There is simply nothing like the rich, creamy joy of a classic holiday treat, and this Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe truly takes the festive spirit to the next level. Bursting with layers of chocolate, toasted walnuts, and that perfect hint of vanilla, every bite melts in your mouth with luxurious sweetness and texture. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or saving a batch for yourself, this fudge offers the ultimate combination of nostalgia and indulgence that makes holiday celebrations extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients will set you up for success with this Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in the fudge’s creamy texture, rich flavor, and delightful crunch—making sure every bite is pure holiday magic.
- Sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create the luscious fudge base.
- Evaporated milk: Adds creamy richness and smooth consistency without extra water.
- Butter, cubed: Gives the fudge its silky mouthfeel and deep flavor.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melt into a dreamy chocolate foundation for the fudge.
- Miniature marshmallows: Contribute to the fudge’s fluffiness and help with smooth texture.
- Unsweetened chocolate, chopped: Balances sweetness with a deep, bittersweet chocolate kick.
- Chopped walnuts, toasted: Offer a crunchy contrast and toasty nutty note.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic undertones.
- White baking chocolate, melted: Adds a festive, decorative drizzle with a touch of creamy sweetness.
How to Make Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by lining a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, making sure the foil overhangs the sides for easy removal later. Then, lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to keep your fudge from sticking. This step ensures smooth, clean squares when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Base Mixture
In a heavy Dutch oven, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until the mixture reaches a rapid boil. Keep stirring and allow it to boil for 5 full minutes to develop the perfect creamy base consistency that will set your fudge beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate and Marshmallows
Remove your pot from the heat and quickly stir in the milk chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped unsweetened chocolate. The residual heat will melt everything into a silky, luscious chocolate blend—this step is where the magic of the Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe really starts to take shape.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Nuts
Gently fold in the toasted chopped walnuts and vanilla extract, taking care not to overmix so the fluffy texture stays intact. The walnuts bring a wonderful mouthwatering crunch, while the vanilla deepens all the rich chocolate notes throughout the fudge.
Step 5: Set the Fudge
Immediately pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top carefully with a spatula to create that classic fudge look. This quick transfer is crucial to ensure even setting and that velvety finish.
Step 6: Drizzle Topping
For an elegant holiday touch, drizzle melted white baking chocolate over the fudge’s surface. This contrast of white and dark chocolate not only looks beautiful but adds a delicate sweetness that complements the rich base.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature until it firms up nicely. Then, use the foil edges to lift the entire block out of the pan. Carefully peel away the foil and cut the fudge into 96 small, delightful squares that are perfect for sharing (or sneaking a few yourself!).
How to Serve Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
A few festive garnishes can elevate this fudge even further. Try sprinkling crushed candy canes or a dusting of sea salt on top of the white chocolate drizzle for a holiday sparkle and flavor twist. A light sprinkle of edible gold flakes also makes for a glamorous presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve your fudge alongside cozy beverages like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced cider to complement its rich chocolate flavor. It also makes a sweet finish to holiday dinner parties when paired with fresh fruit or a cheese board for interesting contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual fudge squares in colorful parchment or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts. Arrange them on tiered dessert trays adorned with evergreen sprigs or berries to create a stunning centerpiece that invites guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you want to keep this fudge fresh and ready for snacking, store the pieces in airtight containers with waxed paper layered between them. Keep the containers at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight, and they should stay deliciously soft and chewy for up to two weeks.
Freezing
For longer storage, fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When properly frozen, your fudge can last for up to three months without any loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your fudge slightly softer, simply let frozen pieces thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture; gentle thawing preserves the perfect creamy consistency of the Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe.
FAQs
Can I substitute different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a classic crunch, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can all be wonderful alternatives. Just be sure to toast them lightly to bring out their best flavor.
How long does it take for the fudge to set?
It typically takes a few hours at room temperature for the fudge to firm up completely. If you’re in a hurry, placing it in the refrigerator can speed up the process, but for the best texture, slow setting is preferred.
Is it possible to make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?
Because this recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients, vegan or dairy-free versions would require special substitutes like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and non-dairy chocolate chips. It takes some experimentation, but with the right ingredients, you can still enjoy a festive fudge treat!
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is recommended due to its concentrated creaminess which gives fudge its rich texture. Using regular milk will introduce extra moisture and could affect setting, so if you must substitute, reduce the quantity slightly and monitor consistency carefully.
Why do I need to cook the sugar mixture for exactly 5 minutes?
The 5-minute boil ensures the sugar and milk mixture reaches the correct temperature and consistency to achieve that soft, creamy fudge texture. Under- or over-cooking can result in fudge that is too soft or grainy, so timing is key.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe has all the heart and warmth you want to share during the holidays. Its creamy, dreamy chocolate layers plus toasted nuts make every bite a celebration. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this beloved favorite as much as I do—it’s a timeless holiday treat that never fails to impress and delight.
Print
Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 96 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe offers a rich, creamy, and nutty treat perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Combining melted milk chocolate, marshmallows, and toasted walnuts with a smooth fudgy base, it is finished with a decorative drizzle of white baking chocolate. The candy is made on the stovetop and sets firm for easy slicing into bite-sized squares, making it a festive addition to any holiday dessert platter.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 4–1/2 cups sugar
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
Chocolate and Mix-ins
- 2 packages (11-1/2 ounces each) milk chocolate chips
- 4–1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 3 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 4 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil and coat it with cooking spray to ensure the fudge can be easily removed once set.
- Cook the Base Mixture: In a heavy Dutch oven, combine sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter. Bring to a rapid boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Once boiling, continue to cook and stir for 5 minutes to achieve the proper consistency.
- Combine Chocolate and Marshmallows: Remove the pot from the heat. Quickly stir in the milk chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped unsweetened chocolate until everything melts smoothly.
- Add Flavor and Nuts: Fold in the toasted chopped walnuts and vanilla extract gently to distribute evenly without deflating the mixture.
- Set the Fudge: Immediately pour and spread the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Drizzle Topping: Drizzle the melted white baking chocolate over the top for decorative appeal and extra flavor.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature until firm. Use the foil to lift the fudge out of the pan, then remove the foil and cut into 96 small squares.
- Storage: Store fudge pieces between layers of waxed paper inside airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure constant stirring during boiling to prevent the mixture from burning or sticking to the pot.
- Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor; toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- The fudge will firm up better if cooled at room temperature rather than refrigerated to avoid crystallization.
- Use gloves or a gentle hand when folding in nuts and vanilla to keep the fudge light and airy.
- Cutting into small squares (96 pieces) makes the fudge perfect for holiday parties and gifting.
