Holiday Fudge
Holiday Fudge is a rich, creamy treat perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet gift. Combining the deep flavor of semi-sweet chocolate with the smoothness of marshmallows and butter, it offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal for sharing with family and friends during special celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, evaporated milk, marshmallows, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook until it starts to boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in chocolate bits and vanilla until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered pan.
- Allow to cool and set, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier fudge, ensure the butter is fully melted before adding chocolate bits. If you don't have semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate or milk chocolate can be used as a substitute. For a twist, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the mixture. Remember to stir continuously to prevent burning, especially as it starts to boil.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares for an easy-to-serve treat during holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa, making it a delightful addition to dessert tables. Consider serving alongside other sweets like Crunchy Kisses or Apple Surprise Shurdel for a varied dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for a firmer texture, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fudge contains roughly 267 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is much sweeter and thicker than evaporated milk, so it’s not a direct substitute. If you opt to use it, reduce the sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What can I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge remains too soft, it may be due to insufficient cooking time. To fix this, try reheating the fudge gently and cooking it a bit longer until it reaches a soft ball stage (around 235°F). Pour it back into the pan to set again.
Can I add flavors to my fudge?
Absolutely! You can enhance the fudge by adding extracts like almond or mint for a different flavor profile. Just remember to add them after removing from heat, as high temperatures can diminish flavor potency.
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).