Magical Christmas Fudge Recipe for Holiday Sweetness

Sweet memories of childhood holidays spark joy when making this magical christmas fudge that melts like snowflakes on warm memories.

Generations have cherished creamy chocolate treats passed down through whispered kitchen secrets.

My grandmother’s recipe carries warmth from her wooden spoon and loving hands.

Simple ingredients dance together creating rich, velvety textures that comfort and delight.

Each bite connects us to festive moments shared around glowing fireplaces.

Soft chocolate swirls promise comfort and nostalgia in every delectable square.

You’ll want to savor this decadent tradition that celebrates love and sweetness.

Why Christmas Fudge Brings Instant Joy

• Create Holiday Magic: Festive treat transforms classic chocolate into a spectacular dessert.
• Crush Candy Cane Craze: Peppermint pieces add stunning visual appeal and delightful crunch to smooth chocolate base.
• No-Bake Wonder: Simple stovetop technique means zero oven time and maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Party-Perfect Presentation: Elegant white chocolate drizzle and colorful sprinkles make this fudge a stunning centerpiece for gatherings.

Christmas Fudge Ingredient Checklist

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Core ingredient that provides rich, deep chocolate flavor for the fudge.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy component that helps create smooth, soft fudge texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a silky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate base.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate's complex flavor.

• Pecans, Candy Canes, Holiday Sprinkles: Add festive crunch, peppermint flavor, and visual appeal to the fudge.
• White Chocolate Chips: Provides decorative drizzle and additional creamy sweetness.

• Parchment Paper, Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking of the fudge.

How To Whip Up Christmas Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

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

Step 2: Create Melting Station

Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot with simmering water. Ensure the bowl hovers above the water without touching it.

Step 3: Craft Chocolate Base

• Dark chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Unsalted butter

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes completely smooth and reaches a warm temperature.

Step 4: Enhance Chocolate Mixture

Remove the chocolate base from heat. Quickly mix in vanilla extract and salt, stirring until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Fold chopped pecans into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan

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

Step 7: Decorate with Festive Toppings

Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes and holiday sprinkles across the top. Gently press the toppings into the fudge to help them stick.

Step 8: Create White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure smooth melting.

Step 9: Add Decorative Drizzle

Use a spoon or piping bag to create an artistic white chocolate pattern over the fudge surface.

Step 10: Chill and Set

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

Step 11: Cut and Serve

Remove the fudge from the pan using parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into small, bite-sized squares.

Step 12: Store Properly

Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy within one week.

Tips For Perfect Christmas Fudge

• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Always ensure no water droplets touch melted chocolate during double boiler method to maintain smooth texture.
• Chill for Perfect Cut: Refrigerate fudge completely before slicing to achieve clean, precise edges without crumbling.
• Boost Flavor Balance: Use high-quality dark chocolate chips and fresh vanilla extract for rich, deep taste in every bite.
• Control Candy Cane Crunch: Crush candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Maximize Storage Life: Layer fudge pieces with parchment paper in airtight container to prevent sticking and preserve freshness.

Creative Variations For Christmas Fudge

• Gluten-Free Peppermint Fudge: Replace traditional chocolate chips with gluten-free dark chocolate chips, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Nut-Free Holiday Treat: Substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, maintaining the crunchy texture while accommodating nut allergies.
• Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Square: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut condensed milk, and plant-based butter alternative to create a completely vegan-friendly version of the festive fudge.
• Low-Sugar Festive Option: Swap sweetened condensed milk with sugar-free condensed milk and use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly preparation.

Best Pairings For Christmas Fudge

• Pair Peppermint Chocolate Fudge with Bold Beverages: Rich espresso or dark roast coffee complements the sweet, minty chocolate perfectly.
• Elevate Holiday Dessert Plate: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense chocolate and candy cane flavors.
• Match with Festive Drinks: Enjoy a peppermint mocha or hot chocolate to enhance the seasonal dessert's mint and chocolate notes.
• Create Textural Contrast: Pair with sparkling white wine or champagne to cut through the fudge's richness and provide a crisp, celebratory touch.

How To Store Christmas Fudge Just Right

• Place fudge squares in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days, maintaining its rich texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delectable taste and creamy consistency.
• Transfer frozen fudge to the refrigerator and let it slowly defrost for 2-3 hours. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent texture changes and maintain optimal quality.
• Remove fudge from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the chocolate's full flavor and smooth texture to shine through.

FAQs For Christmas Fudge

• Why use a double boiler for melting chocolate?

A double boiler provides gentle, even heat that prevents chocolate from burning or seizing, ensuring a smooth and glossy chocolate base without scorching.

• Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or cashews as alternatives. Just chop them to a similar size to maintain the texture and distribution in the fudge.

• How do I know when the chocolate mixture is ready?

Look for a smooth, fully combined consistency with no visible lumps. The mixture should reach about 110°F and have a glossy, uniform appearance when properly melted.

• What's the purpose of adding salt to the fudge?

Salt enhances the chocolate’s flavor, creating a balanced sweetness and bringing out the rich, deep notes of the dark chocolate, making the fudge more complex and enjoyable.

Christmas Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2-3 hours and 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Fudge brings holiday cheer with its rich chocolate swirls and peppermint crunch. Smooth, creamy layers melt in your mouth, delivering sweet memories of seasonal celebrations that connect family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Base:

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

Holiday Mix-Ins:

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Finishing Touches:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp white chocolate chips (for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhang 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, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3. Combine dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter in the bowl, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted at 110°F.
4. Remove the chocolate base from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully integrated.
5. Fold in chopped pecans, creating an even distribution throughout the melted chocolate mixture.
6. Pour the chocolate blend into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes and holiday sprinkles across the top, gently pressing them into the fudge to ensure they adhere.
8. Melt white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring between each interval until smooth.
9. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the fudge in a decorative pattern using a spoon or piping bag.
10. Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours or until completely set and firm to the touch.
11. Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and slice into small squares on a cutting board.
12. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper.

Notes

• Use top-quality dark chocolate chips for a rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire fudge experience.
• Maintain precise temperature control when melting chocolate to prevent seizing or burning, using a digital thermometer for accuracy.
• Customize the recipe by swapping pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions by using dairy-free chocolate and coconut condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version of this festive treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg