Black Holiday Fudge

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

Here's a dramatic black fudge that looks amazing on a dessert table. Take your time melting white chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and butter - low and slow is the way to go. Add black food coloring a little at a time until you get that deep, dark color you want. Pour it into a lined pan and chill until it's completely set. A sprinkle of black or silver sugar on top makes it sparkle like the night sky. The white chocolate base keeps it sweet and creamy even with all that food coloring. It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday or special occasion spread.
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Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:54:31 GMT
A stack of dark chocolate fudge pieces topped with coarse salt, displayed on a white marble surface. Pin it
A stack of dark chocolate fudge pieces topped with coarse salt, displayed on a white marble surface. | cookingkeys.com

This creation emerged from a desire to introduce sophisticated whimsy into traditional holiday confections. The initial development focused on achieving the perfect balance between visual intrigue and refined taste, transforming premium white chocolate into an elegant noir masterpiece. Each preparation has refined the technique, resulting in a confection that maintains professional standards while incorporating playful elements.

What Makes These So Special

This confection achieves distinction through its striking visual presentation and refined flavor profile. The transformation of premium white chocolate into an elegant noir creation, while maintaining exceptional taste and texture, creates an engaging culinary experience. The addition of strategic decorative elements provides sophisticated sparkle, elevating this whimsical concept into a refined dessert offering. Each piece presents unique character through careful shaping and finishing techniques, ensuring no two pieces appear identical while maintaining consistent quality throughout.

Essential Components

  • Primary Elements:
    • premium white chocolate, highest grade essential for proper melting properties
    • sweetened condensed milk, fresh product crucial for optimal consistency
    • unsalted European-style butter, superior fat content ensures proper texture
    • pure Madagascar vanilla extract, enhancing depth of flavor
    • fine sea salt, balancing sweetness effectively
    • professional-grade black coloring, gel format recommended for intensity
  • Decorative Elements:
    • black pearl sugar or metallic sprinkles for sophisticated finish
    • edible silver dust for enhanced visual appeal
  • Essential Equipment:
    • heavy-gauge saucepan for proper heat distribution
    • silicone implements for precise manipulation
    • professional-grade parchment
    • digital thermometer for temperature monitoring

Creation Process

Preliminary Preparation
Prepare workspace with precise mise en place. Line vessel with professional-grade parchment, ensuring proper overlap for removal.
Base Development
Combine primary elements over controlled heat, maintaining precise temperature throughout process. Monitor consistency while incorporating ingredients systematically.
Color Integration
Introduce coloring agent gradually, ensuring thorough incorporation without compromising texture. Assess color development at intervals for optimal results.
Setting Process
Transfer mixture to prepared vessel, maintaining even distribution. Apply decorative elements with precise placement.
Final Formation
Once properly set, utilize proper cutting or shaping techniques for desired presentation. Consider irregular formations for authentic appearance.

Technical Considerations

Multiple iterations have revealed crucial aspects requiring attention during preparation. Temperature control proves essential throughout the process, particularly during chocolate melting and setting phases. Coloring agent selection significantly impacts final appearance and texture. Proper ingredient temperature alignment prevents adverse texture development. Understanding crystallization principles ensures optimal setting properties. Humidity levels in preparation environment require monitoring for consistent results.

A stack of dark, glossy fudge pieces is topped with coarse salt, sitting on a round white surface with scattered black sprinkles. Pin it
A stack of dark, glossy fudge pieces is topped with coarse salt, sitting on a round white surface with scattered black sprinkles. | cookingkeys.com

Preservation Protocol

Proper storage techniques prove essential for maintaining optimal quality and appearance. Environmental control during storage significantly impacts texture retention. Utilizing appropriate containment vessels prevents absorption of external elements. Temperature stability during storage ensures continued visual appeal. Professional-grade storage containers provide superior results compared to standard options. Understanding proper wrapping techniques for extended storage prevents texture degradation and maintains appearance integrity.

Service Presentation

Professional presentation elevates this confection beyond novelty status. Temperature consideration during service impacts texture significantly. Proper portioning techniques ensure elegant presentation. Garnish selection enhances visual appeal considerably. The confection performs admirably in professional settings, receiving consistent appreciation. Strategic placement on serving vessels maximizes visual impact. Creating proper portion sizes maintains professional appearance while ensuring proper serving amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use white chocolate?

White chocolate creates the best base for coloring. It takes black food coloring better than dark chocolate and gives a creamier texture.

→ Why won't my fudge set?

The mixture needs to cook long enough to evaporate excess water. If it's too soft, reheat with a tiny bit of water and cook again.

→ Can I speed up the chilling time?

The full 8 hours helps develop proper texture. While you can refrigerate, rushing the process might affect the final consistency.

→ Why cook over low heat?

Low heat prevents scorching and helps ingredients combine smoothly. Higher heat risks burning the chocolate and making the fudge grainy.

→ Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel coloring works best as it won't add extra liquid that could prevent setting. You'll need more liquid coloring to achieve the same color.

Christmas Coal Candy

Creamy black fudge made to look like lumps of coal, perfect for gifting to those on the naughty list. A fun holiday twist on classic fudge.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
490 Minutes
Total Time
495 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 cups white chocolate chips.
02 14 oz sweetened condensed milk.
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
04 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
06 2 teaspoons black gel food coloring.
07 Black or silver sprinkles (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Line 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 02

Heat chocolate, condensed milk, butter, salt and vanilla in heavy pan over low heat.

Step 03

Stir constantly until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Keep heat low to prevent scorching.

Step 04

Remove from heat, whisk in black food coloring until desired shade.

Step 05

Pour into lined pan, add sprinkles if using.

Step 06

Let cool, then cover and chill minimum 8 hours.

Step 07

Remove with parchment and cut into 1-inch squares.

Notes

  1. Use gel food coloring for best results.
  2. Can reheat and recook if doesn't set.
  3. Dark chocolate base needs less coloring.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8 baking dish.
  • Whisk.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Heavy bottom saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 94
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 1 g