Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about making sweet treats that fills the air with warmth and joy, isn’t there? One of my absolute favorites to whip up is Christmas Nutella Fudge. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent—perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in all by yourself (I won’t tell!). The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Every time I make this fudge, it brings back memories of cozy gatherings, laughter, and the delightful aroma of chocolate wafting through the house. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to keep it around—everyone will be coming back for more!
Ingredients for Christmas Nutella Fudge
- 2 cups Nutella – the star of the show! This hazelnut spread gives the fudge its signature creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – this sweet addition helps create that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 2 cups chocolate chips – I love using semi-sweet, but feel free to go with milk chocolate for extra sweetness!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – just a touch to elevate the flavors and bring everything together.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – I often throw in some walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, but you can skip this if you prefer a smoother texture.
How to Prepare Christmas Nutella Fudge
Making Christmas Nutella Fudge is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier! Let’s dive right into the steps for creating this delightful treat that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
Step 1: Combine Nutella and Condensed Milk
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and place it over low heat. Add the Nutella and sweetened condensed milk into the pan. Stir gently for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You’ll want to keep the heat low so it doesn’t scorch—no one wants burnt fudge, trust me!
Step 2: Add Chocolate Chips and Vanilla
Once your Nutella and condensed milk are perfectly blended, it’s time to add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips melt and everything is silky smooth. This should take just a couple of minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like a luscious chocolatey dream!
Step 3: Fold in Optional Nuts
If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to fold in those chopped nuts. This step is purely optional, but I love the added texture they bring. Just gently mix them in until evenly distributed—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that beautiful creamy consistency!
Step 4: Pour and Refrigerate
Next, pour the fudge mixture into a lined baking dish—make sure it’s lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread it out evenly and then pop it in the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least 4 hours or until it’s firm and set. This waiting game is the toughest part, but oh-so-worth it!
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Once your fudge is set, take it out of the fridge and lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares or rectangles, whichever you prefer! Serve it up on a festive platter or just dive right in—no judgment here! Trust me, every bite of this fudge is like a little piece of holiday magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this fudge in no time! It’s perfect for those last-minute holiday treats.
- Rich, Decadent Flavor: The combination of Nutella and chocolate chips creates a fudge that’s incredibly rich and indulgent—just the way we like it during the holidays!
- Festive Appeal: This fudge not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on any holiday dessert platter. It’s sure to impress your family and friends!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless!
- Gift-Worthy: Wrapped up in some cute holiday packaging, this fudge makes for a delightful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas Nutella Fudge is super simple! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious. If stored this way, the fudge will last for about two weeks—though I doubt it’ll stick around that long! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; this fudge is best served chilled or at room temperature, allowing all those creamy flavors to shine through. Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I always say to enjoy treats like Christmas Nutella Fudge in moderation, it’s nice to have an idea of what’s in them. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per piece:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But wow, doesn’t that sound delicious? Enjoy every creamy, chocolatey bite guilt-free, knowing you’ve got some tasty treats to share this holiday season!
Tips for Success
If you want your Christmas Nutella Fudge to turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips just for you! These little nuggets of wisdom will help ensure your fudge is as delicious as it can be.
- Watch the Heat: Keep the heat low while melting the ingredients. This prevents the fudge from scorching and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Patience is key here!
- Stir, Stir, Stir: When adding the chocolate chips, make sure you stir continuously until fully melted. This not only blends the flavors but also helps achieve that decadent, silky finish we all crave.
- Chill Properly: Be sure to give your fudge enough time to set in the refrigerator—at least 4 hours is ideal. This step is crucial for the fudge to firm up nicely, so don’t rush it!
- Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife to cut your fudge into squares. Warming the knife slightly under hot water can help create clean cuts, making your fudge look even more tempting!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding sea salt on top, different nuts, or even a swirl of caramel for an extra special touch. Your fudge, your rules!
With these tips, you’re all set to make fudge that’s not only tasty but also impressive to share with family and friends. Happy fudging!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making Christmas Nutella Fudge? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with the answers to help you navigate your fudge-making adventure.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced flavor, you can definitely swap them for milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge or even dark chocolate for a richer taste. Just remember, the type of chocolate you choose will slightly alter the final flavor of your fudge!
What if my fudge doesn’t set properly?
If your Christmas Nutella Fudge isn’t setting, it may need a little more time in the fridge. Sometimes, depending on your fridge temperature, it might take longer than 4 hours. Just be patient and let it chill until it’s firm. If it’s still soft after that, it might need a bit more sweetened condensed milk next time to achieve the right consistency.
Can I add other ingredients to the fudge?
Definitely! This fudge is super versatile. You can mix in dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, or even swirl in some peanut butter for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that adding too many ingredients may change the texture, so balance is key!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the fridge if you prefer it chilled. If you want to save it for later, freezing it is a great option. Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container! They’ll last for up to three months.
Is this fudge suitable for gifting?
Oh, for sure! Christmas Nutella Fudge makes a delightful homemade gift. Just cut it into squares, package it in a cute box or tin, and tie it with a festive ribbon. Everyone will love receiving a batch of this delicious treat during the holidays!
Print
Christmas Nutella Fudge: 5 Magical Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy fudge made with Nutella, perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Nutella
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine Nutella and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add chocolate chips and vanilla extract, stirring until melted.
- If using, fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into a lined baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store fudge in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within two weeks.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Christmas Nutella Fudge, holiday dessert, easy fudge recipe