If you’re looking for the ultimate homemade treat to wow your friends and family this holiday season, I’ve got you covered with my fan-freaking-tastic Christmas Fudge Recipe. This recipe is creamy, chocolatey, and topped with festive sprinkles that’ll brighten up any dessert table. Whether you’re a fudge beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe delightfully simple and absolutely delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Simple: You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques to nail this fudge.
- Perfect Holiday Flavor: Festive sprinkles add just the right amount of holiday cheer and crunch.
- Creates Crowd-Pleasing Batches: The recipe yields plenty — ideal for gifting or party platters.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap sprinkles or add nuts to make it your own signature treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Fudge Recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that come together for a candy that’s rich but never overwhelming. Using sweetened condensed milk keeps the texture silky smooth, while good quality chocolate really makes a difference — trust me on that one!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret to that creamy, fudge-like texture—you want the sweetened kind, not evaporated milk.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I like using quality brands like Ghirardelli or Godiva for richer flavor, but Nestle also works well.
- Butter (Salted or Unsalted): Adds smoothness and richness; just don’t skip it.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor depth and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Christmas Sprinkles: Adds festive colors and sprinkles a bit of holiday magic on top!
Variations
I love making this Christmas Fudge Recipe my own by switching up the sprinkles, mixing in extras, or sometimes even using white chocolate chips. It’s such a versatile canvas — feel free to get creative and make your own signature batch!
- Nutty Fudge: I add chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch that my family adores every year.
- White Chocolate Version: Using white chocolate chips plus peppermint extract for a classic peppermint twist.
- Salted Caramel: Swirl caramel sauce through the fudge before it sets for a sweet-salty surprise.
- Vegan Option: Substitute dairy-free chocolate and plant-based condensed milk alternatives.
How to Make Christmas Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan for Easy Fudge Removal
First things first — line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This little extra step makes removing the fudge later a breeze and keeps those perfect squares intact.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate, Condensed Milk & Butter Together
Combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until everything is melted and smooth. I discovered this trick avoids scorched chocolate and keeps the fudge silky. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that extra pop of flavor.
Step 3: Pour, Spread, and Add Festive Sprinkles
Pour the luscious fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with a rubber spatula. This makes cutting easier later on, too! Then generously top with your Christmas sprinkles — I love how this adds texture and looks so festive.
Step 4: Chill Until Firm and Slice
Pop the pan into your refrigerator and let the fudge set for about 2 hours. Once firm, lift the fudge out using the paper or foil and cut it into approximately 1-inch squares. Here’s a little tip: use a warm knife dipped in hot water for cleaner cuts without crumbles.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Use Quality Chocolate: I used to grab any chocolate chips, but upgrading to premium brands really amps up flavor and smoothness.
- Microwave in Intervals: Heating in short bursts and stirring helps prevent burning and keeps texture perfect.
- Line the Pan Properly: Trust me, this step saves you from an awkward fudge extraction struggle later.
- Warm Knife for Cutting: A warm knife slices clean fudge squares, preventing messy edges and broken pieces.
How to Serve Christmas Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with bright red and green Christmas sprinkles — it really brings the holiday spirit right onto the fudge. For a little extra punch, sometimes I toss on crushed peppermint candy or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant snowy look.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs fantastically with a cup of spiced hot cocoa or a bold black coffee — both help balance the rich sweetness perfectly. It’s also a hit on dessert trays alongside gingerbread cookies and fruitcake for a full festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I like to arrange fudge squares in a layered glass jar with colorful ribbons tied around it — it makes a lovely gift or centerpiece. Another fun option is cutting the fudge into festive shapes using cookie cutters for some extra holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature and it stays fresh for about one to two weeks. If you want to keep it even longer, refrigerate it — I’ve kept fudge up to a month that way without loss of flavor.
Freezing
Freezing fudge works great if you want to prep in advance. I wrap individual pieces in wax paper and then seal them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the texture remains creamy and delicious.
Reheating
You rarely need to reheat fudge, but if it’s a bit too firm from chilling, let it sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens it up perfectly without changing the taste or texture.
FAQs
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Can I make this Christmas Fudge Recipe without a microwave?
Absolutely! You can melt the chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter together using a double boiler on the stove. Just stir constantly to prevent scorching and remove from heat once smooth before adding vanilla.
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What’s the difference between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk in fudge?
Sweetened condensed milk is thick and sweetened, which adds both creaminess and sugar to the fudge, essential for that classic texture. Evaporated milk is unsweetened and much thinner, so it won’t give the same consistency or sweetness.
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Can I substitute butter with margarine or oils?
Butter adds richness and firmness to fudge, so while you can try margarine, the flavor and texture might suffer. Oils generally won’t give the same solid structure fudge needs, so they’re not recommended.
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How do I keep my fudge from becoming grainy?
Heating the chocolate mixture gently and stirring continuously is key. Also, avoid overcooking and make sure to use the correct ingredients like sweetened condensed milk. Following this recipe’s microwave-interval method helps maintain smoothness.
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Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows can be folded into the fudge mixture before pouring it into the pan. Just be sure your add-ins are evenly chopped so the fudge cuts nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Fudge Recipe has been a holiday staple in my family for years — every time I make it, I’m reminded how something so simple can bring so much joy. From the first creamy bite to the sparkling sprinkles on top, I hope you find as much happiness making and sharing it as I do. Trust me, this recipe will become your go-to festive treat and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and let’s make some magic happen!
Print
Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Christmas Fudge recipe offers a rich, creamy, and festive treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla extract, this easy-to-make fudge is topped with colorful Christmas sprinkles, bringing seasonal joy to every bite. The no-bake method uses a quick microwave technique to melt ingredients and requires chilling time for perfect setting.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 2-3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then, spray the lined pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the fudge later. Set the pan aside.
- Melt the Ingredients: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract thoroughly into the melted chocolate mixture to enhance flavor.
- Pour and Smooth: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth surface.
- Decorate: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of festive Christmas sprinkles evenly over the top of the fudge.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for about 2 hours until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, remove the fudge from the pan by lifting the parchment or foil. Cut into 1-inch pieces and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- Line your pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make removing the fudge much easier.
- Using higher quality chocolate such as Godiva or Ghirardelli will yield better results, but Nestle baking morsels work well too.
- Be sure to use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, as it provides the needed sweetness and texture.
- Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. Refrigeration can extend shelf life to 3-4 weeks.
- Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 1 inch square)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
