If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday treat that absolutely melts in your mouth, Christmas Fudge is your answer! This delightful confection is lusciously chocolatey, decadently smooth, and decorated for the season, making it a festive centerpiece on any dessert platter. Rich with the unmistakable flavor of chocolate and a hint of vanilla, it’s the kind of treat that beckons you to sneak “just one more” piece. Plus, it’s wonderfully simple to make, meaning you can whip up a batch in no time for parties, gift boxes, or just to enjoy while wrapping presents. Every square of this Christmas Fudge delivers pure magic—and your friends and family are sure to feel the holiday spirit with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Fudge lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings something important to the table. From the rich chocolate base to the creamy smoothness and festive toppings, each component plays a starring role in creating a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3 cups): Provide the deep, chocolatey foundation and lovely balance of sweetness for the fudge.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-oz can): The key to a silky-smooth, creamy texture that holds the fudge together.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds an extra layer of richness and helps the fudge set perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances and rounds out the flavor to keep the chocolate from overpowering.
- Salt (¼ tsp): A small amount boosts all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness for better balance.
- Optional toppings – crushed candy canes, sprinkles, chopped nuts, dried fruit: These add pops of color, texture, and even a seasonal crunch or chew to every bite!
How to Make Christmas Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang along the edges. This step makes it incredibly easy to lift the Christmas Fudge out later—there’s nothing worse than battling a sticky treat when you’re eager to dig in! Smooth the parchment into the corners so the fudge sets up with nice, sharp edges.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Combine your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon. The magic moment happens quickly, and you want it to become glossy and completely smooth—with no chocolate lumps left behind. Keep the heat gentle so nothing scorches.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Seasoning
Once the mixture is silky and fully melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. It may seem like a small step, but this is where the character of your Christmas Fudge really comes alive! The vanilla adds warmth, while the salt sharpens the flavor so it’s not just one-note sweetness.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Pour the thick, luscious fudge into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth the top for a polished look. It will start to set as it cools, so don’t dawdle! This is also your opportunity to create a beautiful, festive surface with optional toppings.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Now for the most fun part! Sprinkle on crushed candy canes, colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit—press them in gently so they stay put. Each topping brings its own texture and festive personality, making your Christmas Fudge as eye-catching as it is tasty.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Pop the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely firm to the touch. The waiting might feel like torture, but this chilling time ensures you get clean, neat squares without any gooey mess.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!
When the fudge is set, use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into 36 bite-sized squares. It’s time to enjoy your masterpiece—share it with friends or sneak a square for yourself (I certainly won’t tell)!
How to Serve Christmas Fudge
Garnishes
This is your golden opportunity to make each square of Christmas Fudge shimmer and shine! Classic garnishes like crushed candy canes give a frosty, peppermint crunch, while sparkling sprinkles add color and a playful spirit. For a sophisticated twist, try a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted white chocolate in pretty swirls.
Side Dishes
Christmas Fudge is beautiful on its own, but pairing it with other seasonal treats makes for a show-stopping dessert spread. Arrange it alongside a platter of gingerbread cookies, buttery shortbread, or fruitcake bites. Fudge also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, eggnog, or fresh coffee—perfect for cozying up on chilly nights.
Creative Ways to Present
For truly special gift-giving, layer squares of Christmas Fudge between sheets of parchment in holiday tins or clear gift bags tied with ribbon. Or, create a luxe dessert board by mixing fudge with candied nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. You can even skewer cubes onto lollipop sticks for an adorable (and portable) sweet treat at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay creamy and delicious for up to two weeks—just try to keep it hidden from family raiders if you want it to last!
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead or have made a big batch, Christmas Fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares or the whole block tightly in parchment and then in foil or a freezer bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months, ready for any last-minute holiday cravings.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat Christmas Fudge, but if you love that just-melted texture, leave a few pieces at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. They’ll become extra silky and inviting—ideal for those who adore a softer bite.
FAQs
Can I add other flavors to this fudge?
Yes! Swirl in a touch of peppermint extract, orange zest, or even espresso powder to put your own signature twist on Christmas Fudge. Just a little goes a long way to transform the flavor.
What if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?
No worries—chopped semi-sweet chocolate bars, milk chocolate chips, or even a blend will all work. Using darker chocolate will make the fudge richer, while milk chocolate will make it sweeter and lighter.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
Not at all! This Christmas Fudge recipe is truly no-fuss. The ingredients come together smoothly on the stovetop, and you never need to worry about reaching a certain temperature.
How do I get clean, neat squares?
For perfect pieces, wipe your knife clean between cuts and use a sharp blade. Chilling the fudge thoroughly before slicing makes a world of difference!
Are there dairy-free or vegan alternatives?
Absolutely! Use vegan chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. The process is the same, so you can share Christmas Fudge with everyone at your table.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Fudge is one of those magical recipes that guarantees smiles and sweet memories. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or treating yourself to a seasonal bite, it’s sure to become a new holiday tradition in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, invite someone special to help, and enjoy the joy (and chocolate!) of making Christmas Fudge together.
Print
Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 36 small squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this rich and creamy Christmas Fudge. Made with a handful of ingredients, this no-bake treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed candy canes
- Sprinkles
- Chopped nuts
- Dried fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir until smooth.
- Add Flavors: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour and Chill: Pour mixture into the pan, add optional toppings, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Serve: Lift fudge out of the pan using parchment overhang, cut into squares.
Notes
- For a festive twist, swirl in white chocolate or peppermint extract.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small square
- Calories: ~130 kcal
- Sugar: ~13 g
- Sodium: ~25 mg
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~16 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~2 g
- Cholesterol: ~8 mg
