And then there is always the option of making your own homemade butterscotch chips.

What is Butterscotch Fudge Candy?

Fudge is a soft and melty candy. It is normally very sweet and has a creamy texture unless there are mix-ins added to it which can provide some crunch. The main flavor is chocolate, but as you can see here, it can come in a variety of flavors.

It’s normally cut into small pieces because a little goes a long way.

What does Butterscotch Fudge taste like?

If you are wondering what the butterscotch flavor is let me explain first what butterscotch is. Butterscotch is made when you cook together brown sugar and butter. So the result is a mixture that looks a bit like caramel but has a more buttery flavor. So this fudge tastes sugary and buttery.

Should Butterscotch Fudge be Refrigerated?

If you have any fudge left over, it does not need to be refrigerated. It will keep well at room temperature.

But, if you like your fudge cold, you can refrigerate it up to a month in an airtight container.

How long does Butterscotch Fudge last?

In my house fudge recipes don’t last long at all, lol. If you have leftovers, the fudge will store really well in a cool, dark place like away in the pantry. When on the counter we tend to eat more of it.

Simply store in an air-tight container. It will be fresh for about 3-5 days.

Can Butterscotch Fudge be Frozen?

Yes, this fudge can be kept in the freezer. It will extend its life considerably. Check out the directions below for exactly how to do it.

It can last up to a year in the freezer, but make sure to look at the fudge before eating it. If it’s cracked and dried out, it may have gotten exposed to too much air and may be spoiled.

Butterscotch Fudge Recipe Ingredients

Only a handful of simple ingredients need to make this delicious fudge recipe. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient amounts.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Make sure to get a good quality brand (we like Eagle), it will make a difference in your fudge.
• Butterscotch Chips: Use your favorite brant.
• Vanilla: Make sure to use real vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla flavoring.
• Salt: This ingredient is optional, but will bring out the flavors. We only need a pinch, I like to use a fine sea salt.

How to Make Microwave Butterscotch Fudge

1. Line a 8″ x 8″ baking dish with a parchment paper sling.
2. Place the closed can of sweetened condensed milk in a small pot, fill with water up to one inch below the top of the can.
3. Pull the can out of the water.
4. Heat the water over medium heat just until you see bubbles forming at the bottom. Turn off heat and remove pot from heat.
5. Open the can and discard the lid. Carefully place the can into the hot water and let 5-8 minutes to make it liquidy.
6. Dry off can and pour the sweetened condensed milk into a microwave safe bowl and heat for a minute.
7. Take the bowl out of the microwave and add both bags of butterscotch chips, vanilla, and salt if using. Stir.
8. Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan.
9. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.
10. Using the parchment paper, lift the fudge out of the pan. Discard parchment and cut fudge into 1 inch squares.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Customize fudge. Add in chopped up nuts or mini marshmallows to make it your own.
• Add sprinkles on top. It would be super cute to add sprinkles on top of fudge to correlate with the holidays.
• Best for fudge. Store fudge in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add cream of tartar? Cream of tartar is often used to help set fudge. It is not necessary in this recipe and may not work given the ingredients being used.

Why is my fudge bright orange? That is just color of butterscotch fudge! It isn’t always the prettiest fudge, but it is delicious.

Storage Instructions for Butterscotch Fudge

How to keep at room temperature? The best way to store fudge is at room temperature. Put into an airtight container or zip lock bag. It will last 3-5 days in a dark pantry.

How to refrigerate fudge? Store leftover fudge in an airtight container. It should last about a month in the fridge if properly stored.

How to freeze fudge? Let fudge cool completely before putting into an air tight, freezer safe container. It can be frozen for 6-12 months in the back of the freezer, just be sure to label with the recipe and date.

How to thaw fudge? Thaw frozen fudge in the refrigerator overnight until defrosted.

Try these other recipes!

• Butterscotch Cornflake Cookies
• Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Coconut Macaroons with Condensed Milk
• Snickerdoodle Bars with Cinnamon Frosting

If you’ve tried this easy butterscotch fudge recipe, don’t forget to give me a star rating and leave me a comment below in the comment section. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes!

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