Fruitcake Fudge

Fruitcake Fudge

Introduction:

Fruitcake has a long history of being a festive staple, especially during the holiday season.

Its combination of candied fruits, nuts, and spices creates a dense and flavorful dessert that is either loved or left on the plate depending on individual preferences.

However, for those who enjoy the sweetness and nostalgic taste of fruitcake, transforming it into a smooth and creamy fudge can elevate the classic recipe to a new level of deliciousness.

This Fruitcake Fudge takes the best elements of a traditional fruitcake—the colorful candied fruits and rich flavors—and infuses them into a velvety white chocolate fudge.

It’s an ideal choice for those who want a quick, no-bake version of the classic holiday dessert, as it’s much simpler to prepare than baking a fruitcake from scratch.

Plus, it has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that many find more appealing than the dense, often dry, fruitcake.

The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a handful of ingredients, making it a perfect last-minute treat to whip up for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as homemade gifts.

With this fudge, even those who typically shy away from traditional fruitcake may find themselves pleasantly surprised by its smooth and sweet twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

For the Fruitcake Fudge:

3 cups white chocolate chips (or white chocolate bars, chopped)

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional for added flavor)

1 cup mixed candied fruit (such as chopped red and green cherries, pineapple, and citrus peel)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added texture)

For Garnish (Optional):

Additional candied fruit pieces for decorating

Drizzle of melted dark chocolate for contrast

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later. Grease the lining lightly with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the White Chocolate and Condensed Milk

In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate) and the sweetened condensed milk.

Place the pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Be careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become grainy.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings

Once the white chocolate and condensed milk mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

The almond extract adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the fruitcake ingredients, but it’s optional.

Step 4: Fold in the Candied Fruit and Nuts

Gently fold the chopped candied fruit and nuts (if using) into the white chocolate mixture.

Be sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture. The vibrant colors of the fruit will add visual appeal to each piece of fudge, creating a festive look.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth the Mixture

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

If you want to add extra garnishes, this is the time to sprinkle additional candied fruit on top or lightly press nuts into the surface for a decorative touch.

Step 6: Refrigerate the Fudge

Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or foil, and place it in the refrigerator to set.

Allow the fudge to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm to the touch. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place the fudge in the freezer for faster setting.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift it out of the pan.

Place the fudge on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure clean edges.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

If you’re giving the fudge as a gift, place pieces in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane with a festive ribbon.

Optional Add-ins and Variations:

Chocolate Drizzle:

For a visually stunning contrast, drizzle the top of the fudge with melted dark chocolate before chilling. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the white chocolate fudge and candied fruits.

Spiced Fruitcake Fudge:

Add a pinch of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the fudge mixture for a spiced fruitcake twist. This will give your fudge the cozy, festive flavors reminiscent of traditional fruitcake.

Rum-Infused Fudge:

If you want to mimic the boozy flavors often found in fruitcake, add 1-2 teaspoons of rum extract to the fudge mixture. This gives the fudge a slight hint of rum without the need for alcohol, making it family-friendly.

Dried Fruit Mix:

For a slightly healthier option, replace the candied fruit with a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, and dates. These will give the fudge a chewy texture and reduce the overall sugar content.

Nut-Free Fudge:

If you prefer or need a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or walnuts. The fudge will still have a delightful texture thanks to the candied fruits.

Dark Chocolate Fruitcake Fudge:

For chocolate lovers, swap the white chocolate for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. The rich bitterness of the dark chocolate combined with the sweet, colorful fruit creates a decadent treat.

Conclusion:

This Fruitcake Fudge is the perfect combination of traditional holiday flavors and the creamy, indulgent texture of fudge.

The addition of candied fruits and optional nuts brings a festive touch, making it a wonderful treat for the holiday season or any special occasion.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can customize the fruit and nut mix to your liking, add extra flavors like spices or rum extract, or even switch up the type of chocolate used.

The recipe’s simplicity also makes it a great option for a last-minute gift or dessert idea.

The fudge’s creamy texture, combined with the chewy bits of fruit, creates a delicious contrast in every bite.

Whether you love traditional fruitcake or simply enjoy a sweet and colorful fudge, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Fruitcake Fudge with friends and family.

It’s the perfect treat to celebrate the season and spread a little sweetness!