Christmas Fudge Recipe by InfoStarBase

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of our Christmas Fudge recipe —the perfect sweet treat for the holiday season! This easy-to-make fudge combines chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and festive flavors like fruit and nuts, creating a delightful confection that melts in your mouth. The appeal of fudge lies not only in its luscious, creamy texture but also in its versatility; you can customize it with any number of mix-ins to suit your taste or seasonal themes. Ideal for gifting, holiday parties, or simply enjoying at home, this fudge can be cut into bite-sized pieces and beautifully packaged for a charming presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Christmas Fudge is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition that brings joy and sweetness to your celebrations!

Ingredients

To create this festive delight, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups sugar: This will be the base for your fudge, providing the required sweetness.
• 1 1/2 cups light cream (half & half): Adds creaminess to the fudge for a smooth consistency.
• 1 cup white corn syrup: This helps to prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a silky texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the taste of the fudge.
• 1 cup candied pineapple chunks: These provide a sweet and fruity punch.
• 1 cup candied cherries (quartered): Bright and festive, they add color and flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped Brazil nuts: These nuts introduce a unique flavor and texture.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts: Bring a hearty crunch and nutty goodness.
• 2 cups chopped pecans: Their buttery flavor makes them an excellent addition to the fudge.

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Begin by combining the sugar, light cream, white corn syrup, and salt in a 3-quart saucepan. Make sure to stir these ingredients together to create a uniform mixture, which will promote even cooking.

2. Dissolve Sugar: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial because any undissolved sugar can lead to a grainy texture in the finished fudge.

3. Boil: Once the sugar has dissolved, cover the pan and bring the mixture to a full boil. Boil for 1 minute, allowing the hot mixture to bubble and froth. This brief boiling period helps to eliminate any sugar crystals that may have formed.

4. Candy Thermometer: After boiling, place a candy thermometer in the pan to monitor the temperature. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 236°F, the soft-ball stage. This is vital for achieving the desired fudge consistency, so watch the temperature closely.

5. Add Vanilla: Once the required temperature is reached, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the fudge.

6. Beat Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at medium speed until it becomes creamy and holds its shape. This step incorporates air, helping achieve the smooth, silky texture characteristic of high-quality fudge.

7. Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the candied pineapple, cherries, Brazil nuts, walnuts, and pecans until well combined. This is where you can get creative; feel free to adjust the types and amounts of fruits and nuts to fit your festive vision.

8. Pour into Pans: Prepare two well-greased 9 x 9 x 2-inch pans. Pour the fudge mixture evenly into both pans, using a spatula to spread it out if needed. Watch as the mixture settles, creating a beautiful mosaic of fruits and nuts throughout.

9. Cool and Set: Allow the fudge to cool to room temperature before cutting into squares. This could take a few hours, but the wait is worth it for that first bite of deliciousness.

Yield

This recipe yields about 4 pounds of fudge, ensuring you have plenty to share or gift to friends and family.

Tips

For those looking to adapt the recipe, you can substitute 1 cup of half-and-half with either 7/8 cup milk plus 1/2 teaspoon butter, or 1/2 cup coffee creamer plus 1/2 cup milk. This flexibility lets you enjoy the fudge even if you’re missing an ingredient.

This Christmas Fudge recipe radiates festive cheer and is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to receive it. Enjoy making it as part of your holiday traditions, and savor every bite of this rich and creamy treat