Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (3 Ingredients) (2024)

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Looking for an easy fudge recipe that will impress your friends and family this Christmas? Look no further! This 3-ingredient recipe is simple to follow and produces a delicious, creamy fudge every time. Serve this fudge at your next holiday gathering and watch it disappear!

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (3 Ingredients) (1)

Right now, my mind is on holiday entertaining. That means all sorts of savory appetizers, festive co*cktails, and decadent desserts are dancing in my head. Because the Christmas season can be a busy and stressful time, I’m all about recipes that impress but are simple and quick to make.

Well, lucky for you, this easy fudge recipe is just the ticket you need!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How to Make

4 Frequently Asked Questions

6 Easy Fudge Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I discovered this fudge recipe about two decades ago, and it’s become a family favorite ever since. There’s a chance you might know of it too since almost everyone seems to have someone in their life who makes this holiday treat. For me, that person is my mom’s friend Kathy.

After so many holiday parties, she taught me her recipe and I’ve been making it ever since!

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When it comes to whipping up these delicious fudge bites, there are several things I absolutely adore about this recipe:

  • Unlike a lot of fudge recipes, it’s almost impossible to mess up.
  • You only need three basic, easy-to-find ingredients.

It’s so creamy and delicious. Making and eating it should be a crime (but thankfully it’s not!).

Who knew a fudge recipe could be this good!?

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (3 Ingredients) (3)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this recipe.

  • Candy Melts: To make fudge, you’ll need two different kinds of candy melts. I used both white chocolate and milk chocolate. You will need 14 ounces of each.
  • Peanut Butter: I love to use peanut butter where I can! I used creamy peanut butter to make this Christmas fudge, but you can substitute any type of nut butter.
  • Sugar Cake Decorations: This is optional but adds a festive touch to the fudge. You can find these HERE or in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

Depending on when you make this homemade fudge, you can decorate it with festive sprinkles, meringues, or other decorations. I decided to go with these beaded Christmas sugar bulbs! It really sets off the holiday vibe.

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How to Make

It’s super easy to make this dessert. It can even be a fun baking activity to do with kids!

  1. Add candy melts and creamy peanut butter to the top of a double boiler.
    • Tip: I don’t have a double boiler, so I just place a heatproof glass bowl in a saucepan that has a little water in it. Just make sure the bowl doesn’t come in contact with the water.)
  2. Heat and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  3. Pour fudge into a pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper.
  4. Allow the fudge to set.
    • Tip: Do not refrigerate. It will become way too stiff and lose its smooth and creamy texture.
  5. Share with friends and family and enjoy! I told you it’s nearly impossible to mess this up.

And that’s it, my friends. I like to dress my fudge up with these sugar cake decorations. They make it look more festive, don’t you think? I found the light bulb candies here.

Note: I’ve provided the exact ingredients and instructions in the printable recipe card below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions I’ve been asked when I shared this easy fudge recipe.

Can I mix in other toppings when I make this fudge?

Yes, you can! Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other treats. Just make sure that there aren’t any large pieces that will prevent the fudge from setting properly.

Can I melt chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

Yes, but it won’t taste as good and the texture might be different. For the best results, I’d recommend using candy melts.

How long does easy fudge last?

Homemade fudge that is stored at room temperature can last up to four days, although it’s best to keep it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying. You can also store fudge in the refrigerator for a maximum of two weeks.

Can I freeze easy fudge?

Yes, you can! To freeze easy fudge, wrap it up in a few layers of plastic wrap or place it into an air-tight container. Then pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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That’s pretty much it! Once it’s completely set, cut the fudge into squares (or whatever shape you like. I sometimes cut them into holiday shapes like stars and Christmas trees).

If you want, you can transfer the fudge to a platter or plate with festive liners (just like I did for my Christmas party) and share it with your friends and family!

This easy fudge recipe is simple enough to make for impromptu gatherings, and it looks so festive with the sugar cake decorations.

I hope you enjoyed this easy Christmas fudge recipe! Be sure to let me know how it went in the comments section below! I’m always looking for new ideas to try out.

Happy Holidays!

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More Festive Treats You May Enjoy

  • No-Bake Bourbon Balls
  • Christmas Donuts
  • Frosted Almond Sugar Cookies
  • White Chocolate Puff Corn
  • Cherry Walnut Snowball Cookies

I hope you’ll try this delicious and easy fudge recipe. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

Want more from Inspired by Charm? Follow along onInstagramandTikTokfor daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration onFacebookandPinterest!

