Homemade Christmas Fudge (How to Store Fudge) (2024)

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This Christmas fudge is special. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it’s also shaped like little Christmas trees! What quicker way is there to level up the festivities?

Homemade Christmas Fudge (How to Store Fudge) (1)

Do you have a sweet tooth that comes alive during the holiday season? If you do (and you’re like me), I’ve got the perfect treat for you. Let’s talk about Christmas Fudge!

Trust me, it’s a hit every time I make it, and it just screams “Christmas!” with its festive look and delicious taste.

This fudge is so creamy and has that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it’s super fun to make! Be sure to get the kids in on creating this. It’s memory making magic!

Is there anything better than fresh fudge? I don’t know why I don’t make it more often. For me, it’s always been just a Christmas thing.

​And I love how long this sweet treat lasts! That makes it the ideal Christmas gift. A wrapped fudge is probably one of the best gifts I can think of receiving. Keep that in mind, guys. Haha!

​It’s always best to go homemade with fudge, too. The store-bought fudge just doesn’t measure up! Even if you get the expensive stuff, it just doesn’t hit in quite the same way.

Even with all the different ways to make fudge out there, I think you’ll love this recipe for Christmas fudge. Let’s get into it!

Some of our other favorite holiday recipes we have on our site include: Christmas Jello Salad, Christmas Tree Cookies, and Christmas Sandwich Cookies.

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WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  1. No Baking: Yes, that’s right! No oven needed. Just a good old stovetop!
  2. Festive and Fun: With it’s fun design looking like little Christmas trees, kids and adults will love it. Try serving it along side different types of fudge. This one will always stand out!
  3. Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up and they make amazing holiday presents. Get creative with it! This white chocolate fudge deserves a proper gift wrapping. Something that will tell the receiver, “this gift is truly something special!”

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

  • White baking chips
  • Vanilla almond bark
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Salt
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Yellow star sprinkles (or any yellow sprinkles you like!)
  • Holiday sprinkles (optional, but they add extra festive vibes)
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HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS FUDGE:

  1. Line a 8×8” square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine 2 cups white baking chips, 8 ounces of vanilla almond bark, 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, and salt together in a double boiler.
  3. Heat over medium heat and melt until smooth, stirring regularly.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
  5. Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and let sit for 4-6 hours room temperature or 2-4 hours in the fridge.
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  1. Cut into 16 pieces.
  2. Heat 8 ounces of almond bark in 30 second increments until almost smooth in a microwave-safe bowl. If there are a few lumps, use the residual heat to melt the chocolate so it doesn’t burn.
  3. Add food coloring to the vanilla almond bark to reach your desired shade.
  4. Pour almond bark into a zippered bag and cut the tip off.
  5. Drizzle over fudge to make a tree (start at the top and go back and forth with the drizzle – starting with small lines and getting bigger as you go to create a tree shape).
  6. Top with a star sprinkle and Christmas sprinkles on the tree!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

HOW TO STORE FUDGE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?

Keep your fudge in an airtight container in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. This can extend the shelf life of your fudge and keep it tasting fresh for longer!

I think storing it on the counter is the best way. Otherwise, I would forget to enjoy it! Ha!

HOW TO STORE FUDGE IN THE FRIDGE?

When storing in the fridge, wrap your fudge in parchment paper or wax paper and then place it in an airtight container or a plastic bag.

This keeps it from absorbing any other flavors. It will also keep condensation out to avoid soggy fudge!

CAN FUDGE BE FROZEN?

Absolutely! Wrap your fudge pieces in layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then store them in a plastic freezer bag.

This can extend its life for months, making it a great option if you have much fudge left from the holiday season.

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WHAT IS ALMOND BARK?

Almond bark is a vanilla-flavored candy coating. It melts beautifully and is often used in the best quality homemade fudge and other sweet treats.

It helps you get the best results in your fudge making.

ANY ADDITIONS?

