Delicious Microwave Russian Fudge is an easy way to make a classic sweet treat without standing over the stovetop. Made with butter, sugar, golden syrup and condensed milk, it has that lovely rich caramel flavour Russian fudge is known for.
Using the microwave keeps the process simple while still creating a smooth, creamy fudge that sets beautifully. It’s a handy recipe for sharing, gifting or simply keeping a few pieces tucked away for a sweet treat.
Why make Russian fudge in the microwave?
I have heard of this recipe floating around for many, many years and had lots of lovely followers email it to me when I have asked for recipes to try. I have always worried when making Russian fudge as I thought that I would need to use a thermometer or figure out this soft ball stage thing.
PLUS we have always had gas hobs so I have found that keeping the temp right on these compared to the recipes never quite worked out.
So all this has changed with this microwave version.
Adjusting the cooking time for your microwave
The original recipe called for 10 minutes of cooking time. I found mine was done at closer to 8 minutes, as I have a super powerful microwave. You check it every 2 minutes so really it is easy to keep an eye on how it is coming along.
How long should you beat Russian fudge?
The hardest part of this was the 5 minutes of beating! I used a strong wooden spoon but it is an arm workout for sure! I do know some people simply pop it in their food mixer so you can use this option too with a strong paddle. You want to beat it until it begins to lose its shine and becomes thickened.
What size tin is best for Russian fudge?
This recipe makes enough for a loaf tin-sized batch. It is nice to have fudge thick so I would recommend using one of those, or like I did and simply using half a square cake tin and folding up the baking paper to form a fake side (I used a tin to hold up the side).
How to cut and serve Russian fudge
The result is a lovely smooth, rich classic Russian fudge, with that creamy texture and delicious caramel flavour you expect from a traditional fudge. I was so pleased with how it turned out, especially considering how simple the microwave method is. It is definitely rich, so after taking the photos we cut the pieces quite a bit smaller. A little goes a long way with this one!
Other fudge recipes to try
If you love the idea of this microwave version then please check out my delicious Caramel & White Chocolate Microwave Fudge.
Some of my other favourite fudge recipes include:
- 4 Ingredient Bailey’s Chocolate Fudge
- White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
- 3 Ingredient Milk Chocolate Fudge
- 5 Minute White Chocolate Easter Fudge
Microwave Russian Fudge recipe
Microwave Russian Fudge
Delicious Microwave Russian Fudge is a simple microwave recipe made with butter, sugar, golden syrup and condensed milk for rich, creamy homemade fudge.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup White Sugar, 205 grams
- Butter, 100 grams
- 1/4 Cup Golden Syrup, 100 grams
- Tin Sweetened Condensed Milk, 400 grams
- 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
Instructions
- Prepare a loaf tin (or half a square cake tin) with baking paper, tip is to lightly spray tin with oil or water so paper sticks, and set aside.
- In a large microwave proof bowl add the sugar, butter, golden syrup and condensed milk
- Pop this bowl in the microwave uncovered for 10 minutes, checking every 2 minutes and stirring.
- The bowl will get hot so take care. The mixture will begin to boil and look split at times, its ok!
- At around 8 minutes you can check for the soft ball stage, simply dribble a small amount of mixture into a cold cup of water - if it immediately forms a soft ball it is ready.
- If not cook for remaining two minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool on the bench for 2 minutes, then add the vanilla and beat with a strong wooden spoon for 5 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and change colour. (A good arm workout!)
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and spread to smooth
- Chill for at least an hour until it is firm. Slice and store in the fridge until serving.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield 20 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 58Total Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 2mgCarbohydrates 15gSugar 14g
JustAMumNZ.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although justamumnz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
I really hope you love this Delicious Microwave Russian Fudge as much as we do. It is such a simple way to make a classic sweet treat, and perfect for class parties, gifts or food stalls. So easy, so delicious, and definitely one I’ll be making again and again!
If you give this recipe a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments. You can also leave a ⭐ rating in the recipe card above, it really helps others find and enjoy this recipe too.
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Happy baking,
Anna x
Rebecca says
This is the best recipe for fudge that I have ever used. It tastes like the stovetop Russian fudge I cooked as a child, but is so much easier, with a smooth texture.
justamumnz says
I am so pleased you like it 🙂
Kelly says
Made this today, so easy, minimal ingredients and a winner. Thanks Anna
Anna From Just A Mum says
I’m so glad you found that! Anna
Janelle Anne Dale says
Hi, could you substitute raw sugar for the white sugar,?
bernadette says
Do you have a recipe like this for vanilla fudge?
justamumnz says
I don’t yet sorry, but this one looks lovely https://mykidslickthebowl.com/vanilla-fudge/
Marion says
Mine was a bit sticky it did set but not fudgy, 10 min in microwave not enough??
