This Strawberry Fudge recipe is a delightful celebration of the classic combination of strawberries and white chocolate.
This creamy and decadent fudge is not only visually appealing, with its beautiful pink hue, but also bursting with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of real strawberries.
It's a perfect treat for Valentine's Day, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and indulgence.
This recipe is surprisingly simple, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
The result is a melt-in-your-mouth fudge that's as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Intense Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberries provide a genuine and delicious strawberry flavor.
- Beautiful Pink Color: The natural pink color of the strawberries makes this fudge a visually stunning treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
- Perfect for Gifting: Strawberry Fudge makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or use it as a topping for ice cream or other desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound white chocolate, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- ¼ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional for extra richness)
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, strawberry jam (or preserves), and butter (if using).
- Step 3: Melt the Fudge
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn.
- Step 4: Add Crushed Strawberries
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Pour into Pan
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 6: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm.
- Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the dish.
- Cut the fudge into squares and serve.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry Fudge is best served at room temperature. It makes a delightful dessert on its own, or it can be served as part of a dessert platter.
It's also delicious crumbled over ice cream or used as a topping for cakes or brownies.
Storage
- Storing at Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerating: For a slightly firmer fudge, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Chop Chocolate Finely: Finely chopping the white chocolate will help it melt evenly and smoothly.
- Low Heat is Key: Melt the fudge over low heat to prevent the chocolate from burning.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the fudge after adding the freeze-dried strawberries can make it tough. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Completely: Allow the fudge to chill completely before cutting it into squares.
Variations
- Swirled Fudge: Swirl in some strawberry jam or preserves after pouring the fudge into the pan for a marbled effect.
- Chocolate Swirl Fudge: Swirl in melted milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a chocolate and strawberry swirl.
- Nutty Fudge: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the fudge mixture.
- Sprinkled Fudge: Sprinkle the top of the fudge with sprinkles before it sets for a festive touch.
- Layered Fudge: Create a layered fudge by pouring half of the mixture into the pan, adding a layer of strawberry jam or preserves, and then pouring the remaining fudge mixture over the top.
FAQs
Fresh strawberries are not recommended for this recipe due to their high water content. They will make the fudge too soft and prevent it from setting properly. Freeze-dried strawberries are the best option for adding real strawberry flavor to the fudge.
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate. However, the pink color will not be as vibrant.
Yes, this fudge is best made ahead of time to allow it to set completely.
Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares. You may need to wipe the knife clean between cuts to prevent it from sticking.
Yes, you can freeze this fudge. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This Strawberry Fudge is a delightful and easy treat that's perfect for any occasion.
The combination of creamy white chocolate and real strawberries creates a beautiful and flavorful fudge that's sure to impress.
Whether you're making it for Valentine's Day, a holiday, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, this Strawberry Fudge is a delicious and satisfying indulgence.
Enjoy the beautiful pink color, the intense strawberry flavor, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of this delightful fudge.
It's a sweet treat that's as enjoyable to make as it is to share.
STRAWBERRY FUDGE
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 (12-ounce) package white chocolate chips
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a deeper pink color)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Combine ingredients (except chocolate, strawberries, and vanilla): In a large saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and salt.
- Cook the fudge: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). This will take about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add chocolate and strawberries: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the white chocolate chips until they are melted and smooth. Stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and vanilla extract. Add a few drops of pink food coloring, if desired, to enhance the pink hue. Stir until the color is evenly distributed.
- Pour into pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Chill: Sprinkle the top with extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries, if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely.
- Cut and serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the dish. Cut the fudge into squares or desired shapes.
Notes
- Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is highly recommended for making fudge. It ensures that the fudge reaches the correct temperature for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred over fresh or frozen strawberries because they won't add excess moisture to the fudge.
- Strawberry Flavor: The flavor of the freeze-dried strawberries will be more concentrated than fresh strawberries.
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
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