Strawberry Fudge
This Strawberry Fudge is a delightful treat that combines the richness of white chocolate with the vibrant flavor of strawberries. Ideal for Valentine’s Day, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home, this fudge stands out for its creamy texture and beautiful swirls. It’s an easy recipe that will impress friends and family alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious fudge in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of white chocolate and strawberry creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions, from holidays to casual get-togethers.
- Beautiful Presentation: The swirled appearance makes it visually stunning, ideal for gifts or dessert tables.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or toppings for your own twist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Strawberry Fudge, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch square pan
- Parchment paper
- 3-quart saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Butter knife
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch square pan: The perfect size for setting your fudge, ensuring even thickness.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to lift the fudge out after cooling.
- 3-quart saucepan: Provides enough space to combine ingredients without overflowing.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing smoothly without lumps as you incorporate chocolate and cream.
Ingredients
This creamy Strawberry Fudge is simple to make using rich white chocolate with a burst of swirled strawberry flavor. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a little sweetness any time of the year!
For the Fudge Base
- 2 teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup half and half
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the red food coloring and strawberry extract. Whisk until mixed thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. This will help with easy removal once the fudge has set.
Step 3: Cook the Base Mixture
In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, unsalted butter, and half and half. Stir consistently until the mixture comes to a boil.
Step 4: Boil and Stir
Once boiling, continue stirring with a spatula for about 3-4 minutes. This helps achieve that creamy texture.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Remove from heat and add in the white chocolate chips. Cover the pot and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
Step 6: Mix Until Smooth
Using your whisk, mix everything until smooth. Then add in marshmallow cream and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
Step 7: Layer the Fudge
Pour half of this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 8: Color the Remaining Fudge
Mix in the red gel food coloring into the remaining half of the fudge mixture until well combined.
Step 9: Swirl It Up
Drop dollops of the strawberry fudge onto the white fudge base. Use a butterknife to swirl them together gently.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Allow your fudge to cool completely overnight before cutting it into 1-inch squares for serving.
Now you have delicious Strawberry Fudge ready to share! Enjoy this sweet treat any time you crave something special!
How to Serve Strawberry Fudge
Serving Strawberry Fudge can be a delightful experience, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet treat at home. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this creamy dessert.
For a Romantic Evening
- Serve with Fresh Strawberries: Pair your fudge with fresh strawberries for a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the fudge for an elegant touch.
As a Gift
- Decorative Boxes: Cut the fudge into squares and package them in decorative boxes tied with ribbons. It makes for a charming gift!
- Personalized Labels: Create labels with the ingredients and name of the fudge to add a personal touch.
At Parties
- Dessert Table Display: Arrange the fudge on a colorful dessert table, along with other sweets, to attract guests.
- Mini Fudge Cups: Serve individual portions in mini cups for easy grabbing at parties.
For Family Movie Night
- Popcorn Pairing: Set out bowls of popcorn alongside the fudge for a fun movie night snack combo.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Include the strawberry fudge as one of the toppings at your ice cream sundae bar!
How to Perfect Strawberry Fudge
Perfecting your Strawberry Fudge involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips for achieving that creamy, dreamy texture.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Select premium white chocolate chips for the best flavor and smoothness in your fudge.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensure precise measurements, especially sugar and butter, for consistent results every time.
- Stir Constantly While Boiling: This prevents burning and ensures an even mixture that will set properly.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the fudge to cool overnight to achieve clean cuts and maintain its shape.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Fudge
While Strawberry Fudge is a delicious treat on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great suggestions.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the fudge perfectly.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds lightness and tartness that contrasts well with rich fudge.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially milder ones like brie or goat cheese, can provide an interesting flavor contrast.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a cozy complement to your sweet treat.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate pairs wonderfully with sweet fudge.
- Mini Pastries: Offer mini pastries like éclairs or cream puffs for those who want more than just fudge at their dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Strawberry Fudge can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in fudge-making. Use proper measuring tools to ensure your fudge turns out perfectly creamy.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or half and half can affect the melting process. Always use softened butter and room temperature half and half for a smooth consistency.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the fudge to cool completely is crucial for texture. Patience will reward you with the perfect cut.
- Overcooking the mixture: Cooking too long can cause the fudge to become grainy. Keep an eye on your mixture and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a boil.
- Not swirling enough: To achieve that beautiful marbled effect, make sure you swirl the strawberry mixture thoroughly into the white fudge for even distribution.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Fudge
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Fudge
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place fudge in a covered dish for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 10-second intervals on low power until just warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Use a double boiler to gently warm fudge over low heat, stirring frequently until soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions people often ask about making Strawberry Fudge.
Can I use other types of chocolate for this fudge?
Yes! You can substitute dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile, but it may alter the sweetness and texture slightly.
How do I know when my Strawberry Fudge is done?
The fudge should be smooth and creamy once mixed. If you see any graininess, it may have been overcooked; stop cooking as soon as it boils.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding nuts, crushed cookies, or even shredded coconut for added texture and taste.
How can I customize my Strawberry Fudge?
You can add different extracts like almond or mint, or mix in dried fruits like cranberries for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Strawberry Fudge is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various flavors or toppings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a sweet treat any day of the year, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy!
Strawberry Fudge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Fudge, a delightful confection that combines creamy white chocolate with luscious strawberry essence. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or as a sweet pick-me-up at home, this easy recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. With its stunning swirls and rich taste, each bite offers a burst of sweetness that makes it an ideal gift or dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 3 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup half and half
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together strawberry extract and red food coloring.
- Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and half-and-half over medium heat. Stir until boiling.
- Boil for 3-4 minutes while stirring continuously to achieve a creamy texture.
- Remove from heat and mix in white chocolate chips. Cover for 2 minutes to melt.
- Whisk until smooth, then add marshmallow cream and vanilla, stirring to combine.
- Pour half into the prepared pan; mix red food coloring into the remaining fudge mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of strawberry fudge onto the white base and swirl gently with a butter knife.
- Cool overnight before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (38g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
