Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (2024)

I totally love Christmas fudge and luckily it is incredibly easy to make fudge as homemade treats and simple DIY Christmas gifts.

You don’t need fancy ingredients as you can whip up quick fudge with nothing more than a can of condensed milk and butter.

And you can even make Christmas fudge in your microwave or slow cooker – it seriously is that simple.

So I have for you here a guide to all the best Christmas fudge recipes in all sorts of Christmas flavours :

  • Gingerbread
  • Eggnog
  • Candy cane
  • White Christmas
  • Peppermint
  • Gumdrops
  • And Christmas pudding!!

PLUS easy fudge recipes for classic :

  • Old fashioned brown sugar fudge
  • Peanut butter
  • Salted caramel
  • Chocolate marshmallow
  • Rocky road
  • Lemon meringue
  • And red velvet.

There’s also Christmas toffee recipes and the must know secret to making the perfect creamy fudge every time.

Enjoy … !!!

Table of Contents

Easy Microwave Fudge

The very best easy way to make Christmas fudge if you’ve never made it before is in the microwave.

You can whip up a batch in minutes with just the 3 ingredients of :

  1. Condensed milk
  2. Butter
  3. Chocolate chips.

Making microwave fudge couldn’t be easier & it is a good way to make fudge with young kids as you’re not handling a hot pan on the stove.

Your fudge will need at least 4 hours in the fridge to set – ideally overnight – so build the time into your plan.

Easy Slow Cooker Fudge

Christmas fudge is also super easy to make in your slow cooker.

It will obviously take longer but it is easier to make big batches for DIY Christmas gifts or party favours.

This easy slow cooker chocolate fudge recipe uses just condensed milk and chocolate chips and has simple step by step instructions.

White Christmas Fudge

White Christmas fudge makes lovely homemade gifts as you can add extras like dried cranberry that look gorgeously Christmasy against the creamy whiteness of the fudge.

I have two brilliant white Christmas fudge recipes for you here.

The first is an easy microwave fudge recipe with condensed milk whilst the second is made on the stove.

Personally, I adore condensed milk but I know not everyone does.

If that’s you, this classic white Christmas fudge recipe with milk and icing (confectionary) sugar is a lovely alternative …

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (2)

White Chocolate Caramel Fudge

For even more decadence you have to try this white chocolate caramel fudge. It’s a simple white chocolate fudge with added pecans BUT then has caramel sauce on top!!

White Chocolate Christmas Swirl Fudge

This white chocolate Christmas fudge with seasonal swirls is a super simple fun option for kids …

The recipe gives instruction for making on the stove but again you can make a microwave version.

Martha Stewart Christmas Chocolate Fudge

Martha Stewart’s marshmallow chocolate fudge is a wonderfully creamy Christmas fudge recipe.

She actually has two versions.

The quicker marshmallow fudge uses evaporated milk and can be made via stove or microwave as in the easy microwave fudge above.

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (3)

Her second chocolate marshmallow fudge recipe uses cream for a luxuriously creamy fudge finish.

You have to take it slowly so the cream doesn’t separate. If by any chance it does use this simple trick :

  1. Take the pan off the heat
  2. Peel a small potato
  3. Stir it whole & raw into the mixture
  4. … like magic your cream is sorted!
  5. Then whip the potato out
  6. And carry on making the fudge.

It sounds crazy I know, but I promise you it really does save the day!

Christmas Pudding Fudge Recipe

If you are a fellow Brit and adore Christmas pudding you have to try making Christmas pudding fudge.

It has all the boozily spicy, scrumptiousness of Christmas pud intensely condensed into a tiny melt in your mouth fragment of fudge.

The recipe is laced with rum and made on the stove but you could add the Christmas pudding flavours to the easy microwave fudge recipe.

For the richest flavour it is worth soaking the dried fruit in rum, sherry or brandy for 24 hours in advance as in this Christmas pudding fudge.

You could even add some actual Christmas pudding to your Christmas pudding fudge – heaven!

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (4)

Gingerbread Fudge

Gingerbread is my fave Christmas cookie and we always devour big batches of these gingerbreads rich in molasses, cinnamon & cloves.

