Classic Christmas Fudge Recipe
If you’re looking for pure holiday bliss in a bite, Classic Christmas Fudge is hands-down the treat that delivers every single time. With its luscious, velvety chocolate base and festive toppings, this fudge captures all the coziness and nostalgia you crave around the holidays. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet luxurious enough to wow your family and friends at every gathering. Whether you jazz it up with nuts or keep it unfussy with just sprinkles, every piece promises a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess — truly the ultimate holiday indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this fudge lies in its handful of classic staples, each one playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or festive flair. Every ingredient works in perfect harmony to create that signature melt-in-your-mouth result you know and love.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (3 cups): The rich, decadent backbone of your fudge – opt for quality chips for a smooth, glossy finish and deep chocolate flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-oz can): This magical ingredient brings the fudge together, delivering unbeatable creaminess and just the right level of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Butter rounds out the flavor and gives your fudge its signature silky texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the chocolate, giving that homemade touch.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch deepens the chocolate notes and balances all the sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Stir these in for delightful crunch and a nutty twist that makes each bite special.
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies (1/4 cup, optional topping): For a seriously festive finish, sprinkle these on top for color, crunch, and holiday charm.
How to Make Classic Christmas Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This step guarantees you’ll be able to lift out the fudge effortlessly, making for easy, neat slicing later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon — you’ll see everything melt together into a glossy, rich pool of chocolate in about 5 minutes. Keep that heat low and be patient; this is how you avoid scorching!
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
Once everything’s melty and smooth, take the pan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, which will really wake up the flavors and give your Classic Christmas Fudge that crave-worthy depth everyone loves.
Step 4: Fold in the Nuts
If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to gently fold them in. Walnuts or pecans both add a wonderfully toasty crunch that pairs so well with silky chocolate. Feel free to skip if you prefer a nut-free fudge.
Step 5: Pour and Top
Quickly pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into all the corners. For that special holiday sparkle, immediately sprinkle the top with your favorite holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Slide the pan into the fridge and let the fudge set for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm to the touch. Once chilled, use the parchment to lift the whole block out, then cut it into small, irresistible squares. The moment you see those even, chocolaty edges, you’ll know it’s the real deal!
How to Serve Classic Christmas Fudge
Garnishes
Dress up your squares of Classic Christmas Fudge with a final flurry of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of festive colored sugar, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra pizzazz. If you want to go big on wintery vibes, tuck a few crushed peppermint pieces on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your fudge with mugs of hot cocoa, strong espresso, or a spiced holiday tea. For parties, arrange the fudge alongside a cheese board for a fun and sophisticated sweet-and-savory combo. The fudge’s richness also contrasts beautifully with fresh berries or citrus segments.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap squares of Classic Christmas Fudge in festive cellophane or place in decorative tins for heartfelt homemade gifts. At gatherings, style them on a platter with other holiday cookies and candies, or skewer pieces on lollipop sticks for a playful twist — the possibilities are as fun as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fudge is never a bad thing! Keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay perfectly fresh and indulgent for up to two weeks. Layer parchment between squares to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you need your holiday treats to last even longer, fudge freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual squares or the whole block tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag. Enjoy within three months for the best flavor and texture — simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Classic Christmas Fudge is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so skip the microwave. If your fudge feels a touch too firm out of the fridge, let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes to reach that dreamily smooth, creamy consistency.
FAQs
What type Dessert
Semisweet chocolate chips are the classic choice because they strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate flavor and sweetness, but you can play with a mix of semisweet and dark chocolate for deeper, more sophisticated notes.
Can I make Classic Christmas Fudge without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are entirely optional. If you need a nut-free version, just leave them out — the fudge will still be wonderfully creamy and satisfying without them.
How do I prevent my fudge from becoming grainy?
The key is gentle, even heat. Melt everything slowly over low heat and stir constantly until smooth. This prevents any sugar crystal formation and keeps your Classic Christmas Fudge lush and creamy every time.
Can kids help make Classic Christmas Fudge?
Definitely! Kids love stirring, pouring, and especially adding the toppings. Just be sure to handle the stovetop parts, and let little ones get creative with holiday sprinkles or decorations.
Is this fudge gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in Classic Christmas Fudge are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the labels on your chocolate chips and decorations, as some brands may process them in facilities that handle gluten.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how a simple pan of Classic Christmas Fudge can bring instant holiday magic to your kitchen. Whether you make it for a party, a gift, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try and share a little sweetness this season — your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Classic Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 small squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Classic Christmas Fudge. This easy, no-bake dessert is a perfect treat for the holiday season, with a decadent chocolate flavor and optional festive toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir until smooth.
- Finish the Fudge: Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt. Fold in nuts if desired. Pour into pan, spread evenly, and top with sprinkles or peppermint.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, mix semisweet and dark chocolate chips.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer shelf life. Allow to sit at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
