Fruit Cake Fudge
A rich, fruity chocolate fudge combining candied fruits, nuts, and creamy marshmallow for a decadent treat perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into an 8-quart or larger bowl.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and evaporated milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil.
- Continue cooking over high heat until the mixture reaches 230°F (soft-ball stage).
- Remove from heat and pour the hot mixture over the ingredients in the bowl, stirring until the chocolate is dissolved.
- Spoon the mixture onto a prepared cookie sheet and spread it smooth.
- Allow the fudge to cool and set until firm.
- Cut into pieces and store tightly covered in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Fruit Cake Fudge, consider adding a splash of rum or whiskey to the mixture. If you don't have candied pineapple, dried fruit like apricots or raisins can be a great substitute. For a nuttier texture, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans. Ensure to stir constantly while cooking the sugar and evaporated milk to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Fruit Cake Fudge makes a delightful dessert on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Consider serving it alongside Fresh Apples With Caramel Sauce for a sweet contrast. For festive occasions, cut into small squares and arrange on a platter for easy sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For optimal freshness, it can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before placing in the container. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can microwave pieces for a few seconds until slightly softened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cake Fudge contains roughly 408 calories, with 4g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 549mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match various types of chocolate, like using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall sweetness of the fudge.
How can I tell when the fudge is done cooking?
The fudge is ready when it reaches the soft-ball stage at 230°F. You can also perform a simple test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it's done.
Can I freeze Fruit Cake Fudge?
Yes, you can freeze the fudge! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).