Easy Christmas Fudge: A Simple, No-Bake Holiday Treat

Welcome to the easiest Christmas fudge recipe you will ever make! This simple, no-bake holiday treat is perfect for busy parents and beginner bakers alike. You can whip up a batch quickly for last-minute holiday gifting or to add a festive touch to your dessert table. Get ready for guaranteed delicious results that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Fudge Recipe

This Christmas fudge is a holiday game-changer, and here’s why you will absolutely love it:

• Incredibly Easy & Foolproof: You only need a few common ingredients and simple steps. It truly is a beginner-friendly recipe.
• No Candy Thermometer Needed: Forget complex techniques; this recipe skips the fuss of precise temperature readings.
• Rich, Decadent Chocolate Flavor: Every bite delivers a luscious, intensely chocolatey experience that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Holiday Platters: These festive squares look beautiful and make an excellent addition to any seasonal spread.
• Customizable with Toppings: Easily adapt it to your taste with various sprinkles, nuts, or other fun additions.

Ingredients for Christmas Fudge

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful Christmas fudge. Using quality ingredients makes all the difference for a rich, smooth texture.

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for pan
• 2 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips (about 14 oz.; 60% to 70% cacao)
• 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 to 3 Tbsp. Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is absolutely essential for the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness. Do not substitute it with evaporated milk or regular milk. The thick consistency of condensed milk adds a luscious creaminess that gives homemade fudge a melt-in-your-mouth quality, as highlighted in various culinary resources.
• Chocolate Chips: For the best flavor, use good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (60-70% cacao). Milk chocolate can be used, but it will result in a much sweeter fudge.
• Butter, Vanilla, Salt: These balance the richness of the chocolate and enhance the overall flavor profile. Don’t skip the salt, as it truly brings out the chocolate notes.
• Sprinkles: Christmas sprinkles add a wonderful festive touch. Feel free to swap them for other holiday-themed candies or skip them entirely.

Equipment Needed

You likely have most of these essential tools in your kitchen already. They make the process of crafting this easy Christmas fudge seamless and enjoyable.

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Easy Christmas Fudge

Making this Christmas fudge is a straightforward process, perfect for a joyful holiday activity. Follow these easy steps to create your delicious treat.

1. Prepare Pan: First, generously butter an 8×8 inch baking pan. Then, line it with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper hangs over two opposite sides by about 2 inches; this creates handy “handles” for easy removal later. This step prevents sticking and makes lifting the set fudge out of the pan effortless.
2. Melt Ingredients: Next, combine the cubed unsalted butter, dark chocolate chips, the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Make sure all ingredients are ready before you start heating. The precise measurements for this simple Christmas fudge ensure perfect consistency.
3. Cook Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly with a rubber spatula. Continue stirring until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Constant stirring prevents scorching and ensures a uniform texture. Do not walk away from the stove during this crucial melting stage.
4. Pour into Pan: Immediately pour the hot, melted fudge mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Use your rubber spatula to scrape out all the delicious fudge from the saucepan. Spread the fudge evenly into the pan, gently smoothing the top with the back of your spatula or a spoon to create a flat surface. This creates a neat base for your toppings.
5. Add Toppings: While the fudge is still warm and unset, generously sprinkle your chosen Christmas sprinkles over the top. Gently press them down slightly if needed to ensure they adhere well to the warm fudge. This is the fun part where you can personalize your festive treat.
6. Chill: Transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely firm and set. You can also leave it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Proper chilling is vital for achieving that perfect sliceable fudge texture, so resist the urge to cut it too soon.
7. Cut & Serve: Once the fudge is firm, run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen any sticking. Use the parchment paper overhang “handles” to lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. If it feels difficult to remove, let the pan sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly warm the bottom, then try again. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into small, even squares, about 1½ inches each. Arrange your beautiful homemade Christmas fudge on a platter and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Fudge

Achieving perfect Christmas fudge is simple with these helpful tips. Keep them in mind to ensure your batch is always smooth and delicious.

