The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Looking for a delightful Christmas treat that’s surprisingly easy? Look no further than this classic Christmas Fudge recipe! This creamy, smooth fudge recipe is perfect for anyone, even beginner bakers. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll be whipping up delicious fudge in no time, which is ideal for festive gatherings and homemade gifts.
This recipe makes twelve large pieces for approximately $6.13! You cannot buy this much fudge anywhere else for this price! It works out to cost about $0.51 per serving.
What You’ll Love About This Christmas Fudge
- Minimal Ingredients: Our recipe only uses four ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and Christmas sprinkles.
- Fail-Proof Recipe: This recipe does not require a double boiler or candy thermometer, so it is simple to make.
- Easy Holiday Treat: This delivers all the festive flavor and creamy goodness you love about fudge without requiring hours in the kitchen. You can enjoy this must-have treat even with a busy schedule.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk – $1.99
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – $2.99
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – $0.13
- 2 Tablespoons Christmas sprinkles – $1.02
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in April 2024.
How To Make Christmas Fudge:
- Line the pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in the microwave.
- Stir the mixture until melted.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Transfer the fudge to the pan and top with sprinkles.
- Refrigerate until set, then cut into squares and serve.
***For complete recipe instructions and a recipe video, see the recipe card below.
Christmas Fudge Recipe Variations and Substitutions:
- Any chocolate works, but dark chocolate adds a decadent depth of flavor.
- Add ½ teaspoon of flakey sea salt for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
- Include ¾ cup of toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, or peanuts for a delightful textural contrast.
Fudge Recipe Storage Tips
Serve: Once chilled and set, cut the fudge into squares and enjoy!
Store: For future enjoyment, fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Freeze: Place fudge in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. This is a great recipe to make ahead of time for the busy holiday season, and pull it out when you need it. You will be glad you prepared ahead of time.
Recipe FAQs
Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge?
While you can probably use evaporated milk to make fudge, we prefer sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk doesn’t achieve the same smooth texture, so stick with condensed milk for the best results.
What chocolate is best for fudge?
This fudge is all about versatility. While we use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the recipe, feel free to experiment! Any type of chocolate you love will work here. Dark chocolate would add a richer flavor, milk chocolate would be a touch sweeter, and white chocolate could create a fun twist.
How long does homemade fudge last?
This fudge is so delicious it might be hard to resist! But fear not, even the most determined sweet tooth can enjoy this treat for weeks. Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your fudge will stay fresh for up to three weeks. That’s plenty of time to savor the flavor or share with friends and family.
How do you make fudge set better?
Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot common fudge problems:
- Ensure you use sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk
- Be sure to melt the chocolate completely in the microwave before adding the vanilla extract.
- Allow enough time for the fudge to chill in the fridge to set fully.
Get Kids Involved With This Recipe:
Ages 2-3: Turn fudge-cutting into a counting game! Count out squares together as you cut the fudge, making it a fun learning activity for your little one.
Ages 4-5: Let your little one unleash their creativity by sprinkling their favorite toppings onto the wet fudge. It’s a fun and easy way for them to personalize their delicious treat!
Ages 6-8: This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce your child to using the microwave in a safe and supervised way. With simple steps and minimal cooking time, they’ll be whipping up delicious fudge in no time, building confidence in the kitchen!
Ages 9-11: Make this recipe a team effort for a smooth and safe kitchen experience. Supervise your child throughout, and for an extra confidence boost, have them read the recipe twice before you begin. This way, they’ll be familiar with each step and ready to jump in as your sous chef!
Ages 12+: With a little guidance, your child can be the star of the fudge-making show by making this recipe independently.
Easy Chocolate Fudge Budget Tips
This easy fudge recipe is a perfect homemade gift for your neighbors! It’s delicious, festive, and surprisingly affordable, making it a fantastic way to spread holiday cheer without straining your wallet. Your neighbors will surely appreciate the thoughtful gesture!