Monique Titter says
I forgot to add the vanilla essence surprisingly it turned out amazing and everyone loves it! Never made Russian fudge before I am so happy! Thank you
Bev Tucker says
There’s nothing wrong with the recipe or the actual fudge. The problem is – the rubbish condensed milk we get nowadays. I used to make this recipe all the time – it ALWAYS came out absolutely perfect. The Nestle condensed milk was made in Australia. Now, they have it made in Spain (even Pam’s is made in the Netherlands) and it just ruins any old-fashioned recipe that uses condensed milk. I’m yet to find a recipe for Russian fudge that doesn’t use condensed milk, so I’ve given up making it, as it’s way too expensive for “flop fudge”.
Laraine says
I don’t think anybody has answered this yet. It’s a syrup created from sugar and it has a very mild treacly flavour. I believe you can substitute with corn syrup, or how about trying treacle? This is what I use because it has more flavour.
Laraine says
Thanks so much for a lovely recipe, Anna, the best home made fudge I’ve ever tasted. The best Christmas present I’ve had for a long time, too! 😉 However, I did have to cook it another five minutes to get it to set. I also used treacle instead of golden syrup because it has more flavour. I will be making this again, that’s for sure. BTW, my microwave is a tiny Sharpe Carousel, 700 watts.
Marie says
I love this recipe but of late I seem to only be able to make a solid hard fudge. What am I doing wrong. Cooking it too long? Not stirring it long enough at the end? Your help would be so appreciated I had wasting fudge lol
Ashlee Power says
I’m thinking of making this for my parents for Christmas but will have to do it a few days earlier when they aren’t home. does it need to stay in the fridge before serving or can it just stay in a cool place as if its in the fridge they will see it
justamumnz says
Room temperature should be fine.
Mary Lou Kulow says
What is golden syrup
Nancy Vogler says
I made your fudge this afternoon and your directions were perfectly spot on! The fudge turned out flawless! Thanks so much!
Charlotte Pearson says
My Daughter tried making this when I was on a run, she is 11 and a very good cook but was very distracted making this. She read the recipe wrong and didn’t read the microwave for 10 minutes bit properly and brunt it causing lots of smoke. Jumping straight into action, she got her big bro and fixed it, thankfully no one was hurt!
The kitchen was filled with smoke making them wear gas masks, all was fine but I’m still trying to teach her about how quick sugar and butter burns. Look Anna, she loves your recipes and will always make them and be happy!?
justamumnz says
Oh no! Yikes! Sounds like lots of good lessons learnt that day, I am so pleased neither of them were hurt as it is a very hot mixture.
mimi says
Excellent, thank you! Similar vibe to See’s Candy butterscotch squares. I’ve made a different version of this fudge (with half-can condensed milk but more sugar) and like this recipe even better! Less apt to spill over & a little less grainy. Separated mixture before pouring, adding lots of chopped toasted walnuts and maple flavor to half.
Lee says
Just tried the recipe and that also happened to me. I scraped it back into a pot and bought it gently to a boil then put it back in the fridge to set and it came out perfect. Phew!
Devon says
I tried this. And it all was working well but it’s been in the fridge for 5 hours now and has a sticky consistency. How
Do I fix that?
justamumnz says
If it’s not grainy in texture but not setting it’s due to it not hearing enough in the early stages. Apparently you can reheat it by adding water but I have not tried it sorry. Google it and let me know how it goes.
Steff says
I accidentally added the vanilla in with everything else at the start… will it still work??
justamumnz says
How did it go?
Sean Winch says
Brilliant! I’ve made it 3 times now, each one perfect. When you say “chill”, do you mean outside or inside the fridge?
justamumnz says
On the bench is ok initially, before slicing. Then in the fridge, but either ok.
Lesley Prescott says
Will comment in the morning going to make it then. Looks great Thanks for sharing
Erin says
Fabulous, easy to make. Sometimes I even share pieces?
justamumnz says
Ha ha just one or two
Corrine says
Wow Anna, this looks *so* good, and the fact that it can be made in the microwave is pure genius!