The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, and of course, delicious treats! One of my absolute favorites to whip up is Rocky Road Christmas Fudge. This rich and decadent fudge is packed with chocolatey goodness, crunchy nuts, and gooey marshmallows, making it a festive delight that everyone will adore. What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make—no fancy skills required! Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether as a sweet gift or a holiday dessert. Trust me, once you try this fudge, it’ll become a holiday staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Prepare Rocky Road Christmas Fudge
Making Rocky Road Christmas Fudge is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch of fudge ready to impress everyone during the holidays. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Once the chocolate is almost completely melted, add the sweetened condensed milk. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.
- Now, it’s time to mix in the fun! Add the mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts or almonds, and dried cherries. Stir until everything is evenly coated in chocolate.
- Pour the fudgy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set. Trust me, the waiting is worth it!
- Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and get ready to savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this fudge in just about 15 minutes of hands-on time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive Flavor: The combination of chocolate, nuts, marshmallows, and cherries creates a rich, delightful taste that screams holiday cheer!
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences; the possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Gift-Giving: Wrap it up in pretty packaging, and you’ve got a sweet homemade gift that’s sure to impress.
- A Holiday Favorite: This fudge is always a hit at gatherings, making it a beloved treat that everyone looks forward to each year!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Rocky Road Christmas Fudge, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are a general guideline. Each square of this delicious fudge typically contains:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy this fudgy treat in moderation, and it’ll be a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Rocky Road Christmas Fudge is all about those little details that can elevate your treat to the next level! Here are my favorite tips to ensure your fudge turns out absolutely delicious:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate chips are the star of this fudge, so go for a brand you love. It makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Chill before cutting: Once your fudge has set, give it a little time in the fridge before slicing. This ensures clean, neat squares instead of a melty mess.
- Get creative with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the nuts or dried cherries for your favorites! Think peanuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries for a holiday twist.
- Be careful with the heat: When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low and stir constantly. This prevents burning and helps achieve that velvety texture.
- Store properly: Keep your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer freshness. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for later: Want to save some for later? Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months—perfect for last-minute holiday treats!
With these tips in your back pocket, your Rocky Road Christmas Fudge will be a guaranteed hit at any holiday gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious Rocky Road Christmas Fudge is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend its shelf life, pop the container in the fridge, where it can last for a couple of weeks. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
If you decide to freeze your fudge for later enjoyment, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just let the fudge thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—enjoy it chilled for that perfect fudgy texture!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate for my Rocky Road Christmas Fudge?
Absolutely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or even white chocolate for something a bit different. Just keep the ratios the same!
What can I substitute for nuts in the fudge?
If you have nut allergies or just prefer to skip them, you can use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. They add a nice crunch without the nuts!
How do I know when my fudge is set?
After chilling for at least 2 hours, your fudge should feel firm to the touch and hold its shape when cut. If it’s still soft in the middle, give it a bit more time in the fridge.
Can I add more mix-ins to the fudge?
Definitely! You can get creative with your mix-ins. Try adding crushed cookies, like Oreos, or some shredded coconut for an extra twist. Just be sure not to overload it; you want the chocolate to shine through!
Is this fudge suitable for gifting during the holidays?
Yes! Rocky Road Christmas Fudge makes a delightful homemade gift. Just package it in a festive box or tin, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying Rocky Road Christmas Fudge, presentation can really elevate the experience! Here are some simple yet festive ideas to serve your fudge and impress your guests:
- Festive Platter: Arrange the fudge squares on a beautiful serving platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect. Add some seasonal fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color!
- Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve your fudge alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolatey goodness of the fudge complements the creamy drink perfectly, creating a cozy treat for chilly evenings.
- Gift Boxes: Package the fudge in cute holiday-themed boxes or tins, tied with a ribbon. Not only does this make for an excellent gift, but it also adds a personal touch that friends and family will appreciate!
- With Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve fudge squares over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The warm fudge will melt slightly into the ice cream, creating a delightful combination!
- Charcuterie Board: Include your fudge on a festive charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. This not only looks stunning but also gives guests a variety of sweet and savory options.
These serving suggestions will surely make your Rocky Road Christmas Fudge the star of any holiday gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on making the perfect fudge, you can refer to Food Network’s fudge recipes.
Print
Rocky Road Christmas Fudge: 7 Irresistible Holiday Tips
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and delicious Rocky Road Christmas Fudge perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips over low heat with sweetened condensed milk.
- Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.
- Add mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and dried cherries to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use any nuts or dried fruits you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Rocky Road Christmas Fudge