Mom'S Christmas Fudge
Mom's Christmas Fudge offers a rich, creamy treat with cherries and walnuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, combining classic flavors in a nostalgic confection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sugar, milk, butter, and salt into a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Cook at a moderate rate, stirring occasionally, until it forms a soft ball.
- Remove from heat immediately and set the pan in cold water.
- Don't stir or beat until the candy is thick, creamy, and loses its shine.
- When at setting point, add cherries and nuts and fold in quickly.
- Pour into a buttered 8-inch pan and let stand at room temperature until firm.
- Cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fudge, make sure to stir constantly while bringing the mixture to a boil. If you don’t have candied cherries, dried cranberries can be a great substitute. You can also experiment with different nuts or add chocolate chips for a richer flavor. For a festive twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into small squares and serve as a delightful treat during holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate, making it a perfect addition to your dessert table. For a festive platter, consider including a selection of other holiday treats like Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Drops.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, which can extend its freshness for up to three weeks. To enjoy later, simply let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Christmas Fudge contains roughly 244 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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
How do I know when the fudge is at the right consistency?
The fudge is ready when it forms a soft ball in cold water (around 234°F or 112°C). To test, drop a small amount of the fudge into cold water; if it holds its shape but is still soft, it's time to remove it from heat and let it cool.
Can I add different flavors to the fudge?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding mint extract, almond extract, or even swirls of peanut butter. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the overall balance of sweetness in the fudge.
What can I do if my fudge turns out too soft?
If your fudge is too soft and doesn't set, you can remelt it gently in a saucepan and cook it a bit longer until it reaches the soft ball stage again. Then, pour it back into the pan to cool and set properly.
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).