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Easy Fudge Recipe

This Easy Fudge Recipe, made with only three ingredients, is the creamiest fudge you will ever taste.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate, christmas, dessert, fudge, holiday

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 48 pieces

Calories: 114kcal

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces white chocolate candy melts
  • 14 ounces milk chocolate candy melts
  • 14 ounces creamy peanut butter
  • sugar cake decorations optional

Instructions

  • Add both candy melts and peanut butter to the top of a double boiler (or to a heatproof glass bowl resting in a saucepan with a couple inches of water in it).

  • Heat the mixture until melted and smooth.

  • Pour the fudge into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Allow the fudge to set. Do not refrigerate.

  • Once completely set, cut the fudge into squares, and if desired, top with decorative sugar cake decorations. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

Video

Notes

*I assume that when this recipe was developed, these three items came in 14-ounce packages. However, product sizes have changed over the years. Ultimately, you will need equal amounts of each ingredient. Adjust your pan size accordingly.

Nutrition

Calories: 114kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (3 Ingredients) (9)
Easy Christmas Fudge Recipe (3 Ingredients) (2024)

FAQs

Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

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.

What is the secret to good fudge? ›

Tips for Making Fudge
  • Monitor the Temperature with a Candy Thermometer. If you end up with soft fudge that turns into a puddle in your hands or hard fudge that is a bit reminiscent of a crunchy candy, improper temperature is likely to blame. ...
  • Avoid Stirring Once the Mixture Comes to a Simmer. ...
  • Beat Thoroughly.
Mar 8, 2023

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

Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

Can you fix fudge that didn't set? ›

To fix it, you can reheat the fudge mixture over low heat and continue cooking until it reaches the proper temperature. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can try to salvage chewy fudge by mixing it into ice cream or using it as a topping for desserts.

What can you make with fudge that didn't set? ›

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.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Use Evaporated Milk- Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet. Cut up the Butter– Before adding the butter in make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for faster melting.

Do you stir fudge while it is boiling? ›

Brush the sides of the pan with a wet brush at the beginning of cooking to dissolve sugar crystals stuck to the sides. Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done.

Can you mess up fudge? ›

Grainy Fudge

The sugars probably crystallized, a common mistake when making candy like fudge or caramel. If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon.

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 makes fudge softer? ›

Undercooked. This fudge was cooked until the temperature reached only108 °C (226 °F). At this temperature, the sugar is not concentrated enough... there is too much leftover water in the syrup and the resulting fudge is soft.

What causes fudge not to harden? ›

However, homemade fudge doesn't always set up into a semi-firm, melt-in-your-mouth confection. If your fudge doesn't firm up after a few hours, you either have too high an amount of liquid to sugar, or your mixture hasn't reached the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer can help home cooks avoid this problem.

What is the ball method fudge? ›

According to most recipes, the ingredients of fudge are cooked to what is termed in kitchen parlance the soft ball stage, that point between 234 and 240 °F (112 and 115 °C) at which a small ball of the candy dropped in ice water neither disintegrates nor flattens when picked up with the fingers.

How do you make Paula Deen's 5 minute fudge? ›

Combine the sugar, milk, butter and salt. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, nuts and marshmallows until melted; mix well.

Why do you add vanilla to fudge? ›

Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.

Why won t my fudge firm up? ›

The most common culprit behind unset fudge is inaccurate temperature control. If the sugar mixture hasn't reached the correct temperature, your fudge won't set. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and follow temperature guidelines meticulously to achieve the desired consistency.

Why is my fudge mixture not thickening? ›

If the fudge is very soft and slightly chewy then it is possible that it did not quite cook to soft ball stage and next time the mixture should be cooked to a slightly higher temperature (soft ball is 112-116c/235-240F and a sugar or candy thermometer can help).

How do you fix hard fudge? ›

Put the fudge in a plastic bag add a piece of bread or a damp paper towel close the bag completely leave it overnight it will soften . For small amounts just heat at half power for ten seconds intervals until soft.

Why is my fudge not working? ›

However, homemade fudge doesn't always set up into a semi-firm, melt-in-your-mouth confection. If your fudge doesn't firm up after a few hours, you either have too high an amount of liquid to sugar, or your mixture hasn't reached the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer can help home cooks avoid this problem.

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