Velvety Homemade Christmas Fudge Recipe

Dreamy Christmas Fudge Recipe: Smooth Holiday Magic

Chocolate melts like silk when crafting this delectable Christmas fudge recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, smooth textures define every single bite of this classic dessert.

Generations of home bakers have cherished this sweet treat during holiday celebrations.

Creamy marshmallow and premium chocolate combine to create an irresistible confection.

The secret lies in selecting high-quality ingredients and mastering a few simple techniques.

Perfectly balanced and wonderfully decadent, this fudge will become your new festive tradition.

Let each mouthwatering square transport you to a world of pure holiday bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Homemade Christmas Fudge

For Base Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy foundation that provides rich sweetness and smooth texture for the fudge.
  • Chocolate Chips: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and creates the classic fudge consistency.
  • Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic depth.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the overall taste profile.
For Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Candy Cane Pieces: Introduces festive crunch and refreshing peppermint twist.
  • Chopped Nuts: Provides delightful textural contrast and nutty undertones.

Gear Up to Prepare Homemade Christmas Fudge

  • Baking Dish: 8×8 inch pan for creating perfectly sized fudge pieces.
  • Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Essential for easy fudge removal and preventing sticking.
  • Medium Saucepan: Crucial for melting ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Spatula: Helps spread fudge mixture in the pan and ensure uniform thickness.
  • Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring condensed milk and other ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Perfect for stirring ingredients while melting and mixing.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chilled fudge into neat squares.

How to Make Homemade Christmas Fudge

  • Prepare Fudge Pan

Line a baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This prevents sticking and makes removing the fudge super easy.

  • Create Chocolate Base

Combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips in a saucepan. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until silky smooth. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

  • Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove melted mixture from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and a touch of salt. Toss in optional festive mix-ins like crushed candy canes or chopped nuts for extra pizzazz.

  • Set and Chill

Pour the luscious mixture into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm and set.

  • Slice and Celebrate

Lift fudge from pan using parchment paper. Cut into bite-sized squares. Your decadent holiday treat is ready to melt hearts and delight taste buds!

Tips to Upgrade Homemade Christmas Fudge

  • Stir the chocolate mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
  • Prepare the fudge up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making holiday prep a breeze.
  • Experiment with crushed candy canes, chopped toasted pecans, or festive sprinkles to add extra holiday cheer and crunch to your fudge.
  • Create a dairy-free version by using coconut condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips, or a low-sugar option by substituting sugar-free chocolate and using a sugar-free sweetener.

How to Serve Homemade Christmas Fudge

  • Holiday Party Pleaser: Arrange fudge squares on a festive platter with sprinkled candy cane bits for a gorgeous Christmas dessert table centerpiece.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual fudge squares in clear cellophane with red and green ribbons, creating charming homemade edible gifts for friends and family.
  • Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa or espresso to complement the rich chocolate flavor, enhancing the sweet experience with a warm beverage.
  • Festive Presentation Trick: Dust fudge squares with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant, snow-dusted look that screams holiday cheer.

Keeping Homemade Christmas Fudge Fresh

  • Keep fudge pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their rich texture and delightful flavor.
  • Place fudge in a sealed container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerated fudge stays fresh for 2 weeks, perfect for extended holiday treats.
  • Wrap individual fudge squares tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen fudge maintains its quality for 3 months, ideal for advance holiday preparation.
  • Remove fudge from cold storage 15-30 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften slightly and enhance its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This simple step guarantees the most delicious tasting experience.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for this fudge recipe?

Yes, you can swap chocolate chips with dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate based on your preference. Just ensure you use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

  • What if I don't have sweetened condensed milk?

You can substitute it with heavy cream and sugar, but the texture and sweetness might slightly differ from the original recipe. The condensed milk helps create the classic fudge consistency.

  • How long can homemade fudge last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade fudge can last up to 2 weeks. For best taste and texture, consume within the first week.

  • Is it possible to make this fudge without a stove?

While traditional fudge requires stovetop cooking, you can use a microwave by melting ingredients in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.

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Velvety Homemade Christmas Fudge Recipe

Velvety Homemade Christmas Fudge Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Sweet Christmas magic happens when homemade Christmas fudge melts on your palate, creating rich chocolate memories. Festive ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a delightful treat you’ll savor during holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (720 mL / 24 fl oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (56 g / 4 tbsps) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • crushed candy canes
  • festive holiday sprinkles
  • chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
  • mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for effortless fudge extraction.
  2. Chocolate Melting: In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chocolate chips over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture achieves a glossy, smooth texture.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and a subtle salt sprinkle, blending thoroughly to elevate the taste profile.
  4. Optional Additions: Gently fold in crushed candy canes or toasted nuts, distributing evenly throughout the creamy chocolate base for added texture and visual appeal.
  5. Setting Process: Pour the velvety fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure uniform consistency. Refrigerate for approximately two hours until completely solidified.
  6. Serving Presentation: Once set, extract the fudge using parchment paper edges. Slice into precise, bite-sized squares with a sharp knife and arrange on a festive serving platter, ready to impress holiday guests.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Chocolate: Select high-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate for a rich, smooth fudge with superior flavor and creamy texture.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-low heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure a glossy, silky chocolate mixture.
  • Prevent Crystallization: Stir continuously and avoid scraping sides of pan to keep fudge smooth and prevent sugar crystallization.
  • Customize Creatively: Experiment with mix-ins like crushed peppermint, toasted nuts, or sea salt to personalize your holiday fudge and add exciting texture variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 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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