Holiday Chocolate Fudge
Rich, creamy, and festive, this holiday chocolate fudge combines semi-sweet chocolate, marshmallow cream, and candied fruits for a delightful treat perfect for sharing during celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine marshmallow cream, evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir over moderate heat until the mixture comes to a full rolling boil; boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Add chocolate pieces and vanilla; stir until smooth.
- Stir in candied fruits.
- Pour into a greased 8- or 9-inch square pan.
- Chill until the fudge is firm; then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. If you prefer a nuttier taste, chopped walnuts or pecans can be stirred in along with the candied fruits. In a pinch, you can substitute the evaporated milk with whole milk or cream, but the texture may vary slightly. Ensure to stir constantly during boiling to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Chocolate Fudge is perfect for holiday gatherings and makes a delightful gift when wrapped in decorative packaging. It pairs beautifully with a Rich 'N Creamy Milk Shake for a sweet treat. You can also serve it alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to three weeks. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly softened and not melted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Chocolate Fudge contains roughly 268 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg per serving (30% 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 fudge?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
What can I use instead of candied fruit?
If you don't have mixed candied fruit on hand, you can use dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or apricots, chopped into small pieces. Alternatively, you can omit the fruit altogether for a classic chocolate fudge experience.
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge is set when it feels firm to the touch and has a slightly glossy finish. If you're unsure, you can also do the 'cold water test' by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it holds its shape, it's ready to cut.
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).