Christmas Fudge
Fudge is a quintessential holiday treat that brings joy and a touch of sweetness to any gathering. This Christmas Fudge recipe is creamy, rich, and bursting with seasonal flavors, making it the perfect gift or dessert for your festive celebrations. Having made countless batches over the years, I’ve honed this recipe to ensure it delivers a delightful bite every time.
Why Make This Recipe
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Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and festive ingredients like walnuts or cranberries creates a taste explosion that everyone will love.
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Customizable: You can easily adjust the mix-ins to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making this fudge adaptable for all of your family and friends.
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Celebrate Tradition: Making fudge during the holidays is a cherished tradition in many households, and this recipe can be passed down through generations.
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Quick and Easy: With minimal cooking required, this recipe only takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, leaving you more time to enjoy the season.
Personal insight: I adore making this fudge because it fills my kitchen with the comforting scent of chocolate and brings everyone together for a sweet treat.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 24 pieces
- Difficulty: Easy
This recipe uses a stovetop method to melt and combine the ingredients, creating a smooth fudgy consistency that sets beautifully in the fridge.
My Experience Making This Recipe
Each time I prepare this Christmas Fudge, I’m reminded of my childhood, watching my grandmother prepare the same treat. At first, I struggled to find the perfect consistency, but over time, I learned the importance of using the right chocolate and not skipping the chilling step. Now, this fudge has become a beloved staple in my holiday traditions.
How to Make Christmas Fudge
To whip up this delicious Christmas Fudge, you start by melting chocolate and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stirring continuously ensures a velvety texture. Once combined, fold in your favorite mix-ins, pour the mixture into a prepared pan, and let it chill. You’ll end up with rich, decadent squares that are perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself!
Expert Tips for Success
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Quality Chocolate Matters: Invest in good-quality chocolate chips (I recommend semi-sweet or dark chocolate) for the best flavor and texture.
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Control the Heat: Always melt chocolate over low to medium-low heat to prevent it from seizing or burning.
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Mix-Ins Coordination: If using nuts or dried fruits, toast them beforehand for enhanced flavor and crunch.
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Chill Properly: Allow the fudge to set for at least two hours in the refrigerator for the ideal firmness.
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Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
How to Serve Christmas Fudge
- Gift It: Wrap pieces in festive boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Party Platter: Present cut squares on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats.
- Coffee Pairing: Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sea salt or cocoa powder before serving for an extra touch of sophistication.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to three weeks or freeze it for up to three months. To defrost, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight and enjoy it without the need for reheating.
Recipe Variations
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Nut-Free: Omit nuts for a soft and chewy fudge suitable for those with nut allergies.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute regular chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate to make this fudge suitable for lactose intolerant friends.
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Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive twist or brown sugar instead of white for a different depth of flavor.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Fold in seasonal sprinkles or add a layer of colored white chocolate on top for a festive appearance.
Nutritional Highlights
Christmas Fudge is a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Each piece contains approximately 100 calories, with its key ingredients offering small doses of antioxidants from chocolate. For allergen concerns, this recipe contains dairy and may have cross-contamination with nuts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
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Fudge is Too Soft: If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it may need more chilling time or may have too much moisture; ensure accurate ingredient measurements next time.
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Fudge is Crumbly: This usually indicates overcooking. Always melt chocolate on low heat and stir consistently to avoid overheating.
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Sticking to Pan: If your fudge sticks, make sure to line your pan with parchment paper and allow it to fully cool before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of chocolate?
Yes! While dark or semi-sweet chocolate offers the best flavor, you can also experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate.
2. Is fudge gluten-free?
Yes, traditional fudge recipes do not contain gluten. However, always check your ingredient labels to ensure no cross-contamination occurs.
3. How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge is ready when it’s firm to the touch and has a slight sheen. It should hold its shape when cut.
4. Can I make fudge ahead of time?
Absolutely! Fudge can be made several days in advance and stored properly, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings.
Print
Christmas Fudge
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Fudge recipe is creamy, rich, and bursting with seasonal flavors, making it the perfect gift or dessert for your festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or dried cranberries (optional)
- Parchment paper for lining the pan
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Once fully melted and combined, fold in your choice of mix-ins such as walnuts or cranberries.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve, or package as gifts.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to three weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg