When the crisp autumn breeze arrives and leaves start tumbling in golden waves, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of chocolate filling your kitchen. This Eggless Chocolate Walnut Fudge has become a seasonal staple in my home, and for good reason. Inspired by the sweet memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we stirred cocoa into bubbling condensed milk, this fudge is smooth, deeply chocolaty, and brimming with crunchy walnut goodness.
Made without eggs, it’s perfect for those avoiding them for dietary or allergy reasons, and you won’t miss them one bit. Whether you’re cozying up with a warm drink or looking for a thoughtful edible gift, this decadent treat delivers in every bite. It’s easy enough for beginners and quick enough to whip up even during a busy holiday season.
In today’s post, we’ll walk through this beloved recipe with clear, simple steps. We’ll cover ingredient details, pro tips to nail the perfect texture, fun variations like a gluten-free twist or a streusel-inspired topping, and how to store it for peak freshness. Expect cozy vibes and lots of chocolate.
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Eggless Chocolate Walnut Fudge
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This eggless chocolate walnut fudge is rich, chewy, and full of nostalgic flavor. Perfect for cozy fall days, holiday gifting, or anytime you’re craving something deeply chocolaty and easy to make. Just six ingredients and no fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, and salt.
- Heat on low, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and most of the chopped walnuts, reserving a few for topping.
- Pour the mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle remaining walnuts on top and gently press them in.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
- Lift fudge out using parchment, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
Toast the walnuts before adding for enhanced flavor. For added depth, stir in ½ tsp instant espresso powder or a pinch of cinnamon. Store in fridge up to 10 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop + Chilled
- Cuisine: American
The Story Behind the Fudge & Why It’s a Seasonal Favorite
Nostalgic Flavors in Every Bite
There’s something about this fudge that always takes me back. I first learned to make it during a chilly fall in Vermont, where my street food stall served warm desserts with a twist. The scent of roasted walnuts and rich chocolate drew folks in like clockwork. Over the years, I refined the recipe to be egg-free without losing that luscious, chewy texture we all crave.
It’s amazing how a small pan of this dessert can bring people together, sliced into neat squares, it finds its way onto holiday dessert boards, bake sale tables, and quiet afternoon coffee breaks. The walnuts add a rustic crunch, making each bite dynamic and satisfying. It’s become one of the most requested sweets from readers on Fresh Leaf Recipes, right up there with our gooey lava cookies and banana chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
What Makes This Fudge So Special
What sets this fudge apart is its simplicity paired with unbeatable flavor. No tempering, no thermometer, and certainly no eggs. A handful of pantry staples, like condensed milk, good-quality chocolate, and chopped walnuts, create something truly indulgent with very little effort. The texture is soft yet sliceable, with just the right amount of firmness for clean edges.
We’ve also received rave feedback from folks who’ve added a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder, and others who love pairing it with pumpkin s’mores cookies for a themed dessert platter.
Simple Ingredients, Rich Results
Pantry Staples You Probably Already Have
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Eggless Chocolate Walnut Fudge:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
- **Pinch of salt
That’s it. Just six ingredients, and no eggs, no flour, no fuss. You can also substitute the nuts with pecans or almonds for a slightly different flavor.
Need a visual companion? Check out our step-by-step zucchini brownies recipe which uses a similar method for melting and stirring.
How to Make Eggless Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Here’s a quick walkthrough for foolproof fudge every time:
- Prep Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. - Melt the Chocolate
In a heavy-bottom saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. - Add Vanilla and Walnuts
Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and most of the chopped walnuts, reserving a few to sprinkle on top. - Pour and Spread
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the surface. - Chill to Set
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully set. Once firm, lift it out and cut into squares.
Pair it with a chilled glass of oat milk or alongside cheesecake banana pudding bites for a decadent dessert plate.
Tips to Perfect Your Fudge Texture
Avoid Graininess & Keep it Smooth
- Low and slow is key. Don’t rush the melting process; overheating can ruin the texture.
- Stir continuously to avoid scorching and ensure even melting.
- Use a rubber spatula to keep the mix from sticking to the pan’s edges.
This is one of the easiest chocolate treats to make, similar to our easy chocolate desserts collection, which follows the same fuss-free philosophy.
Nut Tips & Flavor Boosters
- Toast your walnuts lightly before adding them. This brings out a deeper flavor.
- Want more depth? Add ½ tsp instant espresso powder or a pinch of ground cinnamon for cozy vibes.
- If you’re gifting this fudge, press in some extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for presentation.
Variations You’ll Love
Gluten-Free Version
The base recipe is already gluten-free as long as your chocolate chips are certified GF. Just double-check the packaging. It pairs wonderfully with our apple cinnamon bread for a gluten-free dessert duo.
Streusel Topping (Optional)
For extra crunch on top:
- Mix ¼ cup oats, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Press lightly on top before chilling.
This adds a dessert bar feel, perfect when served next to cashew ice cream bars for summer treats.
How to Store & Keep It Fresh
Storage Guidelines
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days. The texture stays firm yet fudgy.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Don’t leave it out at room temperature for extended periods, it may soften too much, especially in warmer kitchens.
FAQs About Eggless Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Can I make this without nuts?
Yes! Simply leave out the walnuts or replace them with seeds or dried fruit like cranberries.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely. It will give the fudge a richer, less sweet profile. Perfect if pairing with sweeter sides like our gooey lava cookies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a 9×13 pan and adjust chilling time slightly longer.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. It’s a great one to make with kids, no oven involved and very few steps.
Conclusion
Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving something rich and chocolaty, this Eggless Chocolate Walnut Fudge is one recipe you’ll turn to again and again. With its smooth texture, crunchy walnuts, and simple prep, it fits every season and occasion. Try it once, and it’ll be part of your tradition too.
Looking for more cozy desserts? Don’t miss our banana chocolate chip pumpkin bread or the seasonal pumpkin s’mores cookies.