Indulgence is the name of the game during the holidays, and this recipe for Christmas fudge creates the ultimate dessert. The batch of rich, smooth fudge is made from marshmallows, butter and lots of chocolate. Hunks of crunchy walnuts are dotted throughout, and the whole block of fudge is finished with a gorgeous white chocolate drizzle. Thick, soft and chocolaty to its core, our Christmas fudge recipe is the ultimate December treat.
Ingredients for Christmas Fudge
- Sugar: Before starting this recipe, make sure you have 4-1/2 cups granulated sugar. We don’t recommend swapping in brown sugar for any part of the measurement.
- Evaporated milk: Make sure you use evaporated milk, not condensed milk, for this Christmas fudge recipe. Sweetened condensed milk is milk with most of the water cooked off, to which sugar has been added. Evaporated milk is concentrated in the same way, but it doesn’t contain added sugar.
- Butter: Cube the butter so it melts more quickly in the Dutch oven. Baking Christmas desserts is the perfect excuse to buy a few packages of the best butter at the store.
- Chocolate: This Christmas fudge recipe uses three different types of chocolate: milk, unsweetened and white chocolate.
- Mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows will melt more easily in the fudge mixture. If you can’t find mini marshmallows, chop up regular-sized ones.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts create a nice texture juxtaposition against the rich, smooth fudge. I recommend you toast the nuts beforehand to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A small hint of vanilla extract creates a subtle floral sweetness that blends beautifully into the chocolate.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the pan
Line a 13×9-inch pan with aluminum foil. Coat it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Boil the sugar, milk and butter
In a heavy Dutch oven, whisk together the sugar, milk and butter. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for five minutes. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat.
Step 3: Add the chocolate
Stir in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and chopped chocolate until they’re all melted into the milk mixture.
Step 4: Fold in the extras
Fold in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract.
Editor’s Tip: A rubber spatula works well for this step.
Step 5: Drizzle on the white chocolate
Immediately spread the fudge into the prepared pan. Drizzle the top with melted white baking chocolate, and let the fudge cool completely.
Step 6: Cut into squares
Using the aluminum foil, lift the fudge out of the pan. Remove the aluminum foil from the fudge. Cut the fudge into 96 squares.
Editor’s Tip: To make clean cuts, run your knife under hot water between each cut, wiping away the excess water with a clean towel before slicing.
Step 7: Store the fudge
Store the fudge squares between layers of waxed paper in airtight containers.
Recipe Variations
- Decorate with sprinkles: Decorate this Christmas fudge recipe with festive red and green Christmas sprinkles. We love their cheerful look!
- Add a frosting: Skip the white chocolate drizzle and opt for a thick chocolate buttercream frosting. It’s the ultimate indulgence.
- Use a different type of nut: Not a fan of walnuts? No problem! Pecans, macadamia nuts, slivered almonds or pistachios make a fabulous swap.
How to Store Christmas Fudge
After the Christmas fudge is cut into squares, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re stacking the fudge in the container, lay pieces of parchment or waxed paper in between each layer to prevent sticking. Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight or else your fudge will become a runny, melted mess. Tucked away in the pantry is the best storage spot for fudge!
Can you freeze Christmas fudge?
Yes, you can freeze Christmas fudge. Wrap the fudge in waxed paper, then wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil. Transfer the fudge to an airtight container or resealable bag. (All this protection ensures that no moisture is lost from your fudge, so it maintains a soft, rich texture.) Place the fudge in the very back of the freezer. Once you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature for two to three hours.
How long does Christmas fudge last?
A lot of different ideas float around regarding how long fudge lasts, but we’re here to tell you that as long as you store the fudge in a cool, dry place at room temperature, it should last for up to two weeks.
Christmas Fudge Tips
What is the secret to good fudge?
The secret to good fudge is stirring the ingredients constantly while they’re in the Dutch oven. This prevents the fudge from becoming grainy and keeps it smooth.
How can you package fudge for a Christmas gift?
Start by purchasing clear treat bags, ribbon and, optionally, Christmas-themed cupcake liners from your local craft store. If using the liners, place a fudge square in each cupcake liner. Slide a few pieces of fudge in each bag, leaving about 4 inches of space at the top of the bag. Gather the top of each bag and tie a beautiful Christmas bow with the ribbon. Finally, add a Christmasy to-and-from label to each gift so your friends know the fudge was made special for them!
