Nothing says Christmas like homemade treats, and this vanilla fudge has become our family's holiday tradition! Last year, my kitchen turned into a winter wonderland while making these adorable Christmas tree fudge pieces with my kids. The best part? No fancy equipment needed—just creamy white chocolate, almond bark, and lots of holiday spirit. Everyone who tries these little trees begs for the recipe!
Why This Recipe Brings Joy
I love recipes that bring everyone together, and this one does exactly that! Last Christmas, my daughter and her friends spent an afternoon decorating these fudge pieces, getting creative with sprinkles and designs. Even my husband, who claims he's not crafty, got into the spirit! The fudge itself is perfectly creamy and melts in your mouth, but it's those precious moments decorating together that make it extra special.
What You'll Need
- The Basics: White chocolate (the good stuff matters!), almond bark for decorating, sweetened condensed milk, pure vanilla extract, green oil-based food coloring, holiday sprinkles, and a pinch of salt for flavor balance.
- Fun Extras: Edible glitter, various colored sprinkles, and tiny candy stars for tree toppers.
Let's Create Some Magic
- Setting Up Your Holiday Workshop:
- Gather all your supplies and line your pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges. My kids love calling this the fudge's "blanket"!
- Making That Creamy Base:
- Melt white chocolate and condensed milk together, stirring constantly over low heat. Add vanilla for that festive aroma, and keep it smooth—rushing can lead to grainy fudge!
- Creating Holiday Joy:
- Pour the fudge base into your pan to set. Meanwhile, mix your green almond bark for trees—adding food coloring is a hit with kids!
Sweet Success Tips
Always use oil-based food coloring to avoid almond bark seizing up. Stir that chocolate mixture constantly for a smooth texture. Patience is key—let each layer fully set before adding the next. Rushing may lead to "abstract" Christmas trees, as I learned last year!
Sharing The Joy
These little fudge trees make the perfect holiday gift! I love packaging them in pretty boxes with ribbons for teachers, neighbors, and friends. They're a hit at holiday parties and a standout at cookie exchanges. Serve with hot cocoa for an unforgettable holiday treat!
Keeping The Magic Fresh
Store in a tight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your house runs warm. They stay fresh for two weeks. For longer storage, freeze batches and let them thaw overnight. Perfect for last-minute holiday gifts or parties!
Making It Special
Switch it up with red almond bark for candy canes or crushed peppermint for a festive twist. A tiny drop of peppermint extract adds holiday magic. The kids love experimenting with sprinkles—every batch becomes uniquely theirs!
Your Creative Touch
Get creative with shapes or decorations! Piping different designs or adding edible glitter for snow effects elevates your fudge. My daughter tops each tree with candy stars, and now everyone requests her version—it’s those personal touches that make this recipe shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What are the main ingredients in this Christmas fudge?
The main ingredients are white baking chips, vanilla almond bark, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and green food coloring.
- → How long does it take for the fudge to set?
The fudge needs to set for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator or 4-6 hours at room temperature before cutting and decorating.
- → How is the fudge decorated?
The fudge is decorated by drizzling green colored almond bark over the top in a tree shape, then topped with yellow star sprinkles.
- → How many pieces does this recipe yield?
This Christmas Vanilla Fudge recipe yields 16 pieces of fudge.
- → How should the fudge be stored?
The fudge can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.
Conclusion
A delightful Christmas Vanilla Fudge recipe that combines white chocolate, vanilla, and almond bark to create a festive and delicious holiday dessert.