There’s just something about Christmas Fudge that lights up my festive season. This recipe is a staple in my household, passed down from my grandmother, who used to make it every year while singing along to her favorite carols. I remember sitting on the countertop, my little feet swinging in the air, eagerly awaiting that first taste of the sweet, creamy goodness. It felt like magic, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable holiday treat.
What I love most about this fudge is its dazzling marbled colors of red and green, making it not only taste delicious but also look simply gorgeous on any holiday dessert table. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just indulging while watching loved ones unwrap presents. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—a perfect excuse to channel your inner elf without turning your kitchen into a whirlwind of flour and sugar!
What’s in Christmas Fudge?
Now, let’s dive into the magical ingredients that make up this vibrant treat:
White Chocolate Chips: These sweet little gems form the base of our fudge, providing that rich, creamy texture. I usually go for Ghirardelli or Nestle brands, as they melt beautifully.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sweet liquid adds a luscious creaminess to the fudge. It’s what makes this fudge so irresistibly indulgent!
Butter: Who doesn’t love extra buttery flavor? This addition helps to smooth everything out and keep the fudge silky. I like to use unsalted butter so that I can control the saltiness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the fudge. Go for pure vanilla extract if you can—it makes a world of difference!
Red and Green Food Coloring: These are what give our fudge its festive flair! Just a few drops can transform your treat into a holiday masterpiece.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener helps to thicken up your fudge while keeping it delectably sweet. A must-have in fudge recipes, for sure!
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness! Believe it or not, it enhances all the flavors.
Festive Sprinkles (optional): Who can resist a little extra shimmer? Sprinkles are like the fairy dust of the baking realm!
Is Christmas Fudge Good for You?
Now, let’s get real. This fudge is not going to replace your veggies at dinner, but it certainly can have its place in moderation!
White Chocolate Chips: While they add delicious sweetness, they’re also high in sugar and fat, so I usually keep this treat for special occasions.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a decadently creamy addition but does come with added sugars. Just think of it as a little holiday indulgence!
Butter: It adds rich flavor and smoothness, but remember, it’s also calorie-dense.
In short, this fudge is great for a sweet treat during the holidays. Enjoy it in moderation, and share with friends—because happiness is always better when it’s shared!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of Christmas Fudge (about 16 squares):
– 3 cups white chocolate chips
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Red and green food coloring
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Optional: festive sprinkles for garnish
How to Make Christmas Fudge?
Ready to bring some sweet joy into your kitchen? Let’s get started!
1. Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into two separate bowls. In one bowl, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until combined. In the second bowl, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until combined.
5. Incorporate the powdered sugar and salt into each bowl, mixing well until fully incorporated.
6. Begin layering the fudge in the prepared baking dish by adding alternating spoonfuls of red and green fudge. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
7. Once all the fudge has been added, smooth the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle festive sprinkles on top.
8. Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
9. Once set, remove from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Festive Fudge Tips and Tricks!
– **Storage:** You can keep this fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge!
– **Variations:** Feel free to swap out the food coloring for any festive colors that suit your holiday aesthetic! Or add in some crushed peppermint candies for a little extra crunch and flavor.
– **Gift it:** Wrap the fudge squares in pretty holiday packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift. Who wouldn’t love this sweet treat for the holidays?
I hope you create beautiful memories making this Christmas Fudge, just like I do every year. Let me know how yours turns out, and happy holidays!
