Pour a sweetened condensed milk over chocolate chips in slow cooker. In no time, get a rich melt-in-your-mouth dessert

This slow cooker dulce de leche fudge is one of those cozy, set-it-and-forget-it treats that makes the whole house feel a little warmer. It’s inspired by the classic Latin American dulce de leche—sweet, caramelized milk—blended with rich chocolate chips to make a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge. Using the slow cooker keeps things simple and hands-off, which is perfect for busy evenings, holidays, or when you want to make something special without hovering over the stove. It’s a wonderful recipe to make with kids, too: they can help pour, stir, and decorate, and then everyone gets to share in the sweet reward.

This fudge is rich, so small squares go a long way. I like to serve it on a dessert tray with fresh berries, sliced apples, or grapes to balance the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee, tea, or even warm milk pairs beautifully with the caramel-chocolate flavor. For parties, you can tuck a few pieces into mini cupcake liners and arrange them on a pretty platter alongside cookies or salty snacks like pretzels and nuts—the sweet-and-salty combo is always a hit. If you’re making this for a family movie night, set out a small dish of fudge cubes with popcorn so everyone can grab a bite-size treat between scenes.

Servings: 24 small pieces

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 18 oz)

Prepare the pan: Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can lift the fudge out easily later). Set aside.

Set up the slow cooker: Pour the chocolate chips into the bowl of your slow cooker. Pour both cans of sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate chips, making sure they’re mostly covered. Add the butter and a pinch of salt.

Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 1½ to 2 hours. Do not stir during the first hour; just let the mixture slowly melt. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so start checking around the 1½-hour mark.

Stir until smooth: Once the chocolate chips look melted and the mixture is glossy around the edges, turn off the slow cooker. Add the vanilla extract. Stir well with a heatproof spatula until everything is completely smooth and combined. If there are a few stubborn chips, cover and let it sit for 5–10 more minutes, then stir again.

Pour into the pan: Immediately pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use the spatula to spread it into an even layer, smoothing the top.

Add toppings (optional): While the fudge is still warm and soft, sprinkle on flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles. Gently press them down so they stick.

Chill to set: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to cut into neat squares.

Slice and serve: Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment overhang (if using). Place on a cutting board and slice into small squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

For picky eaters or different tastes in the family, this fudge is easy to customize. If your crew prefers a milder chocolate flavor, use half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate chips. For a darker, less sweet fudge, swap in dark chocolate chips and add just one can of sweetened condensed milk plus 1 cup of dulce de leche from a jar, if you can find it. You can stir in up to 1 cup of mix-ins at the end—think chopped pecans or walnuts, crushed pretzels, or mini marshmallows for a rocky road twist. To make a swirl effect, reserve 2–3 tablespoons of condensed milk at the start; once the fudge is poured into the pan, drizzle it over the top and run a knife through to create pretty ribbons. If you need a nut-free version for school treats, skip nuts and try sprinkles or mini chocolate chips on top instead. For a fun family activity, set up a little “topping bar” and let each child decorate their own section of the pan—everyone gets a flavor they love, and it turns dessert into a memory-making moment.