Festive Buttered Rum Fudge Recipe

Joyous Holiday Buttered Rum Fudge Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Sweet holiday memories dance through kitchens when crafting this decadent buttered rum fudge that captures the warmth of seasonal celebrations.

Rich and velvety smooth, the dessert blends classic rum flavors with creamy chocolate undertones.

Festive spices mingle with butter and rum, creating an irresistible treat that sparks joy at every gathering.

Each bite transports you to cozy winter evenings filled with laughter and comfort.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with professional techniques for a truly spectacular confection.

Chocolate lovers and rum enthusiasts will adore this delightful seasonal indulgence that promises to become a cherished tradition.

Let’s unwrap the magic of this enchanting holiday dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 17

Buttered Rum Fudge Ingredient Essentials

For Base Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Select high-quality chips for smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates luxurious, silky foundation and provides natural sweetness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds rich, velvety depth and smooth mouthfeel to the fudge.
  • Rum Extract: Delivers warm, spirited Caribbean-inspired taste without alcohol intensity.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Introduces subtle, warm spice that complements rum's complexity.
For Decoration and Finishing:
  • Sanding Sugar: Provides delightful sparkly crunch and elegant visual appeal.
  • Butterscotch Candy: Offers sweet, caramel-like crumble and decorative texture contrast.

Tools That Help You Stir and Set Rum Fudge

  • 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for shaping and setting the fudge perfectly.
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean-cut edges.
  • Microwave-safe bowls: Key for melting chocolate and condensed milk smoothly.
  • Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and creating a smooth fudge surface.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing the set fudge into neat squares.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Small dish: Useful for melting butter separately.

How to Cook and Chill Buttered Rum Fudge

  • Prepare Baking Surface

Line a square pan with foil, ensuring edges hang over for easy lifting. Lightly spray with non-stick coating to prevent sticking.

  • Create Chocolate Base

Warm condensed milk briefly in microwave. Pour over white chocolate chips and let sit momentarily. Stir until mixture becomes silky and uniform.

  • Enhance Flavor Profile

Add melted butter and rum extract to chocolate mixture. Blend thoroughly until completely smooth. Sprinkle ground cinnamon for warm, spicy undertones.

  • Shape and Decorate

Transfer fudge mixture into prepared pan. Smooth surface evenly with spatula. Optional: Dust with sanding sugar or crushed butterscotch for decorative flair.

  • Chill and Slice

Refrigerate fudge for 1-2 hours until completely set. Remove from pan using foil edges. Place on cutting board and slice into bite-sized squares.

Add-Ins That Take This Fudge to the Next Level

  • Adjust rum extract to taste, starting with 1-2 teaspoons for milder flavor or up to 1 tablespoon for bold rum lovers.
  • Ensure white chocolate chips melt completely by stirring gently and avoiding overheating, which can cause grainy texture.
  • Swap rum extract with vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version or use non-alcoholic rum flavoring.
  • Experiment with holiday sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible glitter to make the fudge more visually appealing and festive.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment paper layers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer preservation.

Serve Fudge Neatly for Gifts or Gatherings

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by arranging fudge squares on a rustic wooden platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks for a warm, inviting winter presentation.
  • Rum Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside a complementary spiced rum cocktail or hot toddy, enhancing the buttered rum flavor profile and creating a delightful after-dinner treat for adults.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual fudge pieces in small clear gift bags tied with festive ribbons, making perfect homemade holiday presents for friends, neighbors, or office colleagues who appreciate gourmet sweets.
  • Dessert Charcuterie Option: Include these fudge squares on a dessert board with other bite-sized treats like chocolate truffles, candied nuts, and dried fruits for an elegant and interactive dessert experience.

Storage Tips to Keep Fudge from Getting Sticky

  • Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for maximum freshness, lasting up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Prepare fudge 3-4 days before serving to enhance flavor depth. Allow squares to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying for optimal taste and texture.
  • Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Package fudge in decorative tins or cellophane bags with ribbons for charming homemade presents. Include a small card with storage instructions to help recipients maintain quality.

FAQs

  • What gives this fudge its unique rum flavor?

The rum extract provides the classic buttered rum taste without using actual alcohol, creating a rich and warming flavor profile that mimics the traditional holiday drink.

  • Can I make this fudge without rum extract?

While rum extract is key to the recipe’s signature flavor, you can substitute with vanilla extract, though this will change the distinct buttered rum taste of the original recipe.

  • How do I know when the fudge is properly mixed?

The mixture should look smooth and glossy, with no visible chunks of white chocolate chips, and have a consistent color and texture throughout.

  • What's the best way to cut the fudge into neat squares?

Use a sharp knife and clean it with hot water between cuts to ensure clean, precise edges and prevent the fudge from sticking to the blade.

Print
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Festive Buttered Rum Fudge Recipe

Festive Buttered Rum Fudge Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Buttered rum fudge brings Caribbean warmth to classic holiday confections with rich, boozy notes and creamy texture. Molasses and spiced rum infuse this sweet treat with complex, nostalgic flavors you’ll savor during festive gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 ½ cups (525 g) white chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ tsps rum extract (or 2 tbsps dark spiced rum)
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Sanding sugar or crushed butterscotch candies (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, letting edges overhang. Lightly spray the liner with non-stick cooking spray to facilitate easy removal.
  2. Chocolate Base: Melt white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth and glossy. Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Combine melted butter with rum extract, then fold into the white chocolate base. Thoroughly mix to create a uniform, aromatic blend.
  4. Spice Incorporation: Sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly throughout the fudge mixture, stirring to distribute the warm, fragrant spice completely.
  5. Setting Process: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Optionally, garnish with sanding sugar or crushed butterscotch for added texture and visual appeal.
  6. Chilling: Refrigerate the fudge for 1-2 hours until completely firm and set.
  7. Serving Preparation: Remove the fudge from the pan using the overhanging foil edges. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into precise, uniform squares ready for serving.

Notes

Optimize Chocolate Melting: Ensure white chocolate chips melt smoothly by using low, consistent heat to prevent scorching or seizing, which can ruin the fudge’s delicate texture.

Rum Extract Precision: Adjust rum extract quantity based on personal taste preference – start with less and gradually increase to control the intensity of the rum flavor without overwhelming the dessert.

Chilling Technique: Refrigerate fudge completely before cutting to achieve clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling; allow at least 2 hours for optimal setting and easier slicing.

Dietary Modification: Create gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly versions by using certified gluten-free white chocolate and checking ingredient labels for potential animal-derived components.

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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