I’m imagining all kinds of different flavors here. Give these ones a try and let me know how it goes!

  • Crushed peppermint or candy canes for a minty touch.
  • Chopped nuts for a crunch.
  • Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
  • Swirl in some peanut butter fudge for a twist.
  • Mini marshmallows for a s’mores vibe.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce.
  • Add chocolate chips for a double chocolate feel.
  • Sprinkle with coconut flakes.
  • Add a hint of orange zest for a citrusy touch.
  • Crushed cookies or graham crackers for added texture.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Good news! I’ve got a few ideas for you.

  • Instead of white baking chips, you can use chocolate chips.
  • Swap out vanilla almond bark with chocolate almond bark for a deeper flavor.
  • If you don’t have gel-based food coloring, oil-based works too.
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HOW TO STORE:

Room Temperature: Make sure your fudge is in an airtight container. It can last 2-3 weeks, maintaining its creamy texture.

There are a few signs of spoilage in fudge. If it’s exposed to air, it can dry out and harden. Certain additions to fudge can grow mold or give off a bad odor, and at that point, the fudge should be avoided.

I suggest not placing it in the fridge if possible; this may change the texture of the fudge.

Freezer: Wrapped well in plastic wrap and stored in a plastic freezer bag, fudge can last for months.

Perfect for when you have much fudge left and want to enjoy it later!

When freezing, I like to make sure my fudge is cut into individual pieces rather than larger blocks. This makes it easier to work with when I want to thaw it out later.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Cooling Time is Key: Ensure you let the fudge set for the right amount of time to get the best texture.
  • Double Boiler: This is a great way to ensure the fudge ingredients melt evenly without burning.
  • Quality Ingredients: Always go for good quality chocolate chips and almond bark. It makes a difference!
  • Get Creative: When drizzling the almond bark for the tree design, don’t stress about perfection. Trees are unique, and so is each piece of fudge.
  • Cutting Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to make cutting the fudge easier.
  • A Little Goes a Long Way: When adding food coloring, start with a little. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
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Ah, Christmas fudge. It’s more than just a delicious treat; it’s a holiday tradition and memory-maker. This particular choice (one of my favorite fudge recipes) is festive, fun, and utterly delightful.

Every time you take a bite, it’s like tasting a little piece of holiday joy. So, put on your favorite holiday tunes, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some fudge memories!

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

If you’ve tried this CHRISTMAS FUDGE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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Rate this Recipe

Homemade Christmas Fudge

5 from 1 vote

Created by Dana at ThisSillyGirlsKitchen.com

Course Dessert

Servings 16 pieces

This Christmas fudge is special. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it’s also shaped like little Christmas trees! What quicker way is there to level up the festivities?

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Line a 8×8” square baking pan with parchment paper.

  • Combine 2 cups white baking chips, 8 ounces of vanilla almond bark, 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, and salt together in a double boiler.

    2 cups white chocolate chips, 16 ounces vanilla almond bark, 14 ounces can sweetened condensed milk, 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • Heat over medium heat and melt until smooth, stirring regularly.

  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

    1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Pour the fudge into the prepared pan and let sit for 4-6 hours room temperature or 2-4 hours in the fridge.

  • Cut into 16 pieces.

  • Heat 8 ounces of almond bark in 30 second increments until almost smooth in a microwave-safe bowl. If there are a few lumps, use the residual heat to melt the chocolate so it doesn’t burn.

  • Add food coloring to the vanilla almond bark to reach your desired shade.

    Green gel food coloring

  • Pour almond bark into a zippered bag and cut the tip off.

  • Drizzle over fudge to make a tree (start at the top and go back and forth with the drizzle – starting with small lines and getting bigger as you go to create a tree shape).

  • Top with a star sprinkle and Christmas sprinkles on the tree!

