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 :

Condensed milk
Butter
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.

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.

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 :

Take the pan off the heat
Peel a small potato
Stir it whole & raw into the mixture
… like magic your cream is sorted!
Then whip the potato out
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!

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.

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:

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

Make easy microwave fudge
Add 1/4 tsp peppermint essence
Smash peppermint candy cane
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 …

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 …

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 …

Red Velvet Fudge

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

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 …

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:

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 …

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

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

Other images : Alexandra E Rust

FAQs

What is the secret to perfect fudge? ›

You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

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How do you make homemade fudge firmer? ›

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.

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What keeps fudge from getting hard? ›

If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft.

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How long will homemade fudge last? ›

How Long Does Fudge Last in the Fridge? To keep fudge fresh, it's important to keep it cool. With proper storage, fudge can last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.

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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.

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Should you stir fudge while it's cooking? ›

Don't stir!

Once the fudge reaches soft-ball stage on the candy thermometer, remove from the heat and let the temperature drop to 110°F. Keep that spoon or spatula out of the pot until this happens. If you stir too early in the process, you'll make the sugar crystals too big and end up with grainy fudge.

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What not to do when making fudge? ›

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.

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Why won't my 3 ingredient condensed milk 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. Heat in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each to ensure everything is melting evenly.

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How to fix fudge that won'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.

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What do you 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.

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What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

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.

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Why does my fudge come out like toffee? ›

If your fudge has a texture like soft toffee, it could be due to overcooking, using too much sugar or butter, or not cooking it to the right temperature.

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How to tell when fudge is bad? ›

Signs That Your Fudge Has Gone Bad

Signs of spoilage include a dry, crumbly texture, discoloration, and an off smell or taste. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the fudge to avoid any potential health risks.

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Is it better to freeze or refrigerate fudge? ›

So to recap, it's best to store proper fudge at room temperature. Keeping it in the fridge takes out all its moisture, drying it out. Homemade fudge is best in the fridge. No matter where you store it, the goal is to protect the fudge from exposure to the elements so airtight containers are best!

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Is it OK to leave fudge out overnight? ›

Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.

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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 cut fudge so it doesn't crumble? ›

How To Cut Fudge

allow the fudge to set in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours.
remove the fudge from the fridge and place onto a flat chopping board.
dip a large sharp flat knife in boiling water, dry it completely and cut one long slice (the heat will help the knife to glide through)

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Sep 27, 2019

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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.

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