Christmas Fudge Joy

$- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans) - 1/4 cup mini marshmallows - Pinch of salt When measuring, use dry measuring cups for solids. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. Always level off the top of the measuring cup for dry ingredients. This ensures you get just the right amount. For sticky ingredients like sweetened condensed milk, use a spatula to scrape every bit from the cup. Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best fudge. Semi-sweet chips melt smoothly and add deep flavor. Use fresh sweetened condensed milk for creaminess. For peppermint candy canes, crush them just before use. This keeps them crunchy. Select fresh nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. The mini marshmallows should be soft and fluffy for a great bite. Quality ingredients make a big difference in taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure you leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the fudge out later. Smooth the paper to avoid any bumps. Now, take a medium saucepan and set it over low heat. Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Pour in 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir non-stop. Watch as it melts into a smooth mix. Once melted, take it off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This mix smells amazing! Next, fold in your add-ins. Add 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candy canes, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (or pecans), and 1/4 cup of mini marshmallows. Mix gently until they spread evenly. Pour this fudge mixture into your lined dish. Spread it out flat. Now, cover and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This helps the fudge set up firm. Once firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares and enjoy your holiday treat! To get the best fudge texture, keep the heat low. Melt the chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk slowly. Stir often to avoid burning. Once the mix is smooth, remove it from heat. This helps keep your fudge creamy and not grainy. Adding a pinch of salt boosts the chocolate flavor too. If your fudge is too soft, it might need more cooling time. Let it chill longer in the fridge. If it won’t set, try adding more chocolate chips next time. For a grainy texture, you likely overcooked the mixture. Remember, patience is key. Always stir gently to keep it smooth. Serve your fudge with style. Cut it into neat squares. Place them on a festive plate. For extra flair, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. This adds color and texture. You can also wrap fudge in pretty paper and give it as gifts. Everyone loves a sweet treat during the holidays! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate chips significantly impacts the fudge's flavor. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate with a high cocoa content for richer taste. Chill Before Cutting: Make sure to let the fudge chill completely before cutting it into squares. This will help maintain clean edges and prevent it from crumbling. Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your fudge by adding other mix-ins like dried fruits, different nuts, or flavored extracts for a unique twist. Store Properly: Keep your fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from getting sticky or losing its texture. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of Christmas fudge with fun add-ins. Try different nuts like pecans or almonds. They add a nice crunch. You can also use dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, for a sweet twist. If you love spice, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. This makes your fudge more festive and unique. If you need a vegan version, swap the sweetened condensed milk. Use coconut milk or almond milk with a thickener. You can also find vegan chocolate chips to keep it totally plant-based. For gluten-free fudge, make sure your chocolate chips are gluten-free. Most brands are safe, but always check the label. Make your fudge look special for the holidays. Use holiday-themed molds, like stars or trees. You can also drizzle white chocolate on top for a snowy effect. Consider adding edible glitter to make it shimmer. These small touches make your fudge a treat to see and eat during the holiday season. To keep your Christmas Fudge Joy fresh, use an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and air. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers of fudge to avoid sticking. If you have a lot of fudge, stack them with care. Always store your fudge in the fridge. The cold helps keep it firm and tasty. If you plan to share it later, take small portions to avoid opening the whole batch. This keeps the rest safe from air and humidity. Your fudge will stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your tasty treat! To cut fudge, use a sharp knife. First, chill the fudge in the fridge. Once firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth after each cut. This keeps the edges clean and neat. Yes, you can use different chocolates. Dark chocolate adds richness. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter taste. White chocolate creates a creamier texture. You can mix chocolates for a unique flavor. Just make sure to keep the same amount as the recipe states. To make fudge firmer, add more chocolate. This gives it a denser texture. You can also chill it longer in the fridge. To soften fudge, use less chocolate or more sweetened condensed milk. Heat the fudge slightly before serving if it’s too hard. This blog post covered everything you need to make the perfect fudge. We discussed ingredients, tips, and even variations. You learned how to prepare your baking dish and melt chocolate. We also tackled texture issues and how to serve your fudge nicely. Remember, tweaking flavors and storage will keep your fudge fresh and tasty. With these tips, you can create fudge that delights everyone. Get in the kitchen and enjoy making your own treats!$

A festive and delicious fudge recipe with chocolate, peppermint, and nuts, perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 36

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
0.5 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
0.25 cup mini marshmallows
1 pinch salt

Instructions

Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Fold in the crushed peppermint candy canes, chopped walnuts, and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm.
Once set, lift the fudge out of the baking dish using the parchment paper and place it on a cutting board. Cut into squares.
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Arrange the fudge squares on a festive plate and sprinkle some additional crushed candy canes on top for a cheerful look.

Keyword chocolate, Christmas, dessert, fudge, peppermint