Christmas Fudge
Christmas Fudge is the ultimate holiday treat that brings rich, creamy sweetness to your festive celebrations. Discover delicious Christmas Fudge recipes perfect for holiday gifting and sweet celebrations. These easy-to-make, indulgent treats combine simple ingredients into a luscious flavor experience that’s sure to warm hearts and satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing with friends, family, or treating yourself, Christmas Fudge is a timeless delight that adds magic to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this fudge recipe is perfect even for beginners.
- Perfect for Gifting: Homemade Christmas fudge makes a thoughtful and delicious present.
- Customizable Flavors: Adapt the recipe with various mix-ins to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
- Festive and Colorful: Add sprinkles or colored candies for a cheerful holiday touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Christmas Fudge is built on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and deep flavor. From creamy condensed milk to buttery richness, every element is essential.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The creamy base that brings smoothness and sweetness.
- White Chocolate Chips: Provide a rich and velvety foundation for the fudge.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds luscious creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor depth with warm, inviting notes.
- Optional Mix-ins: Nuts, dried fruits, or festive sprinkles add texture and visual appeal.
Variations for Christmas Fudge
This Christmas Fudge recipe is incredibly versatile, letting you tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences with just a few tweaks. Feel free to experiment for delightful new spins on this holiday favorite.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add crushed candy canes to infuse a refreshing minty crunch.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture and richness.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Stir in dried cranberries to balance sweetness with slight tartness.
- Vegan Friendly: Substitute butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet twist.
How to Make Christmas Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter first, then add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently until combined and smooth, making sure the mixture doesn’t simmer or burn.
Step 3: Add White Chocolate and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the white chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is silky. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that signature flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Your Add-ins
If you’re using any nuts, dried fruits, or festive sprinkles, fold them into the mixture now, distributing evenly throughout the fudge base.
Step 5: Transfer and Chill
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set, then lift from the pan and cut into bite-sized squares.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Fudge
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate leads to better flavor and texture.
- Low Heat Melting: Always melt ingredients slowly over low heat to prevent scorching.
- Line Your Pan Well: Parchment paper makes removing fudge easier and cleaner.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Proper refrigeration ensures the fudge sets perfectly.
- Store Properly: Keep fudge in an airtight container to preserve freshness and softness.
How to Serve Christmas Fudge
Garnishes
Sprinkle crushed peppermint, mini edible snowflakes, or a dusting of cocoa powder to add festive flair and texture right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your fudge with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a rich coffee to complement the creamy sweetness for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap fudge squares in colorful foil, arrange them in mason jars tied with ribbons, or place them on decorative holiday platters to wow your guests or gift recipients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Christmas Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate to keep it fresh longer without drying out.
Freezing
Wrap fudge pieces individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, thawing overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled, but if needed, let it come to room temperature before serving to regain its creamy texture without becoming too soft.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Fudge without a candy thermometer?
Yes! This recipe relies on gentle melting of ingredients rather than precise candy heating, so a thermometer is not necessary.
How long does homemade fudge last?
When stored properly, Christmas Fudge can last about one week at room temperature and up to three weeks refrigerated.
What if my fudge turns out crumbly?
Crumbly fudge usually means it was overcooked or lacked enough moisture; be sure to stir gently and avoid overheating the mixture.
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute with other chocolates for different flavor profiles, but adjust sweetness accordingly.
Is it possible to make this fudge vegan?
Yes, by using coconut oil or vegan butter and dairy-free white chocolate alternatives, you can create a delicious vegan Christmas Fudge.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Fudge is a beloved holiday classic that combines simple ingredients with festive joy to create a treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re gifting it, sharing it, or savoring it yourself, this easy recipe ensures rich, creamy indulgence every time. Go ahead and try making your own Christmas Fudge today—you’ll love the warmth and smiles it brings to your celebrations.
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PrintChristmas Fudge
Christmas Fudge is the ultimate holiday treat that offers a rich, creamy, and sweet flavor perfect for festive celebrations and gift-giving. Made with simple pantry ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and butter, it delivers a luscious, smooth texture with opportunities for customizable mix-ins to suit all tastes. This easy, no-candy-thermometer recipe is beginner-friendly and creates a timeless, indulgent delight that warms hearts and satisfies every sweet tooth during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 small squares 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- Toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
- Dried cranberries (optional)
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)
- Caramel sauce and sea salt for swirl topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge later.
- Melt the Butter and Condensed Milk: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter first, then add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently until combined and smooth, making sure the mixture doesn’t simmer or burn.
- Add White Chocolate and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and fold in the white chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is silky. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that signature flavor.
- Mix in Your Add-ins: If you’re using any nuts, dried fruits, or festive sprinkles, fold them into the mixture now, distributing evenly throughout the fudge base.
- Transfer and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set, then lift from the pan and cut into bite-sized squares.
Notes
- Use good quality white chocolate for better flavor and texture.
- Always melt ingredients slowly over low heat to prevent scorching.
- Line your pan well with parchment paper for easier fudge removal.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step to ensure the fudge sets perfectly.
- Store fudge in an airtight container to preserve freshness and softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/36 of batch)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas fudge, holiday fudge, white chocolate fudge, festive treats, easy fudge recipe, holiday gift, creamy fudge, no-bake fudge