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Festive homemade fudge displayed on a holiday-themed plate.

Festive Homemade Fudge

A quick and simple recipe for rich and creamy chocolate fudge, perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fudge Base
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk Opt for unsweetened condensed milk for a less sugary base.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice) Can omit for a nut-free alternative or replace with crispy rice cereal.
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries or festive sprinkles

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Prepare your 8-inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing a little overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  3. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract until fully blended.
  4. Add in your chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, and dried cranberries (or festive sprinkles) to the warm fudge mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  6. Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, then refrigerate for about 1 hour until fully set.
  7. Once set, lift the fudge out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Storage Tips: Keep the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for extended freshness. Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding peppermint extract for a minty twist or incorporate different chocolate types for unique flavor profiles. Dietary Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream in place of sweetened condensed milk.