If your family are huge gingerbread fans like mine, you can recreate that gorgeous gingerbready flavour with this gingerbread fudge recipe

Again, you can make the fudge in the microwave with the easy microwave fudge method if you prefer.

Eggnog Christmas Fudge

Eggnog is another fabulous flavour to add to your Christmas fudge.

This microwaved eggnog Christmas fudge recipe is super simple made with bought eggnog …

If like me you are in the UK where eggnog is less available try this eggnog fudge recipe from Waitrose.

Or for a really creamy eggnog recipe try this stove top eggnog fudge with marshmallow creme …

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (5)

Peanut Butter Fudge

The wonderful thing about fudge as a DIY gift is you can easily customise it with the favourite Christmas flavours of your family & friends.

So if you have big peanut butter fans in your family you have to make them peanut butter fudge.

This fabulously creamy peanut butter fudge recipe is super simple to make in the microwave …

Old Fashioned Brown Sugar Fudge

My grandpa made good old fashioned brown sugar fudge to perfection when I was small.

Stupidly I don’t have his original recipe but this old fashioned crumbly fudge comes very close.

If you love fudge super creamy rather than crumbly try this old fashioned brown sugar fudge instead …

If you are making traditional stove top fudge it’s also worth checking out this old fashioned brown sugar fudge recipe as it has great fudge making tips on adjusting the temperature to get either a super creamy or a crumblier finish.

Peppermint Christmas Fudge

Peppermint oozes Christmas spirit and you can whip up all sorts of delicious Christmas peppermint recipes easily for heart warming treats including peppermint fudge:

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (6)

It’s a simple stove top fudge recipe with marshmallows and evaporated milk but to simplify even more just :

  1. Make easy microwave fudge
  2. Add 1/4 tsp peppermint essence
  3. Smash peppermint candy cane
  4. Sprinkle on top of fudge.

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

You can of course also make white chocolate peppermint fudge

It looks incredibly pretty on the Christmas table if you are channeling a Scandinavian rustic or minimalist vibe with your decorations.

Candy Cane Christmas Fudge

Candy cane is a super pretty way to decorate both Christmas cookies and fudge so they work with your Christmas table decor

You could make this lovely white chocolate candy cane fudge

Or go full monty with chocolate chip candy cane Christmas fudge

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (7)

Gumdrops Christmas Fudge

Gumdrops are another pretty kid-friendly flavour for Christmas fudge.

And this gumdrops Christmas fudge recipe is super simple. It’s basically our easy microwave recipe with white chocolate and chopped gumdrops stirred in …

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (8)

Salted Caramel Fudge

Salted caramel is a great grown up flavour for your Christmas fudge.

This microwave salted caramel fudge is super simple. It just adds brown sugar to the basic easy microwave fudge recipe and uses white rather than dark chocolate :

Or for something more adventurous try this salted caramel fudge with a layer of dark chocolate on top …

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (9)

Red Velvet Fudge

This red velvet fudge is another seriously beautiful fudge that will look stunning as part of your Christmas table decorations

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (10)

It’s not the simplest Christmas fudge recipe but it does look gorgeous.

Rocky Road Fudge

For a more kid-friendly option try this microwave rocky road fudge recipe. It is made with condensed milk, peanuts and marshmallows …

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (11)

If you’d rather make your Christmas fudge without condensed milk try this rocky road fudge recipe instead. It’s still simple but is butter based :

Lemon Meringue Fudge

Lemon meringue fudge may not seem so Christmasy but tangy citrus flavours give a delicious cut through contrast to all the rich spicy and chocolate food we’re eating.

So give this wonderfully pretty lemon meringue fudge recipe a try:

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (12)

And if you do fancy luscious lemon dishes in your Christmas spread check out these fabulous salted lemons and lemon curd recipes.

Really Easy Toffee

If toffee is your thing rather than fudge – or if like me you think both are scrummy – try this easy homemade toffee

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (13)

Or give this English toffee with almonds and walnuts a go …

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (14)

And there you go. A huge collection of the very best and creamiest easy Christmas fudge recipes you can make in your microwave in all sorts of Christmas flavours. I do hope you enjoy them as much as we have.

