The Joy Of Christmas Fudge Recipe

Christmas Fudge Recipe Jolly Joy in Every Bite

Chocolate lovers adore this creamy christmas fudge that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Sweet memories from childhood drift through my kitchen whenever I prepare this recipe.

My grandmother’s secret technique involves careful temperature control and pure ingredients.

Rich chocolate swirls create delightful patterns across the smooth surface.

Each bite connects generations of festive dessert traditions.

Small details make this confection extraordinary – like using premium dark chocolate and a pinch of sea salt.

Indulge in this decadent treat that promises to become your new holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Adore Christmas Fudge

Why You’ll Adore Christmas Fudge
  • Easy Festive Fudge Magic
  • This Christmas fudge recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned bakers alike. Anyone can create delicious holiday treats without stress.
  • Prepare this fudge in just 15 minutes of active cooking time, plus minimal chilling. Busy holiday schedules won't stop you from enjoying homemade sweet moments with family and friends.
  • Chocolate fudge appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents. Its rich, smooth texture and classic flavor guarantee smiles around the holiday table, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings and potlucks.
  • Slice into perfect squares and package in festive tins or decorative bags for thoughtful homemade gifts. Guests and loved ones will appreciate the personal touch of this delectable treat.

Ingredients for Crafting Christmas Fudge

Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich, smooth base for the fudge with deep chocolate flavor. Dark or semi-sweet chips work best for intense taste.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy binding agent that adds sweetness and smooth texture. Full-fat version recommended for best results.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Unsalted butter preferred for better control of sweetness.
Flavor Enhancer:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor. Pure vanilla extract gives the best taste compared to artificial versions.
Pan Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge. Unbleached parchment paper works well for non-stick surface.

Instructions to Make Christmas Fudge Step-by-Step

Instructions to Make Christmas Fudge Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Place parchment paper inside a square baking dish, ensuring edges extend slightly over the sides. Softly coat the paper with a thin butter layer to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Mixture

In a medium cooking pot, combine:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Butter

Gently warm the ingredients over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform liquid. Carefully remove from heat source.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Pour vanilla extract into the melted chocolate blend, stirring smoothly to integrate the aromatic essence throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Pour and Smooth Fudge

Transfer the liquid chocolate onto the prepared parchment-lined pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a consistent thickness across the surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the pan inside the refrigerator, allowing the fudge to solidify completely. This typically requires approximately two to three hours of cooling time.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once fully set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into small, bite-sized squares using a sharp knife. Arrange on a festive serving platter.

Smart Tips to Perfect Your Holiday Fudge

  • Prep Parchment Perfectly: Use aluminum foil as a backup if parchment paper isn't available, ensuring smooth fudge removal with minimal sticking.
  • Control Chocolate Melting: Opt for low and slow heat to prevent chocolate from burning, stirring consistently for a silky smooth texture.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Consider adding a pinch of sea salt or espresso powder to elevate the chocolate's richness and complexity.
  • Customize Mix-Ins: Experiment with chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, or dried fruit to personalize your fudge and create unique variations.
  • Store with Care: Keep fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising texture.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Christmas Fudge

  • Store fudge in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality.
  • Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes.
  • For best taste and texture, enjoy fudge slightly chilled or at cool room temperature, which helps maintain its rich, creamy consistency.

What Goes Well with Joy of Christmas Fudge

  • Rich, velvety red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon beautifully complements the deep chocolate notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the fudge's sweetness, offering a robust counterpoint that elevates the chocolate's complexity.
  • Cold whole milk provides a refreshing, creamy contrast to the dense fudge, balancing its rich intensity and cleansing the palate.
  • Roasted almonds or hazelnuts sprinkled alongside the fudge add delightful crunch and enhance the chocolate's warm, deep flavors.

Ideas to Change Up Your Christmas Fudge Flavor

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts before setting to add texture and extra flavor to the classic fudge recipe.
  • Peppermint Swirl: Mix in crushed candy canes or add a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive holiday-themed fudge with a cool, minty sensation.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular chocolate chips with sugar-free chocolate chips and use a sugar-free condensed milk for a diabetic-friendly option.
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The Joy Of Christmas Fudge Recipe

The Joy Of Christmas Fudge Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Fudge brings holiday magic straight to your dessert table with rich chocolate and creamy marshmallow textures. Sweet memories and seasonal cheer blend perfectly, inviting you to savor this irresistible treat that connects family and tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (525 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 ounces/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Decorative Toppings:

  • ¼ cup red and green sprinkles
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • Mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Prepare a square baking vessel by draping parchment paper inside, ensuring extra material hangs over the edges for convenient extraction. Apply a thin layer of cooking spray to prevent potential sticking.
  2. Create a velvety foundational mixture by combining chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan. Gently apply low heat, continuously stirring until the ingredients transform into a uniform, glossy liquid. Carefully remove from heat source.
  3. Elevate the fudge’s aromatic profile by introducing pure vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to distribute the rich essence throughout the molten chocolate base.
  4. Allow the decadent mixture to settle and begin cooling, maintaining gentle, consistent stirring to preserve its silky smooth texture and prevent any potential separation of ingredients.
  5. Once the mixture reaches a slightly tempered state, pour it evenly into the prepared parchment-lined pan, using a spatula to ensure an even distribution and eliminate any potential air pockets.
  6. Refrigerate the fudge for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the confection achieves a firm, sliceable consistency. The cooling process will help the fudge set perfectly and develop its signature rich, creamy texture.
  7. Utilizing the overhanging parchment paper, carefully lift the entire fudge block from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into precise, uniform squares using a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

  • Prevent sticking by using parchment paper with overhanging edges, which allows effortless lifting and clean cutting of fudge squares.
  • Opt for low and slow melting to maintain chocolate’s smooth texture and prevent burning or seizing during the process.
  • Choose high-quality chocolate chips for richer flavor and better melting consistency, ensuring a creamy and luxurious fudge experience.
  • Customize the recipe by swirling in peppermint extract, adding crushed candy canes, or sprinkling sea salt for festive holiday variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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