Patriotic Festive Fudge

Party like it's 1776 with this easy to make, Patriotic Festive Fudge that will be all the talk at your next summer get together!

Why We Love It

My house is on a bit of a fudge kick at the moment. Right now, it's probably the most requested recipe I get! I'll admit it's hard to resist not giving in--whether it's making Creamy Marshmallow Fudge or this tasty one. Just looking at the pictures in this post makes me want to get up right now and make some. Why? Because every single bite of this delicious Patriotic Festive Fudge is a party for the palate (and for America of course, with its red, white and blue). From the crunch of the star sprinkles and Mini M&M's on top, to the decadent, creamy chocolate base, this is one tasty confection that never disappoints!

I'm going to digress here for a minute, but for good reason. Today I am going to a family picnic, and that means the unspoken expectation of bringing something. The funny thing is, I used to spend hours in the kitchen preparing this or that to take to summer gatherings. I always like to show up with something that gets raves--I mean, who doesn't, right? But sometimes there's simply not a lot of 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 the 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 realized I already had a super easy to make, delicious and beautiful treat just begging to be taken to a picnic! That's exactly what I did, and let's just say the rest is summer picnic history.

With it's hard to resist decadence and 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, there's a good chance we won't be invited back (which leaves me pondering other thoughts--but that's for another time)!

Why You'll Love It

Here's the best part about this recipe (besides it's awesome deliciousness): it's made in one bowl all in your microwave! After it spends 90 seconds in there, you mix the 4 base ingredients together and then decorate it as desired! In total, Patriotic Festive Fudge takes about 15 minutes to make--that's it. Then it sits in your fridge for about 2 hours and it's ready to go! It doesn't get much easier than this people!

As for the toppings, I was lucky to find pretty patriotic stars from a certain large, online retailer, but you can most likely find red, white and blue sprinkles from a certain large brick and mortar store.

For more star spangled fun, check out Patriotic Chocolate Dipped Strawberries!

Patriotic Festive Fudge Ingredients

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup red, white and blue sprinkles
• 1/4 cup M&M's Minis Red, White and Blue Mix (or just red and blue from a regular color assortment)

How to make Patriotic Festive Fudge

You'll want to gather the following equipment:

• 9x9 pan (lightly grease if not using parchment/wax paper)
• large, microwave safe bowl
• plastic wrap
• stirring spoon
• mixing spoon
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• knife
• parchment paper or wax paper (not required, but makes for easier removal from pan and for storing)

Before starting...

• Lightly grease a 9-inch pan or line the pan with lightly greased parchment/wax paper

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.

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.

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.

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: 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.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Let stand for 10 minutes on counter. Then slice into 64 squares and enjoy!

Patriotic Festive Fudge Leftovers?

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.