Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth, laughter, and the delightful aromas of sweet treats wafting through the house. One of my absolute favorites to whip up is Christmas Coffee Fudge. Trust me, if you love the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate, this fudge is like a big, cozy hug in dessert form! It’s creamy, it’s indulgent, and each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and that great coffee kick. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to friends and family, this fudge brings a festive cheer that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Get ready to impress everyone with this delightful holiday treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delightful Christmas Coffee Fudge. You’ll find that each one plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, creamy texture and amazing flavor!
- 2 cups granulated sugar: This is the base of your fudge, giving it that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with coffee.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds a luxurious creaminess that makes your fudge oh-so-decadent.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy melting and mixing.
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules: This is where the coffee magic happens! It enhances the fudge’s flavor without being overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those delicious flavors.
With these ingredients ready to go, you’re just a few steps away from creating a holiday treat that everyone will love! Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Christmas Coffee Fudge
Making Christmas Coffee Fudge is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready to share (or keep for yourself, I won’t judge!). Let’s dive into the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a medium saucepan and combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
- Next, add in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (make sure the butter is at room temperature!). Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until everything is melted and well combined, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once it’s all melted, it’s time to stir in 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
- Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. This step is super important to prevent it from burning, so don’t wander off! You want it to thicken slightly.
- When the time’s up, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the fudge into a greased pan. Spread it out evenly, and then let it cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 1-2 hours, but you can speed things up by popping it in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.
- Once cooled, cut it into squares, and voila! You’ve got yourself some delicious Christmas Coffee Fudge ready to enjoy or share with loved ones.
Remember, the key to that perfect fudge is patience and constant stirring. You’ve got this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for reasons to fall in love with Christmas Coffee Fudge, let me share a few that will have you rushing to the kitchen!
- Quick to prepare: Seriously, you can whip this up in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
- Rich and creamy flavor: The combination of coffee and chocolate creates a decadent taste that’s hard to resist. Each bite is pure bliss!
- Perfect for holiday gifting: Wrap it up in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift that anyone will appreciate.
- Can be made in advance: Make it a week ahead of your holiday festivities. Just store it in an airtight container, and you’re all set!
- Customizable with nuts or sprinkles: Want to add your personal touch? Toss in some chopped nuts or festive sprinkles for that extra holiday flair!
Trust me, once you make this fudge, it’ll become a staple in your holiday traditions!
Tips for Success
Getting that perfect batch of Christmas Coffee Fudge is all about a few simple tricks. Here are my go-to tips to ensure your fudge turns out just right!
- Constant stirring is key: This isn’t the time to take a break! Keep stirring your mixture as it heats up to prevent any burning. Trust me, you don’t want that burnt taste ruining your delicious fudge.
- Consider using a candy thermometer: If you want to get really precise, a candy thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of your fudge. Aim for about 235°F (113°C) for that perfect fudge consistency.
- Be patient while cooling: Allow your fudge to cool completely before cutting it into squares. This will ensure clean edges and make it much easier to slice. If you’re in a hurry, popping it in the fridge for a bit can help speed things up.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to fudge perfection! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas Coffee Fudge properly is essential to keep it fresh and delicious! Here’s how to do it:
- Keep in an airtight container: Once your fudge has completely cooled and you’ve cut it into squares, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help lock in that creamy goodness and prevent it from drying out.
- Best consumed within a week: For the ultimate freshness, try to enjoy your fudge within a week. I promise, it won’t last long once everyone gets a taste!
- No need to reheat: The beauty of fudge is that it’s perfect at room temperature. Just let it sit out for a bit before serving, and you’re ready to go! No reheating necessary—simply enjoy it as is!
With these simple storage tips, your Christmas Coffee Fudge will be just as delightful days later as it was when you first made it. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Christmas Coffee Fudge? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get and their answers:
- Can I use decaf coffee granules?
Absolutely! If you prefer a caffeine-free treat, decaf coffee granules work just as well. You’ll still get that delicious coffee flavor without the buzz! - How should I cut the fudge for serving?
For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife that’s been lightly greased. This helps prevent sticking and gives you those perfect, even squares. You can cut them into any size you like, but I find that about 1-inch squares are just right! - Can I freeze Christmas Coffee Fudge?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll taste just as good!
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance. Happy fudge making!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in Christmas Coffee Fudge, it’s always nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 piece), so you can enjoy this delicious treat while keeping track of what’s in it:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels if you’re keeping a close eye on nutrition. Enjoy your fudge guilt-free, knowing it’s a delightful treat made with care!
Print
Christmas Coffee Fudge: 5 Steps to Cozy Indulgence
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy coffee fudge perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add heavy cream and butter, then heat over medium until melted.
- Stir in instant coffee and vanilla extract.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and pour into a greased pan.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made a week in advance.
- For a festive touch, add chopped nuts or holiday sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas, Coffee, Fudge, Dessert