Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s rich, creamy, and packed with holiday cheer, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe. This fudge is the kind of classic that makes your whole kitchen smell heavenly and your family beg for seconds—it literally feels like Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re gifting neighbors or indulging yourself, you’ll find this recipe super straightforward and unbelievably delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe, the ingredients come together to create a dreamy balance of creamy chocolate, rich butter, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Always choose good quality chocolate chips because, trust me, it really makes a difference!

• Sugar: This is the sweetness backbone of the fudge, so don’t skimp here.
• Evaporated milk: Gives the fudge its creamy texture without watering it down.
• Butter: Using cubed butter helps it melt evenly into the mixture.
• Milk chocolate chips: Makes the fudge ultra smooth and sweet with classic chocolate flavor.
• Miniature marshmallows: Add chewiness and help with that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Unsweetened chocolate: Adds depth and richness to balance the sweetness.
• Chopped walnuts: Toast them beforehand to bring out their nutty flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• White baking chocolate: Melted for a gorgeous festive drizzle on top.

Variations

I love to tweak my Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe depending on the mood or who I’m sharing it with. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—you’ll have fun experimenting!

• Nut-Free Version: I once made this for a family gathering with nut allergies and swapped the walnuts for toasted sunflower seeds—yummy and safe!
• Dark Chocolate Boost: Swap half the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you want a richer, slightly less sweet fudge.
• Spiced Twist: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives it a warm holiday vibe that really complements the walnuts.
• Mini Peppermint Chips: For extra Christmas flair, toss in some peppermint chips or crushed candy canes—my kids’ absolute favorite!

How to Make Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by lining a 13×9-inch pan tightly with foil—this makes it so easy to lift the fudge out later. Don’t forget to spray the foil with cooking spray; this step saves you from a sticky mess. Have your walnuts toasted and chopped and chocolates measured out before you begin to avoid scrambling.

Step 2: Boil the Sugar Mixture

In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, combine sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rapid boil, then keep stirring and boiling vigorously for exactly 5 minutes. I learned the hard way—if you under or overcook here, the fudge won’t set right. Use a timer and a sturdy spoon!

Step 3: Melt the Chocolates and Marshmallows

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the milk chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped unsweetened chocolate. Keep stirring until everything is completely melted and smooth. This part is so satisfying—I love watching it transform into glossy chocolatey goodness.

Step 4: Add Walnuts and Vanilla

Fold in those toasted walnuts and the vanilla extract gently but thoroughly. This is where the texture and flavor truly come alive—don’t skip the vanilla, it elevates the fudge beautifully.

Step 5: Spread and Decorate

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Then drizzle the melted white baking chocolate artistically over the surface—this adds a pretty, festive touch that also tastes amazing. Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature before you try to cut it.

Step 6: Cut and Store

Once firm, use the foil to lift the whole block out of the pan. Peel off the foil and cut the fudge into small squares—this recipe yields about 96, perfect for sharing! Store your fudge layers separated with waxed paper in airtight containers; it stays fresh and inviting for weeks.

How to Serve Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this fudge, I often sprinkle some extra chopped toasted walnuts or a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of the white chocolate drizzle for a lovely contrast. Sometimes I add a little edible glitter for holiday sparkle, which always impresses guests.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of peppermint tea or rich coffee. For holiday parties, I like to serve it alongside sugar cookies and spiced nuts—it creates a festive dessert table that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday tradition I adore is stacking my fudge squares on a tiered plate wrapped with red and green ribbons. Another fun idea is to wrap individual pieces in festive wax paper or cellophane tied with twine for easy gifting—it’s a handmade touch that people always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge in airtight containers, layered with waxed paper between the pieces to prevent sticking. I store it in a cool, dry place—not the fridge—because refrigeration can harden fudge too much, making it less creamy.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to make your Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe well in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge—this keeps the texture lovely and soft.

Reheating

If the fudge gets too firm from chilling, I just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. You can also gently warm small pieces in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to make them soft again, but be careful not to melt it completely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Walnut Chocolate Fudge Recipe has been a game changer in my holiday baking rotation. I still remember the first time I nailed the perfect texture and saw my family’s happy faces—pure joy. It’s one of those recipes that’s both nostalgic and impressive without a ton of fuss. You’ll be so glad you gave it a shot! I promise once you try it, it’ll become a holiday staple at your house too.

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