Oh my goodness! If there’s one treat that brings the festive spirit alive in my kitchen, it’s Christmas Cake Batter Fudge. Seriously, this colorful, creamy delight has become a holiday staple in my home. I love how easy it is to whip up, and the kids adore helping me layer the vibrant colors. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with giggles and a sprinkle of magic. It’s almost like creating edible holiday decorations that you can actually eat!
I remember the first time I made this fudge; my little niece was convinced that the bright colors must have been crafted by Santa’s elves! With just a few ingredients, we transformed a classic cake mix into this fun sweet treat, taking “holiday cheer” to a whole new level!
What’s in Christmas Cake Batter Fudge?
Let me share the delightful components of this mouthwatering treat with you:
Cake Mix: The base of the fudge, giving it that wonderful cake flavor and structure. I usually go for vanilla or funfetti because they bring in those delicious cake vibes.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to perfection, it adds richness and creaminess that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic ingredient that brings all the components together, creating that delightful fudge consistency we crave.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this lovely extract enhances the overall flavor, giving you that classic bakery aroma.
White Chocolate Chips: They lend a creamy sweetness to the treat. I always find Ghirardelli’s white chocolate to be my go-to for reliability and flavor.
Candy Melts (Red and Green): The festive colors of the fudge are brought to life by these melts. If I can’t find them, I’ll often use food coloring instead to brighten things up.
Christmas-themed Sprinkles: Because what’s a holiday treat without a sprinkle of fun? These add the perfect finishing touch.
Is Christmas Cake Batter Fudge Good for You?
Now, while this treat is certainly not a health food, it does have a few perks!
Cake Mix: Using a cake mix means you can choose a brand that fits your dietary needs. Some brands offer gluten-free options, perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Yes, it’s sweet, but it also contains milk, which provides calcium. Just try not to eat half the batch in one sitting—balance is key!
One thing to watch, though, is the sugar content. This fudge is definitely on the *sweet* side, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. But hey, it’s the holidays, right? Go ahead and treat yourself—with a side of joy!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Christmas Cake Batter Fudge, which serves about 16 squares:
– 2 cups cake mix (your choice, but vanilla or funfetti work best)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup red candy melts (or red food coloring)
– 1/2 cup green candy melts (or green food coloring)
– Christmas-themed sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Christmas Cake Batter Fudge?
Ready to dive into the delicious depths of fudge-making? Let’s get started!
1. Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until creamy and well combined.
3. Divide the batter in half into two separate bowls.
4. In one bowl, melt the red candy melts in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts until smooth. If you’re using food coloring instead, mix it until you reach the desired shade of red.
5. In the other bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in the same manner until smooth.
6. Mix half of the white chocolate into the red batter, giving it a good stir.
7. Next, melt the green candy melts and add them to the other bowl, mixing well.
8. Pour the red batter into the prepared pan first, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the fridge to set for about 10-15 minutes.
9. After that, add the white chocolate mixture on top and smooth it out. Back to the fridge for another 10-15 minutes!
10. Finally, pour the green batter over the white layer, spreading it evenly and pressing the layers together lightly before refrigerating until completely set (around 2-3 hours).
11. Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the overhanging parchment paper and cut it into squares.
12. Don’t forget to sprinkle some holiday cheer with Christmas-themed sprinkles before serving!
Festive Fudge Tips & Variations
Here are a few extra nuggets of joy to take your fudge to the next level:
– Sprinkle extra candy or nuts in the layers for some added texture.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of crushed peppermint for that refreshing holiday flavor.
– This fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!
I’m telling you, this Christmas Cake Batter Fudge is bound to become a family favorite. It’s fun, colorful, and absolutely delicious! So grab your ingredients, put on some festive music, and dive into making your own powerhouse of holiday treats! When you do, I’d love to hear all about your experience and see (if only virtually!) your festive fudge creations! Happy baking!
