Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s rich, creamy, and guaranteed to be the hit of any holiday gathering, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe. This fudge is the kind of sweet that wraps you up in cozy nostalgia — silky chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and toasted walnuts all come together in an irresistible holiday hug. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe every December.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe plays a key role in delivering that classic texture and flavor. A quick tip: use good-quality chocolate chips and fresh marshmallows for the best melt and fluffiness.

• Sugar: Granulated white sugar ensures the perfect sweetness and structure.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess without thinning out the fudge.
• Butter: Cubed butter helps create that luscious smoothness.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: They melt easily and give that melt-in-your-mouth chocolatey base.
• Miniature Marshmallows: Make the fudge delightfully chewy and add a subtle sweetness.
• Unsweetened Chocolate: Adds depth and balances the sweetness.
• Chopped Walnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and an earthy contrast.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors perfectly.
• White Baking Chocolate: Melted for a beautiful and tasty drizzle finish.

Variations

While I usually stick to the classic version of this Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe, I absolutely love experimenting with different nuts and flavors. You should totally make it your own—after all, fudge is all about joyful indulgence.

• Nut-free Version: I’ve made this without walnuts for allergy-sensitive gatherings and just increased the marshmallows for extra gooeyness—it still turns out fantastic.
• Dark Chocolate Swap: Once, I swapped out the milk chocolate chips for bittersweet, giving it a deeper chocolate flavor my husband couldn’t stop raving about.
• Festive Add-ins: For a holiday twist, add crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cinnamon—my friends loved the surprise kick.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based chocolate chips to make a vegan-friendly fudge with the same velvety texture.

How to Make Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Gather Ingredients

I always start by lining a 13×9-inch pan with foil—it’s easier to lift the fudge out when it’s set, plus clean-up’s a breeze! Don’t forget to spray the foil lightly with cooking spray, or your fudge might stick. Then, measure out all your ingredients; once you start boiling, the process moves fast, so having everything ready is a lifesaver.

Step 2: Bring Sugar, Evaporated Milk, and Butter to Boil

Pour the sugar, evaporated milk, and cubed butter into a heavy Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Stir constantly because once this mixture reaches a rapid boil, it has a tendency to scorch if left unattended. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes — this step is crucial for getting the fudge’s classic texture. It took me a couple tries to get that timing right, so watch for a nice, steady boil without splattering.

Step 3: Melt in Your Chocolate and Marshmallows

Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the milk chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped unsweetened chocolate. You’ll notice everything starts melting into a rich, creamy mixture right away. Fold in the toasted walnuts and vanilla extract last. This mixture thickens fast, so don’t wait to spread it into your prepared pan—the sooner, the better!

Step 4: Spread, Drizzle, and Chill

Spread the fudge evenly in your foil-lined pan, then drizzle melted white baking chocolate on top for that festive, professional touch. When I first tried the drizzle, it took me a little practice to get just the right balance so it didn’t overwhelm but still looked charming. Pop the pan into the fridge and let it cool completely before cutting into squares. Patience here means clean slices and no crumbling.

How to Serve Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the white chocolate drizzle shine as the star garnish. But if I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle crushed candy canes or a dusting of edible glitter over the top. It’s not just pretty—those little touches add festive texture and zing that your guests will notice instantly.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of holiday coffee or one of those seasonal spiced teas. For parties, I like to serve it alongside fresh fruit and a cheese board to balance out the richness. It’s also killer with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if you want to really indulge.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation tricks is layering the fudge squares between pieces of festive wax paper inside a decorative tin—perfect as a gift. I’ve also arranged small fudge bites on a tiered dessert platter with sprigs of holly for parties. It turns an everyday sweet into a holiday centerpiece that everyone can’t stop raving about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in airtight containers, layering pieces with wax paper to keep them from sticking. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks—though I warn you, freezer life is shorter because fudge loves to absorb other fridge smells quickly.

Freezing

Freeze your fudge by wrapping each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. I’ve found it keeps well for about 3 months. When thawed, the texture might be a tiny softer but still utterly delicious.

Reheating

If you want to soften fudge for easier cutting or serving, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) does the trick. Just be careful not to overheat or you’ll lose that perfect fudgy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Christmas Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings everyone around the table with smiles and seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s the perfect balance of rich chocolate, sweet marshmallow softness, and nutty crunch that reminds me of cozy holiday mornings. I honestly can’t recommend it enough. So go ahead—make a batch, share it with family or friends, and prepare to have a new holiday favorite!

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