More Desserts:
- Brownie Cookies
- Chick-Fil-A Copycat Peppermint Shake
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Peppermint Patty Candy
- Crockpot Candy
- Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Cookies
- Homemade Peanut Brittle
- Chocolate Dipped Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Pie
- White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Christmas Fudge
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Microwave-safe bowl
- mixing spoon
- measuring cups
- offset spatula
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
PREP PAN:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
MAKE FUDGE:
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them on high for 1 minute. Stir. If the chocolate has not fully melted, microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the vanilla and stir to combine. Transfer the fudge to the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer out using an offset spatula.
- While the fudge is still wet, distribute the sprinkles evenly over the top.
CHILL FUDGE:
- Place the fudge in the fridge to set for one hour.
TO FINISH:
- Once the fudge is set, slice it into squares and serve.
- Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Video
Notes
- You must use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe, not evaporated milk.
- For a sweet and salty fudge, add ½ teaspoon flakey sea salt on top.
- If the fudge is too hard to cut, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Additionally, running your knife under hot water before slicing will ensure smooth, easy slices.
Peggy Brooker says
Made this today and am having trouble not eating it all at once!! It is so smooth and creamy and delicious! And it took only minutes to make – I will definitely make this again – soon!
Sandy @ Ginger and Scotch says
This does look super easy! I have all the ingredients in my pantry and am excited to make it with my kids to give away as presents this holiday season.
Dannii says
You can’t beat homemade fudge and this Christmas version looks super fun.
sonia says
I really like Christmas desserts.
I’m going to give this recipe a try!
Mandy Applegate says
This Christmas fudge looks amazing – will be making it this weekend!
Danielle Wolter says
This was so simple to make and a total hit at my house. Thanks for the great recipe!
Allison says
Made a batch for some neighbors and it was delicious!
Diana says
Yum, I have always loved a good homemade fudge recipe. This one is superb and I can’t wait to share it for the holidays.
LuAnn says
Can this recipe be doubled for a 13×9 baking pan?
Jess Jankowski says
Absolutely! You may need to increase the chilling time with a larger batch. Enjoy!
Lisa says
Super easy and so good. I can not wait to add to my goodie box for my family and friends!!! ♥️
Jess Jankowski says
Love that! Enjoy!
Caroline Strickland says
I have looked at so many recipes for fudge, & this one looks very festive & easy. I have a question, referring back to other recipes, some of them are similar, but use only 8 ounces of sweetened condensed milk not the whole 14 ounce, so that it sets up..so to be clear, does this recipe use the entire 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk or 8 oz ?
Second question, Can I use fat free sweetened condensed Milk ? I really want to try your recipe to take to a party. It looks beautiful.. Thanks
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Caroline, yes it does use 14 oz for the recipe. We have not tested it with fat-free sweetened condensed milk but you should be able to substitute it. Let us know how it goes!
Rusty says
I made these cause I felt like it. They are really good. Very simple and easy recipe to follow.
Jess Jankowski says
So glad you felt like it and tried it! Thanks for your review! Merry Christmas.
Shay says
My favorite fudge recipe! I sometimes use peppermint extract instead of vanilla and top with crushed candy canes too!
Jess Jankowski says
Love the addition of the peppermint extract!
Siobhan O'Brien Holmes says
hi, I’ve followed the recipe but the fudge hasn’t remotely set, even after 24 hours in the fridge.
Jess Jankowski says
Hi, we are sorry to hear that! We have not had that issue. Is it possible you used evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk? Or try double-checking your measurements and try again!
Angela says
I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong here but this is horrible. My entire batch has been sitting in the freezer for a week and frozen, the consistency is like cold caramel. It’s very sticky and gooey and cannot be cut. At room temp, it’s slightly thicker consistency than condensed milk. I actually forgot to add the vanilla but I don’t think that is making or breaking this. It’s very chocolaty so I definitely added enough. The texture is just very far from fudge or anything that can be sliced.
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Angela, we’re sorry to hear that. We have not had that issue with this recipe. It may have turned out that way if the chocolate did not get hot enough during the melting process. We hope you will try again!