Why did my Chocolate Chips harden up?

This is called seized chocolate and it's a nightmare. It happens from overheating or if moisture came in contact with the chocolate. If it's not bad yet, you can sometimes correct it with a teaspoon or two of butter or coconut oil. Sometimes it's too far gone and you have to start over.

Store in a sealed container in the fridge to keep fresher longer. Eat within 1 week.

Does this fudge have to be refrigerated?

No. The ingredients are all fine to keep out on the countertop. You can certainly leave it out at room temperature and enjoy that way too. It will last longer if you refrigerate. I would say a few days at room temperature and a whole week in the fridge.

Mint Chocolate Fudge - Simply Made Eats

Description

This Mint Chocolate Fudge is a Christmas favorite, made with only 4 ingredients! It's so easy to make in minutes, then pop it in the fridge to set. The recipe uses Andes mint baking chips, which make this easy fudge recipe smooth and minty fresh. A must make this Holiday season!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounce package semi sweet chocolate chips
1 and 1/2 cups andes baking chips (a little less than 10 ounce bag)
14 ounce canned sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Spray the bottom of an 8x8 pan lightly with cooking spray then line the pan with parchment paper. Allow the two opposing sides to overhang over the top of the pan. This makes the fudge easy to remove after setting. Set aside. Note: The cooking spray helps stick the parchment paper to the bottom of the pan and allows for less shifting when we add the fudge.
Add two cups of water into the bottom of a double boiler. Heat on the stovetop over medium low. Add the chocolate chips and 1 cup of Andes baking chips into the top of the double boiler.
Constantly stir the chocolate until melted.
Pour in the peppermint extract and sweetened condensed milk. Stir quickly until combined. It will start setting almost immediately.
As soon as it's mixed, immediately transfer to 8x8 pan and smooth out with the back of a spoon.
To make the fudge even flatter and more flawless, take a piece of parchment paper and push gently on the fudge to flatten.
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of andes baking chips over the top of the fudge and use your hand to push the chips gently into the fudge. Note: If you don't push them in, they will fall off when eating. Next, cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for 2 hours until set.
Remove from the fridge and gently remove the fudge from the pan. Cut into 16-32 slices depending on the size you want. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment

8x8 pan

Buy Now →

double boiler

Buy Now →

parchment paper

Buy Now →

Notes

Have ingredients ready before starting, including taking the lid off the sweetened condensed milk, and preparing the 8x8 pan with parchment paper. You have to work fast once the chocolate melts.
Keep the double boiler on a lower heat setting and keep stirring the chocolate the whole time until melted to avoid seized chocolate. This happens when the chocolate hardens and is pretty much impossible to use. The cause is from overheating or when too much moisture (think water droplets) get into the chocolate.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Fridge Setting Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: dessert
Method: no bake
Cuisine: American