    Yellow star sprinkles, Holiday sprinkles

Notes

  • Cooling Time is Key: Ensure you let the fudge set for the right amount of time to get the best texture.
  • Double Boiler: This is a great way to ensure the fudge ingredients melt evenly without burning.
  • Quality Ingredients: Always go for good quality chocolate chips and almond bark. It makes a difference!
  • Get Creative: When drizzling the almond bark for the tree design, don’t stress about perfection. Trees are unique, and so is each piece of fudge.
  • Cutting Tip: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to make cutting the fudge easier.
  • A Little Goes a Long Way: When adding food coloring, start with a little. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 73IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

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Homemade Christmas Fudge (How to Store Fudge) (2024)

FAQs

Homemade Christmas Fudge (How to Store Fudge)? ›

But, if you do as we do and leave your fudge out uncovered, chances are it will dry out by the end of the day. If you want your fudge to last longer, I suggest storing it in an airtight container. You extend the life even longer by storing it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.

What is the best way to store homemade fudge? ›

Ensure you have kept the leftover fudge in a sealable container in a cool, dark, dry place, such as kitchen drawers, cupboards, or a pantry. Fudge stored exposed at room temperature will last for a month or two but will start to show signs of hardening around the edges and a loss of its freshness.

Do you set fudge in the fridge or room temp? ›

Refrigerators are not good for fudge. Refrigerated fudge will recrystalize into sugar fairly rapidly, losing most of the creaminess. Fudge can be stored for about two weeks at room temperature, preferably in an airtight container.

How long is Christmas fudge good for? ›

Storage: If you have leftovers—or if you want to make fudge ahead of time to enjoy all season long—store them in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3 weeks.

Can you store fudge in foil? ›

The best way to store fudge is to keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with wax paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. This will help prevent the fudge from drying out or developing a slimy texture.

How do you keep fudge from hardening? ›

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.

How long will fudge last unrefrigerated? ›

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.

How do I know if my fudge is going to set? ›

The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done. Do not rely on the cooking time indicated in your recipe. The fudge is ready when a candy thermometer reads between 112°C to 114°C (234°F to 237°F) or the mixture forms a soft ball in cold water.

How to 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.

How do you wrap Christmas fudge? ›

Add a simple wooden or paper stick, some transparent gauze wrapping, a bow and a creative label to any piece of fudge, and you've now got something that looks more like an expensive candy apple than a humble square of fudge.

How long does fudge last in a box? ›

Humidity and sudden changes in temperature may affect the firmness of your fudge. Gourmet all-butter fudge, drinking fudge and luxury fudge sauces can be stored for up to 6 months (check best before end date). Store all fudges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

How do you set 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).

How to properly store fudge? ›

Place the fudge in an airtight container and separate the layers with wax paper so the pieces don't stick. Avoid storing fudge long-term in cellophane bags or tins, which aren't airtight and can dry out the fudge. Just transfer the candy to your preferred container when you're ready to gift it.

Can you store fudge in a Ziploc bag? ›

A: Storing Fudge @ Room Temp: The key to fudge is keeping the moisture in the fudge. To do this keep your fudge in wrapped in the wax paper/saran wrap that it came with. Beyond that you could place it in a zip lock bag or even heat seal it in a bag.

Does fudge need to be stored airtight? ›

Fudge does not need to be stored in a sterilised jar but one with an airtight seal is a good idea. Otherwise try to use a container with a tight-fitting lid. In a cool place the fudge will keep for about 2 weeks but you can also keep the fudge in the fridge which will extend the life for 3 to 4 weeks.

Can you freeze fudge that didn't set? ›

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.

How to stop fudge sticking together? ›

To keep fudge pieces from sticking to themselves, store the chocolatey layers with waxed paper, which provides a naturally nonstick surface.

How do you store fudge as a gift? ›

To keep it soft and fresh, wrap fudge tightly in plastic after it cools. Well-wrapped fudge will stay fresh for one to two weeks in a cool, dry pantry. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for two to three weeks, or in the freezer for two to three months.

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