For more super simple Christmas ideas do check out these other posts :

  • 50 Stunning Christmas Desserts
  • 30 Classic Christmas Cookies.
  • 12 Christmas Cake Pop Ideas
  • 10 Best Christmas Cakes
  • 10 Christmas Candy Recipes
  • 18 Homemade Preserves To Make As Christmas Gifts
Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (15)

Other images : Alexandra E Rust

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Valuable tips for successful fudge
  • Don't stir during cooking. Fudge can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave. ...
  • Avoid crystallization. During cooking, sugar crystals can stick to the sides of the pan. ...
  • Let cool before beating. After being cooked, the sugar must crystallize again to create fudge. ...
  • Beat the mixture.

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

Why won't my 3 ingredient fudge set? This often happens when the condensed milk and chocolate chip mixture isn't hot enough to start. Everything must be completely melted before it is transferred to the pan to cool.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has come to a boil, do not stir it. If you do, the sugar can crystallize, giving your fudge a gritty texture. As you beat the fudge, pay attention to color and texture. Once the fudge loses its sheen and thickens, put down your spoon.

How to make fudge more solid? ›

How do you fix fudge that is too soft? Bring the fudge back to a boil with 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of cream. If your fudge is soft or runny, it probably didn't come up to a high enough temperature while it was cooking. Put it back into the saucepan and add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of 35% fat whipping cream.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer

Another key part of a successful fudge texture is when you stir the mixture. Stirring the sugar and milk during the initial stages of cooking allows the sugar to dissolve. However, once the mixture comes to a boil, it's time to put the spoon down.

Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›

How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

How do you cut fudge so it doesn't crumble? ›

If you have difficulty cutting or if the fudge crumbles with the cuts, try warming the metal knife (or wheel or whatever) in hot water between cuts. Wipe the hot knife dry before cutting. Whatever you use, always wipe the cutting implement clean between cuts.

Why is fudge so hard to make? ›

Making fudge can be a challenging endeavor, requiring precision and attention to detail to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. The process of making fudge involves a delicate balance of cooking, cooling, and beating, and the smallest mistake can result in fudge that is too soft or too hard.

How long do you boil fudge to get to soft ball stage? ›

How long does it take to make fudge:
  1. about 18 min to reach boiling.
  2. about 40 minutes to reach soft ball stage.
  3. 60 minutes to cool.
  4. 28 minutes to beat in a KitchenAid (your time for this may vary)
  5. 4 hours to set.

What to do with failed fudge? ›

Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

Why did my fudge turn out like taffy? ›

If the temperature is too low, the fudge will be too soft and sticky, and if it's too high, it will turn into a hard, crumbly mess. The ideal temperature to cook fudge is between 232-234 degrees F (111-112 degrees C).

What ingredient makes fudge hard? ›

Too cooked

At this temperature, the sugar is too concentrated and there is not enough water left to form syrup around sugar crystals. The result is hard and brittle fudge. To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.)

How to tell if fudge is ready without a thermometer? ›

Using a clean spoon, carefully take a little of the syrup and drop it into the bowl of cold water. Leave to cool for a moment then pick up the ball of syrup. If it's pliable, sticky and can be moulded in your fingers easily, it has reached the soft ball stage and the syrup can be used to make fudge and marzipan.

What is the best pan to make fudge in? ›

Secondly, the pot's material should allow for good heat distribution hence your top choice should be copper cookware or a pot with a copper core. Copper's exceptional heat conductivity offers unparalleled temperature control, an asset when working with finicky ingredients like sugar.

What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

How do you describe high quality fudge? ›

Principles of quality fudge

The key to creamy, luscious fudge is controlling crystal formation. If the sucrose (table sugar) crystals are small, the fudge will feel creamy and smooth on your tongue. But if the crystals are large, the fudge develops a crumbly, dry, or even coarse texture.

What causes fudge to be too soft? ›

Too Soft or Too Hard Fudge

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

References

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