Description
A fast, customizable, and colorful Easter Candy Fudge recipe combining creamy fudge with festive Easter candies. Perfect for spring celebrations, kid-friendly, make-ahead, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (about 14 oz)
- 2 cups white or semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Easter Candy Mix-ins
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s, jelly beans, mini marshmallows, or chopped chocolate eggs
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or almonds (for nutty crunch)
- Dairy-free condensed coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips (for dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped candied pineapple, or freeze-dried strawberries (for fruity twist)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (to swirl in)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice (for spiced version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures easy removal once the fudge sets and helps keep the edges neat.
- Melt the Base Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until completely smooth and creamy. This silky mixture forms the essential fudge base.
- Add Extract and Mix-ins: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for added flavor. Gently fold in your chosen Easter-themed candies, being careful not to overmix, so the colors and shapes remain intact and visually appealing. If using any optional variations like nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter swirl, or spices, incorporate them at this stage.
- Transfer and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until firm to the touch.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using parchment edges and cut into small squares or festive shapes. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use quality chocolate chips for smoother melting and richer taste.
- Gently fold in candies to maintain texture and appearance.
- Chill fudge thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Bring butter and condensed milk to room temperature before mixing to promote even melting.
- Chop large candies into bite-sized pieces for better texture balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1 oz)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Easter fudge, candy fudge, no-bake fudge, holiday treats, kid-friendly desserts, festive fudge