No stovetop. No candy thermometer. No drama.
This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a confectionery wizard with the effort of heating leftovers. We’re talking velvety, slice-clean fudge that turns candy corn (love it or roast it) into a legit showpiece. You’ll get neat, bakery-style squares and a texture so smooth it should come with a warning label.
Ready to shock your friends—and your sweet tooth?
What Makes This Special
This microwave fudge hits the holy trinity: speed, texture, and presentation. In under 10 minutes, you get a flawless fudge that cuts like a dream and never crumbles. The secret? Candy corn + white chocolate + sweetened condensed milk, melted low and slow in the microwave for a glossy, stable finish.
Candy corn doesn’t just add color—it melts into the base, lending a gentle honey-vanilla vibe.
Add a little salt and vanilla, and suddenly you’ve got a gourmet twist on a controversial Halloween classic. It’s festive, it’s bold, and it practically begs to be gift-wrapped.
Ingredients Breakdown
- 2 cups candy corn (about 12 oz): The star. It melts down and sweetens the fudge while adding a soft chew.
- 2 cups white chocolate chips: Choose a quality brand for smoother melting and cleaner slices.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The structure and sweetness—do not swap with evaporated milk.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and prevents a chalky texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor so it tastes like candy-shop fudge, not just melted sugar.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness.Don’t skip.
- Optional toppings: Extra chopped candy corn, Halloween sprinkles, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for contrast.
- Optional food coloring: For layered or ombré effects if you want to go full Pinterest.
Let’s Get Cooking – Instructions
- Prep the pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides to lift out later. Lightly mist with nonstick spray for ultra-clean release.
- Combine base ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Don’t add vanilla yet.
- Microwave low and slow: Heat on 50% power for 60 seconds.Stir thoroughly. Repeat in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between each, until mostly smooth.
- Melt the candy corn: Stir in the candy corn. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the candy corn softens and partially melts into the mixture.Some small bits are fine—they add texture.
- Finish the flavor: When the mixture is glossy and pourable, stir in the vanilla. If it’s too thick, microwave 10–15 seconds more.
- Optional color or layers: For layers, divide the mixture into two or three bowls and tint lightly. Spread the first layer into the pan, chill 8–10 minutes, then add the next layer.
- Pan it and smooth it: Pour into the prepared pan.Tap firmly on the counter 3–4 times to pop air bubbles. Add toppings while it’s still soft.
- Chill strategically: Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until set but not rock-hard. You want firm, not frozen.
- Slice like a pro: Lift the fudge out by the parchment.Warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, then cut straight down in one motion. Wipe and rewarm between cuts for perfect edges.
Preservation Guide
- At room temp: Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days. Keep it cool and out of direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks, tightly sealed.Let sit at room temp 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Wrap the slab or individual pieces in parchment, then in a zip-top bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temp.
- Layering hack: Place parchment between stacked layers to prevent sticking and edge smudging.
What’s Great About This
- Minimal effort, maximum “wow”: No stovetop, no thermometer, no guesswork.
- Photogenic slices: Clean-cut edges every time with the warm-knife method.
- Texture goals: Dense, creamy, and not grainy—thanks to slow, controlled melting.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry basics and seasonal candy you probably already bought on impulse.
- Party-proof: Travels well, stacks neatly, and wins the dessert table without breaking a sweat.
Don’t Make These Errors
- Going full power in the microwave: You’ll scorch the chocolate and get greasy separation.Stick to 50% power and short bursts.
- Using evaporated milk: Not the same. You need the sugar and viscosity of sweetened condensed milk.
- Skipping the salt: Without it, this fudge tastes flat and overly sweet. A pinch makes it pop.
- Overchilling: Rock-hard fudge is tough to slice cleanly.Chill just until set, then slice.
- Rough cutting technique: Sawing back and forth creates crumbles. Use a warm, dry knife and press straight down.
Mix It Up
- Peanut butter swirl: Melt 1/3 cup peanut butter and swirl through the top before chilling. It’s giving Reese’s energy.
- Chocolate contrast: Drizzle melted dark chocolate and sprinkle flaky sea salt for a grown-up twist.
- Crunch factor: Fold in crushed pretzels or toasted peanuts for that sweet-salty snap.
- Layered ombré: Tint portions pale orange and yellow for a candy-corn gradient.Cheesy? Yes. Effective?
Absolutely.
- Spice it: Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for autumn bakery vibes.
- Marshmallow fluff: Fold in 1/2 cup marshmallow creme at the end for extra lift and softness.
FAQ
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but choose a good-quality coating. Almond bark melts smoothly and sets firmly, though the flavor is a bit more neutral than white chocolate. You may want to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon vanilla for depth.
My fudge looks oily—what happened?
That’s usually from overheating the chocolate.
Microwave at 50% power, stir frequently, and stop when just melted. If it separates slightly, whisk in a tablespoon of warm sweetened condensed milk to bring it back together.
Do I have to add candy corn?
Nope. You can omit it and make a straight white chocolate fudge.
But the candy corn adds subtle flavor and a playful chew. IMO, it’s the signature move here.
How do I get super clean layers?
Chill each layer for 8–10 minutes until just set but still slightly tacky before adding the next. Don’t pour piping hot fudge over a cold, hard layer; let it cool a minute so the layers adhere without melting together.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes.
Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase microwave time slightly, still at 50% power and stirring frequently. Make sure your bowl is large enough to stir comfortably—overflow is not the vibe.
Is this gluten-free?
Typically, yes, but always check labels on candy corn and sprinkles since some brands add trace gluten or process on shared equipment. When in doubt, pick certified gluten-free options.
How many pieces does this make?
An 8×8-inch pan yields 36 small squares or 25 generous ones.
For party platters, smaller bites look cleaner and stretch further.
Can I make this without a microwave?
Yes—use a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler). Stir constantly until melted and smooth, then proceed as written. It’s slightly slower but very forgiving.
In Conclusion
This Candy Corn Fudge in the Microwave (Perfect Slices Every Time) is the shortcut you’ll actually brag about.
It’s fast, festive, and engineered for clean cuts and rich, creamy texture. Whether you’re team candy corn or just here for the applause, this recipe delivers bakery-level results without the headache.
Make a batch, slice like a pro, and watch it vanish. FYI: keeping a secret stash in the back of the fridge is not just recommended—it’s survival strategy.
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