• Don’t Overheat: Maintain medium heat and stir continuously. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or the fudge to become grainy.
• Achieve Smoothness: Use a sturdy rubber spatula or the back of a spoon to press out any lumps as you stir. Smoothness is key.
• Easy Removal: If your fudge resists coming out of the pan, let it warm slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. This helps release it.
• Clean Cuts: For neat squares, use a sharp, warm knife. You can warm it by running it under hot water, then wiping it dry between cuts.
• Prevent Sticking: When storing multiple layers of fudge, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer. This keeps them from sticking together.
• Troubleshooting: If your fudge turns out grainy, it likely overheated or cooked too long. Next time, cook just until smooth and then immediately remove from heat.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Christmas fudge offers many possibilities for enjoyment and customization. Share it, store it, or experiment with new flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Ideal for Cookie Exchanges: Package small squares of fudge in festive bags for a unique contribution.
• Festive Addition to Dessert Buffets: Arrange various flavors and colors on a holiday dessert table.
• Great with Coffee or Hot Cocoa: A small piece of rich fudge pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerated: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individual pieces or blocks well in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Food safety guidelines for homemade fudge emphasize proper storage to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. You can find more information on handling homemade candies safely to ensure they remain delicious and safe to eat.

Flavor Variations

• Nutty: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the fudge mixture before pouring into the pan.
• Candy Cane: Mix in 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes or peppermint candies once the fudge is off the heat. Sprinkle extra on top.
• White Chocolate: Swap the dark chocolate chips for good quality white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier fudge.
• Other Toppings: Experiment with mini M&M’s, dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Christmas Fudge Nutrition

Enjoying this delicious Christmas fudge means indulging in a rich, sweet treat. Remember that this recipe yields many servings, so a small square is usually sufficient.

Note: Nutrition facts are an estimate for the entire recipe and may vary based on specific brands and exact measurements. Serving size is a small square (approximately 1.5 inches).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What makes this fudge easy? This recipe is incredibly easy because it uses minimal ingredients and requires no special equipment like a candy thermometer, making it perfect for beginners.
• Why is my fudge grainy? Grainy fudge typically results from overheating the chocolate mixture or not stirring constantly. Cook it just until smooth and melted.
• Can I use different types of chocolate? Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Can I add nuts to this fudge? Absolutely! Stir in about 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, when the fudge is off the heat.
• How long does homemade fudge last? Homemade Christmas fudge lasts up to 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container, or up to 3 weeks if refrigerated.
• Can Christmas fudge be frozen? Yes, you can freeze fudge for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This easy Christmas fudge recipe brings pure holiday joy without any stress. It’s incredibly simple to make, requires no baking, and delivers rich, satisfying results every time. We encourage all home bakers, especially busy parents and beginners, to try this delightful recipe. Share your delicious creations and spread some sweetness this season!

Easy Christmas Fudge

A simple, no-bake holiday treat, this easy Christmas fudge combines rich dark chocolate with sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla, and a touch of salt, finished with festive sprinkles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 24 pieces

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter cubed, plus more for pan
• 2 1/2 c. dark chocolate chips about 14 oz.; 60% to 70% cacao
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14-oz.
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 to 3 Tbsp. Christmas sprinkles

Equipment

• 8" x 8" baking pan
• Medium saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board

Method

 

Instructions

1. Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by buttering and lining it with parchment paper. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, chocolate chips, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt, stirring until smooth and melted, then pour into the prepared pan.
2. Sprinkle the Christmas sprinkles over the fudge. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely set.
3. Loosen the fudge from the pan edges with a knife, then lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut the fudge into small, 1½-inch squares.

Notes

This easy, no-bake fudge is perfect for holiday gifting or sharing. Ensure chocolate is fully melted and smooth for the best texture. For easier cutting, let the fudge warm slightly if it's too firm directly from the fridge.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com