Every single bite of this delicious Patriotic Festive Fudge is a party for the palate (and for America of course). From the crunch of the star sprinkles and Mini M&M’s on top, to the rich and creamy chocolate base, this is one tasty confection that never disappoints!
Today I’m going to a family picnic.
That means the unspoken expectation of bringing something. I always like to show up with a recipe that gets raves–I mean, who doesn’t, right? But sometimes there’s not enough time to make a delicious and beautiful show stopper.
At least that’s what I used to think, until one summer when I didn’t have time to make the dessert I wanted to. Thankfully, at that moment, I just happened to look over at my pantry.
What was already sitting in there? This delicious Patriotic Festive Fudge! I had made it the night before and this sweet and beautiful treat was practically begging me to take it and share it!
With its hard to resist decadence and star-studded, festive decor, this fudge is legendary now. In fact, I’m pretty sure if I don’t show up with this every time we go somewhere in the summer, there’s a good chance we won’t be invited back!
Why You’ll Love It
| Easy, one bowl recipe- Melt the chocolate, along with the milk and salt in the microwave. Add the vanilla. Put it in a pan and decorate. It’s seriously that simple. Make ahead recipe- The fudge needs to set in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours, but you can make it the night before, freeing you up on a busy day to get other things done! Highly customizable- We’re obviously going for a summer vibe with this fudge, but it can be made for any occasion or holiday. Just change out the sprinkles. |
Patriotic Festive Fudge Ingredients
For a complete list with measurements, see the printable recipe card below
- semi-sweet chocolate chips- this fudge recipe borrows inspiration from Eagle Brand’s Festive Fudge; normally I’m not a fan of using chocolate chips for melting purposes, but in this recipe, it works
- sweetened condensed milk- for cream and sweetness–do not use evaporated
- pure vanilla extract- for a delicious accent
- salt- to bring out the flavors
- red, white and blue sprinkles- buy these early in the season before they’re out of stock
- M&M’s Minis Red, White and Blue Mix- or just red and blue from a regular color assortment
Click here for a list of equipment needed for this recipe
- 9×9 pan (lightly grease if not using parchment paper)
- large, microwave safe bowl
- plastic wrap
- stirring spoon
- mixing spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- knife
- parchment paper (for easier removal from pan and for storing)
How to Make Patriotic Festive Fudge
- Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and salt in large, microwave safe bowl. Stir with a spoon until the chips are coated with the milk.
- Cover and place the bowl in your microwave and heat for 1 minute at 50% power. Continue to heat in 30 second intervals until chocolate is almost melted.
- Stir the ingredients just until there are no chocolate lumps. Then add the vanilla and stir until just blended.
- Spread the mixture into a prepared 9-inch square pan, lined with parchment paper.
- Add the sprinkles and M&M’s. Firmly press on top so that they are slightly indented into the top of the fudge’s surface.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
- Let stand for 10 minutes on counter. Then slice into 64 squares and enjoy!
Storing Patriotic Festive Fudge
Store in an airtight container and keep on your counter. Enjoy within 3-5 days.
Fudge Storing Tips
- To prevent fudge pieces from sticking to each other, place parchment/wax paper in between layers. You may also choose to individually wrap pieces.
- If you don’t plan on enjoying the fudge within 3-5 days, store it (or a portion of it) in the freezer.
- To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly as a whole block or in cut pieces in several layers of parchment or wax paper. Then place in an airtight container.
- If properly sealed, the fudge will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, take it out of the freezer and have it thaw on your counter at room temperature for a few hours.
What to Serve with this Festive Fudge Recipe
Honestly, fudge is good all on its own! But, if you’re taking this to a summer social (like I often do), consider making Patriotic Chocolate Dipped Strawberries too!
For a great summer dessert, make Summer Berry Lush Pie.
For another great fudge recipe, make Creamy Marshmallow Fudge!
Patriotic Festive Fudge
Description
Party like it's 1776 with this easy to make, rich and chocolaty fudge that will be all the talk at your next summer get together!
This delicious fudge is made all in one bowl. Simply melt the chocolate, along with the milk and salt in the microwave, add the vanilla, transfer the fudge to a pan and then decorate as desired!
Patriotic Festive Fudge
How to Make Patriotic Festive Fudge
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Lightly grease a 9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and salt in large, microwave safe bowl. Stir with a spoon until the chips are coated with the milk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for venting.
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Place the bowl in your microwave and heat for 1 minute. Partially remove the plastic wrap to stir the contents in the bowl. Put the plastic wrap back in place (still leaving a gap for venting) and heat the bowl in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds.
Continue to heat in 30 second intervals if needed, but do not overheat! -
Stir the ingredients just until there are no chocolate lumps. Then add the vanilla and stir until just blended.
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Spread the mixture into a prepared 9-inch square pan.
Line the pan with parchment or wax paper before adding the fudge. This makes it so much easier to remove the fudge once it is set! -
Add the sprinkles and M&M's. Firmly press on top so that they are slightly indented into the top of the fudge's surface.
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Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
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Let stand for 10 minutes on counter. Then slice into 64 squares and enjoy!
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Store in an airtight container and keep on your counter. Enjoy within 3-5 days.
Refer to above blog post for more detailed storage instructions.
Note
Use sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk) for this recipe. The products are very different and unfortunately one cannot be substituted for the other.
Feel free to experiment with the flavor/type of chocolate you use in this recipe. I would strive to use name brand, good quality chocolate.
This fudge is very customizable! Add 1/2 cup unsalted/lightly salted nuts to the fudge mixture before putting it in the fridge to set.
