The Merriest Christmas Fudge Recipe for Holiday Sweetness

Sweet memories of holiday cheer dance through my christmas fudge recipe, promising delectable moments of pure joy.

Childhood whispers of creamy chocolate and marshmallow magic fill the kitchen with warmth.

Festive treats like this connect generations through shared culinary traditions.

Delightful textures and rich flavors await you in this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Chocolate melts into silky smoothness, blending with classic holiday ingredients.

Minimal effort brings maximum happiness when you craft this incredible confection.

The kitchen becomes your playground of delicious creativity, inviting celebration and sweet connection.

Why Christmas Fudge Is A Holiday Favorite

• Quick and Simple: Master this festive treat without complex cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create delicious holiday desserts.
• No-Bake Magic: Skip the oven and prepare a decadent chocolate fudge using just a stovetop and minimal equipment, making preparation stress-free and enjoyable.
• Festive Presentation: Dress up your dessert with colorful holiday sprinkles, transforming a classic fudge into a cheerful, celebratory sweet that delights guests and family members.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this fudge in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to plan ahead and reduce last-minute holiday cooking chaos.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Fudge

• Chocolate Chips: Premium chocolate that creates a rich and smooth foundation for the fudge.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides creamy sweetness and helps create a smooth, soft texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the chocolate mixture together.

• Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract: Introduces delightful aromatic notes to the fudge.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

• Mini Marshmallows, Chopped Pecans: Add delightful texture and festive crunch to the fudge.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Provides a colorful and festive decorative element to the Christmas treat.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.

Steps To Make Christmas Fudge Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Lightly grease the exposed sides of the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Melting Station

Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water’s surface to prevent direct heat.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Base

• Chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and completely melted, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancers

• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Peppermint extract (optional)

Mix thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.

Incorporate Mix-Ins

• Mini marshmallows
• Chopped pecans
• Half of the holiday sprinkles

Mix carefully to distribute evenly throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 6: Decorate the Top

Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles across the fudge. Gently press them into the surface to ensure they stick.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours, or until completely firm to the touch.

Step 8: Remove and Slice

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into small squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for precise edges.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Keep the Christmas fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Tips For Rich And Creamy Christmas Fudge

• Master Parchment Trick: Create a lifting handle by letting parchment paper hang over pan edges, making fudge removal super smooth and clean.
• Perfect Melting Method: Use a double boiler technique to gently melt chocolate without burning, ensuring a silky smooth chocolate base every single time.
• Fold Softly Technique: Mix marshmallows and nuts gently to maintain their texture and prevent breaking, creating a more appealing fudge consistency.
• Sprinkle Pro Tip: Press holiday sprinkles lightly into fudge surface to guarantee they stick and create a festive, professional-looking dessert.
• Cutting Clean Hack: Wipe knife between each slice to achieve crisp, neat edges that make your fudge look bakery-perfect.

Flavor Ideas For Christmas Fudge Fans

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace pecans with roasted almonds or cashews for a different textural experience.
• Dark Chocolate Decadence: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to create a richer, less sweet fudge variation.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Version: Use gluten-free holiday sprinkles and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk and use sugar-free chocolate chips for a diabetic-friendly option.

What Pairs Well With Christmas Fudge

• Pair Sweet Chocolate Delight with Festive Beverages: Rich, creamy chocolate fudge calls for complementary drinks that enhance its decadent flavor profile.
• Match Fudge with Peppermint Mocha: Warm peppermint mocha coffee amplifies the holiday sprinkles and peppermint extract, creating a harmonious winter taste experience.
• Serve Alongside Creamy Eggnog: Smooth, velvety eggnog provides a luxurious counterpoint to the dense chocolate fudge, balancing sweetness with its classic holiday charm.
• Complement with Spiced Red Wine: A slightly spiced red wine like mulled wine offers a sophisticated pairing that cuts through the fudge's richness while echoing its warm, festive notes.

Storage Tips For Christmas Fudge You’ll Love

• Keep fudge in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, maintaining freshness for up to one week.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months, preserving texture and flavor.
• Transfer frozen fudge to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its creamy consistency.
• Remove fudge from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its rich chocolate taste.

FAQs About Christmas Fudge Answered Clearly

• Can I use dark chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, dark chocolate works perfectly. Just ensure it’s high-quality and chopped into small pieces for even melting.

• How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?

Stir continuously while melting ingredients and use low, steady heat. Always use a double boiler method to maintain smooth texture.

• Are the pecans necessary for the recipe?

No, pecans are optional. You can omit them or substitute with other nuts like almonds or walnuts if desired.

• What if I don't have peppermint extract?

The recipe will still taste delicious without peppermint extract. The extract is optional and just adds a festive flavor boost.

Christmas Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic comes alive in this Christmas Fudge, delivering rich chocolate decadence with festive cheer. Creamy layers of indulgence promise joyful moments you’ll savor and share with loved ones during special seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Base:

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Holiday Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup red and green holiday sprinkles

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp peppermint extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal, and lightly grease the exposed sides.
2. Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3. Combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in the bowl, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and completely melted, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the chocolate base from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract, salt, and optional peppermint extract until thoroughly incorporated.
5. Fold in mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and half of the holiday sprinkles, gently mixing to distribute evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
6. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles across the top of the fudge, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they adhere.
8. Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours, or until completely set and firm to the touch.
9. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
10. Slice into small squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for precise edges.
11. Store the Christmas fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Prevent scorching by using low, gentle heat when melting chocolate to maintain a silky smooth texture and avoid burnt flavors.
• Customize the fudge by swapping pecans with almonds, walnuts, or omitting nuts entirely for nut-free dietary needs.
• Create a dairy-free version by using coconut condensed milk and vegan chocolate chips, ensuring those with lactose restrictions can enjoy the treat.
• Keep fudge soft and creamy by letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing it to slightly soften for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg