There's something delightfully nostalgic about creamy fudge swirled with festive colors that instantly takes me back to cozy holiday gatherings. This Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe marries the rich sweetness of white chocolate with merry red and green swirls, making it an irresistible treat you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all to yourself!).
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Over the years, I’ve tried countless Christmas treats, but this fudge stands out because it’s both gorgeous and effortlessly delicious. You don’t have to be a pro candy maker to nail this — it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly forgiving.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples come together for an impressive, festive result.
- Quick to Make: You’ll have it ready faster than many baked holiday treats.
- Eye-Catching Swirl: The colorful red and green patterns make it perfect for gift-giving or a holiday party platter.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that balances sweetness with buttery goodness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe leans on the magic of quality white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk to get that creamy fudge base. The butter enriches the texture, and gel food coloring adds those vibrant festive hues without thinning the fudge.
- White chocolate chips: Choose a high-quality brand like Ghirardelli for smooth melting and a luscious finish.
- Sweetened condensed milk: It’s key for that creamy, sweet consistency and easy blending.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the fudge set properly without overpowering sweetness.
- Red gel food coloring: Use gel instead of liquid to keep the fudge texture intact and vibrant.
- Green gel food coloring: Same as red, it gives you that classic Christmas look without affecting consistency.
Make It Your Way
I personally love playing around with the swirl patterns to make each batch unique. You could even skip one color or add peppermint extract for a minty twist. It’s such a flexible recipe that allows you to add your own signature touch.
- Variation: One holiday, I swapped the green gel for purple and red for pink to match a themed party — and honestly, it was just as festive and fun!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan for Easy Fudge Removal
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure enough hangs over the edges. This little trick saved me so much frustration — lifting the fudge out as one solid piece makes cutting neat squares a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Magic Together
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cold butter cubes. Keep stirring constantly for about 4-6 minutes—you want the mixture completely smooth and glossy. Be patient here; rushing can burn the chocolate or leave chunks.
Step 3: Separate and Color Your Fudge
Divide the warm fudge into three bowls. Mix red food coloring into one and green into another, stirring quickly before the fudge firms up. If it thickens too fast, just pop the bowls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to loosen.
Step 4: Dollop and Swirl Until Festive
Drop spoonfuls of the white, red, and green fudge randomly into the pan. Grab a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors together—don’t overdo it; the goal is a pretty marbled effect. Then press a small piece of parchment gently on top to smooth the surface without disrupting your beautiful swirl.
Step 5: Chill and Slice with Care
Pop the pan into the fridge for 2-3 hours until firm. When it’s set, use the parchment overhang to lift it out and slice into 1-inch squares. One of my tricks is warming the knife under hot water beforehand to get clean, smooth cuts—no crumbly edges here!
Top Tip
I’ve found a few simple tips make all the difference when mastering this fudge. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the tenth, these little nuggets will keep your fudge silky smooth and perfectly festive.
- Gentle Heat Only: Keep your stove on medium-low and stir constantly to avoid scorching the chocolate.
- Work Quickly with Colors: The fudge sets fast once off the heat, so blend colors quickly and gently.
- Use Parchment with Overhang: This step is a game-changer for cleanup and slicing—you’ll thank me later!
- Warm Knife for Cutting: Run your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing for clean edges every time.
How to Serve Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a touch of crushed candy canes or edible gold dust on top for some holiday sparkle. It adds a little crunch and that wonderful peppermint aroma that screams Christmas.
Side Dishes
Pair your fudge with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It’s also lovely alongside gingerbread cookies or mince pies for a decadent holiday dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
I like wrapping small squares in clear cellophane and tying with festive ribbon to make thoughtful homemade gifts. Or arrange the fudge on a pretty platter with fresh pine sprigs and mini ornaments for an irresistible holiday centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This fudge keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—I usually cover mine tightly to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Freezing
Want to make it ahead for a party? Freeze wrapped pieces in a sealed container for up to two months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
If you want to slightly soften the fudge before serving, I recommend placing it in the fridge briefly at room temperature or warming it for a few seconds in the microwave—just be careful not to melt it completely.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While you can try liquid food coloring, gel food coloring is preferred because it won’t thin the fudge mixture and affects the texture less, helping to keep that perfect rich consistency.
Make sure to stir constantly while melting the chocolate and avoid overheating. Taking your time ensures a smooth melt that doesn’t separate the cocoa butter, which can cause graininess.
Absolutely! Adding about ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate mixture before coloring enhances the festive vibe and adds a refreshing kick.
Using a sharp, warm knife is key. Run your knife under hot water, dry it well, then slice through the set fudge in one smooth motion to get clean squares without crumbles.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe has been a holiday staple in my kitchen for years. Its combination of creamy texture, pretty swirls, and simple preparation feels like a little gift every time I make it. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s one of those easy treats that really spreads the holiday cheer!
Print
Festive Christmas Swirl White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 64 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in this festive Christmas Fudge recipe featuring smooth white chocolate swirled with vibrant red and green colors. This creamy, rich fudge is perfect for holiday gifting or celebrating with family and friends.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 22 oz (2 11-oz. bags) white chocolate chips
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Coloring
- ¼-½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
- ¼-½ teaspoon green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8 inch straight sided baking pan with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang on the sides for easy lifting of the fudge after setting.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cold butter cubes. Stir constantly for 6 minutes until fully melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Color Red Fudge: Transfer one-third of the melted mixture into a small bowl. Add ¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring, stirring until color is uniform. Add more coloring if needed for desired shade.
- Color Green Fudge: Transfer another third of the melted mixture into a second small bowl. Add ¼ teaspoon green gel food coloring and stir until fully incorporated and uniform in color.
- Assemble Fudge: Dollop the white, red, and green fudge mixtures randomly into the prepared baking pan.
- Swirl Design: Use a wooden skewer or butter knife to gently swirl the colors creating a decorative pattern on top.
- Smooth Top: Press gently with a small piece of parchment paper on top of the fudge to smooth the surface without disturbing the swirl pattern.
- Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for 2 to 3 hours until it fully sets.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the fudge out using parchment paper overhang and cut into 64 pieces sized 1×1 inch. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze fudge for up to 2 months; thaw completely in fridge before serving.
- Line pan with parchment or waxed paper sprayed lightly with cooking spray or butter for easy removal.
- Work quickly when adding gel food coloring as the mixture firms fast once removed from heat.
- If fudge firms too much, warm small bowls briefly to loosen before assembling.
- Reheat fudge mixture carefully in microwave without overheating to avoid burning or seizing.
- Do not overcook fudge to prevent graininess; constant stirring is essential.
- Warm knife under warm water and dry before slicing fudge for clean cuts.
- Serve in smaller portion sizes due to the richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1x1 inch)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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