Irresistible Vanilla Bean Holiday Fudge Recipe: Sweet Joy in Minutes

Sweet vanilla bean fudge elevates ordinary dessert moments into magical memories during festive seasons.

Creamy, indulgent textures melt seamlessly across taste buds with rich, sophisticated smoothness.

holiday baking brings families together, creating delightful connections through shared culinary experiences.

Delicate vanilla undertones whisper subtle elegance into each decadent bite, elevating traditional fudge into something extraordinary.

Sophisticated ingredients blend harmoniously, producing a luxurious treat that feels both comforting and special.

Delightful preparations require minimal kitchen skills, making this recipe accessible for novice and experienced bakers alike.

Crafting these heavenly squares promises pure joy and sensational flavor that will impress everyone gathered around your table.

Tips for Smooth Fudge Texture

• Prevent Sticking: Line the baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the sides for easy removal and clean cutting.
• Achieve Smooth Texture: Melt chocolate and condensed milk slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and create a silky-smooth consistency.
• Enhance Vanilla Flavor: Use high-quality vanilla bean paste or freshly scraped vanilla bean seeds for a rich, authentic taste that elevates the fudge.
• Perfect Chilling Technique: Refrigerate the fudge for exactly 2-3 hours to ensure it sets completely without becoming too hard or losing its creamy texture.
• Decorative Finishing: For a festive touch, experiment with different sprinkle colors or drizzle patterns to make the fudge visually appealing and holiday-ready.

Save Fudge the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoiling.
• Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor.
• Thaw: Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Gently unwrap and enjoy the sweet, vanilla-infused treat as it softens to its original smooth consistency.

What to Serve with Fudge

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: The creamy, sweet vanilla fudge beautifully complements the warm, aromatic spices of a chai latte, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Match with Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle some crunchy, lightly toasted pecans on top of the fudge to add a nutty texture and depth of flavor that enhances the vanilla's sweetness.
• Serve with Festive Champagne: A crisp, bubbly champagne cuts through the rich fudge, providing a delightful contrast and making this treat perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Combine with Dark Roast Coffee: The bold, robust notes of a dark roast coffee balance the sweetness of the fudge, creating a sophisticated and indulgent pairing.

Fudge Twists to Try

• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the fudge mixture before chilling for added texture and rich, warm flavor.
• Festive Peppermint Version: Mix in crushed candy canes and a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday-inspired treat with cool, refreshing notes.
• Salted Caramel Swirl: Create a marbled effect by drizzling homemade caramel sauce through the fudge before setting, then sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet touch.
• Dark Chocolate Accent: Incorporate a layer of melted dark chocolate on top of the white fudge for a beautiful two-tone dessert with contrasting flavors.

What’s Special About Holiday Fudge

• Capture Holiday Magic: This vanilla bean fudge transforms simple ingredients into a festive treat that sparkles with seasonal charm and elegant flavor.
• Simplify Sweet Indulgence: Minimal cooking skills required, with just a few steps creating a luxurious dessert that looks professionally crafted and tastes incredibly rich.
• Create Creamy Perfection: Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture from white chocolate and condensed milk creates a velvety confection that feels luxurious and decadent without complicated techniques.
• Customize Festive Flair: Optional white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles allow personal creativity, making each batch unique and perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.

Holiday Fudge Ingredient Essentials

Main Ingredients:

White Chocolate and Candy Melts: – White Chocolate, Candy Melts: Creamy base for fudge that provides smooth, rich texture and sweet flavor. High-quality chocolate ensures best results.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: – Sweetened Condensed Milk: Crucial binding ingredient that creates smooth, creamy consistency and adds natural sweetness to the fudge.

Flavoring and Enhancing Ingredients:

Vanilla Bean: – Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Bean Seeds: Provides deep, authentic vanilla flavor and elegant specks throughout the fudge. Fresh, high-quality vanilla ensures best taste.

Preparation and Decorative Ingredients:

Parchment Paper: – Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge. Non-stick surface prevents sticking and helps maintain fudge shape.

White Candy Melts: – White Candy Melts: Optional decorative topping that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal to the finished fudge.

Sprinkles: – Sprinkles: Optional festive decoration that adds color and fun texture to the holiday fudge.

Make Vanilla Bean Fudge Fast

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

• White chocolate
• Sweetened condensed milk

Melt the ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Infuse Vanilla Flavor

Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste or freshly scraped vanilla bean seeds, mixing thoroughly to distribute the delicate flavor throughout the fudge.

Step 4: Pour and Spread Fudge

Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared parchment-lined baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours, allowing it to firm up completely and develop a perfect texture.

Step 6: Optional Decorative Touches

If desired, drizzle melted white candy over the surface and sprinkle festive decorations to add a holiday-inspired look.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper edges, cut into small square pieces, and serve to delighted guests.

Vanilla Bean Holiday Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Silky Vanilla Bean Holiday Fudge brings festive sweetness to winter celebrations with rich, creamy indulgence. Delicate Madagascar vanilla beans and premium chocolate create a luxurious treat perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Chocolate Ingredients:

• 3 cups white chocolate or white candy melts
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 vanilla bean, scraped)

Decorative Ingredients:

• Optional: Additional white melting candy for drizzling
• Optional: Sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8-inch (20×20 centimeters) baking dish by carefully lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides completely for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate or candy melts with sweetened condensed milk, melting them together over low heat while continuously stirring to prevent scorching and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
3. Once the mixture is completely melted and integrated, gently fold in the vanilla bean paste or freshly scraped vanilla bean seeds, distributing them evenly throughout the fudge base to maximize flavor intensity.
4. Transfer the luxurious fudge mixture into the prepared parchment-lined dish, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and create an even surface with a professional-looking finish.
5. Refrigerate the fudge for 2-3 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop a firm, sliceable texture that holds its shape when cut.
6. For an optional decorative touch, drizzle additional melted white candy over the chilled fudge and sprinkle with festive garnishes to enhance its visual appeal.
7. Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper edges, slice into bite-sized squares, and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Elevate your holiday dessert game with this luxurious vanilla bean fudge that melts in your mouth.
• Use high-quality white chocolate or candy melts for the smoothest, creamiest texture possible.
• Scrape fresh vanilla bean seeds directly from the pod for an intense, authentic vanilla flavor that transforms the entire dessert.
• Chill the fudge completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise squares that look professionally made.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it perfect for advance holiday preparation.
• For a festive touch, experiment with seasonal sprinkles or drizzle contrasting chocolate to create a stunning visual presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg