Create a delightful holiday treat with this simple and delicious Christmas Fudge recipe! Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings, this fudge is rich, creamy, and bursting with festive colors. Follow this easy recipe to make your own batch of holiday cheer.
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparing the Fudge:
- Line the Pan:
- Line an 8Ă—8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Condensed Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Vanilla:
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Divide and Color:
- Divide the mixture into three separate bowls.
- Add red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to another, leaving the third bowl white. Stir each bowl until the color is evenly distributed.
- Layer the Fudge:
- Pour the white fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the red fudge mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
- Finally, add the green fudge mixture and spread it evenly.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top of the fudge.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the baking dish.
- Cut into small squares and serve.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Fudge
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate chips will give your fudge a better flavor and smoother texture.
- Stir Constantly: Stir the mixture constantly while melting to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Even Layers: For a neat appearance, use a spatula to spread each layer of fudge evenly before adding the next.
Variations
- Flavor Additions: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive minty flavor.
- Mix-Ins: Stir in chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or mini marshmallows for added texture and flavor.
Storing and Gifting
- Storing: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Gifting: Wrap individual pieces of fudge in decorative cellophane bags or place them in a festive tin for a perfect holiday gift.
Detailed Steps and Tips
Step 1: Line the Pan
Lining the pan with parchment paper is crucial for easy removal of the fudge once it has set. Make sure the parchment paper extends over the edges of the pan so you can lift the entire block of fudge out effortlessly. This also makes cutting the fudge into squares much easier and cleaner.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk
Using a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. It’s important to use low heat to prevent the chocolate from scorching. Stirring constantly ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and combines smoothly with the condensed milk, creating a creamy base for your fudge.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a subtle flavor that enhances the sweetness of the fudge and complements the white chocolate.
Step 4: Divide and Color
Divide the mixture into three separate bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and green food coloring to another, leaving the third bowl white. Use a small amount of food coloring at first, then add more if needed to achieve the desired intensity of color. Stir each bowl thoroughly to ensure the color is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Layer the Fudge
Pour the white fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. This forms the base layer of your festive fudge. Next, add the red fudge mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Finally, add the green fudge mixture and spread it evenly. The layers should be as even as possible to create a beautiful tri-color effect when the fudge is cut into squares.
Step 6: Decorate
Before the fudge sets, sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles on top. This not only adds a festive touch but also a bit of crunch to the creamy fudge. Press the sprinkles lightly into the top layer to ensure they stick as the fudge sets.
Step 7: Chill
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully set. Chilling allows the fudge to firm up and makes it easier to cut into clean squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the fudge in the freezer for about an hour.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is set, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the baking dish. Place the block of fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
Detailed Variations
Adding different flavors and mix-ins can make your Christmas fudge even more special. Here are some detailed ideas:
- Peppermint Fudge: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate mixture for a refreshing minty flavor. You can also mix in crushed candy canes for added texture and festive appeal.
- Nutty Fudge: Stir in chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. The nuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor of the fudge.
- Marshmallow Swirl Fudge: Add mini marshmallows to the fudge mixture just before pouring it into the pan. As the fudge sets, the marshmallows will create a fun, swirled pattern.
Storing and Gifting Tips
- Storage: To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage ensures that the fudge maintains its creamy texture and doesn’t dry out. It can be stored for up to two weeks.
- Gifting: Christmas fudge makes a wonderful homemade gift. Wrap individual pieces in decorative cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them in festive tins lined with parchment paper. Add a personalized gift tag for an extra special touch.
Conclusion
This easy and festive Christmas Fudge recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite. With its rich, creamy texture and cheerful colors, it’s perfect for sharing the holiday spirit with friends and family. Enjoy making and eating this delightful treat, and happy holidays!