Each Easter, in addition to the milk-chocolate bunny, a nest of malted robins eggs, jelly beans and rows of peeps, the Easter bunny would leave me a ginormous fudge egg from See’s Candies called a “chocolate butter egg with pecans.”  This thing was 13.5 ounces of pure chocolaty, sugary fudge and unconquerable for a child of four or five year old.   I would try to consume this fudgy confection that was bigger than my hand, and each time, I would fail.  I’d usually nibble the candy flowers from the top and maybe a slice or two of the fudge.  That was the easiest way to eat it – to slice it like a loaf of bread, since it was about the same size.  Eventually, I would donate my fudge egg to the family for consumption – that egg was no match for my four older siblings, but even still, it took a day or two to devour it completely.

I’ve never been a big fan of fudge – a little too rich, too thick, too cloying and too chocolaty – and also a bit temperamental to cook. I discovered this quick, no-cook fudge recipe recently and, cut into small, manageable 1-inch squares, quite conquerable, too.  It was love at first bite.

5-minute Walnut Fudge

Line an 8×8” pan with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.  In a microwave, heat sweetened condensed milk and chocolate on high for 1 minute.  Stir to combine.  Heat an additional 30 seconds if needed until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla and walnuts.  Pour fudge into pan and smooth.  Sprinkle with sea salt (optional).  Cool in refrigerator for 1 hour.  Use aluminum foil to remove fudge from pan, cut into 1” squares.  Store in an airtight container.  Fudge does not need to be refrigerated – or donated to hungry siblings.

See’s Behemoth Chocolate Butter Egg