If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and irresistibly sweet treat to brighten up your holiday dessert table, you’re going to adore this Grinch Fudge Recipe. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that looks super cute with its vibrant green color and red heart sprinkles, plus it tastes absolutely divine. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how creamy and rich it turned out with just a handful of simple ingredients. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a staple in your Christmas baking lineup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-Catching & Festive: The bright green fudge sprinkled with red hearts is perfect for holiday gatherings and instantly brightens your dessert table.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy, hard-to-find ingredients — just pantry staples like white chocolate, butter, and evaporated milk.
- Creamy & Decadent Texture: The marshmallow cream gives the fudge a silky smooth consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Gifting: It cuts easily into squares that look adorable in festive tins or boxes, making it a great last-minute gift idea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grinch Fudge is all about the balance between creamy white chocolate and the sweetness of marshmallow cream, plus the rich depth from butter and evaporated milk. Each ingredient plays a key role in getting that perfect, smooth fudge that’s easy to slice and share.
- White chocolate chips: Use good quality chips for the smoothest, creamiest texture and that sweet vanilla flavor.
- Marshmallow cream: Adds a lovely fluff and helps the fudge set without being grainy.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor — never skip this!
- Sugar: Standard granulated sugar gives that fudgy sweetness and caramel notes when cooked.
- Evaporated milk: It’s richer than regular milk and creates that dense, luxurious fudge texture.
- Butter: Provides mouthfeel and a slight saltiness to balance out the sugary ingredients.
- Bright green gel food coloring: Like magic for that unmistakable Grinch green without diluting the fudge.
- Red heart sprinkles: Adds the festive final touch that makes this fudge pop at holiday parties.
Variations
I love how flexible this Grinch Fudge Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to fit your sweet tooth or dietary needs without compromising on that classic creamy texture. Feel free to get playful with colors, flavors, or festive toppings — your kitchen, your rules!
- Chocolate Twist: I like stirring in some mini chocolate chips or chopped peppermint bark — it adds an extra festive crunch that’s a hit with my family.
- Dairy-Free Version: Try substituting white chocolate chips with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead — it’s a bit of a trial, but totally doable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Holiday Colors: Don’t limit yourself to green—red or white food coloring works great if you want a different look for non-Grinch themed parties.
- Nutty Delight: Adding chopped pistachios or toasted pecans gives this fudge a lovely nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness.
How to Make Grinch Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready
Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step is a game changer — it makes lifting out the fudge so easy once it’s set. Don’t skip this or you’ll regret struggling to remove those sugary squares later on!
Step 2: Prep the Sweet Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, and vanilla extract. Set this aside while you work on the sugar mixture; this resting time lets the ingredients get acquainted and ready to become luscious fudge.
Step 3: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until everything’s combined and the butter has melted. Once the mixture reaches a low boil, stop stirring and let it bubble gently for exactly 10 minutes—no stirring! You might notice it turns a bit caramel-colored, but that’s totally normal and adds flavor.
Step 4: Marry the Mixtures
Remove the sugar mixture from heat and pour it over the bowl with the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir gently with your wooden spoon until everything’s smooth, shiny, and well combined.
Step 5: Add That Grinch Green!
Add a few drops of bright green gel food coloring and beat the mixture on medium-low using an electric mixer. I like to start with just a couple of drops and then add more until I get that perfect vibrant Grinch color — it’s fun to watch the hue deepen.
Step 6: Set and Decorate
Pour the smooth, green fudge into your prepared pan and sprinkle generously with red heart sprinkles. This little pop of red against the green just screams holiday spirit to me! Pop the pan into the fridge for at least two hours to let the fudge fully set. Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut into roughly 1 ½ inch squares.
Pro Tips for Making Grinch Fudge Recipe
- Use Parchment Paper: It really helps to lift the fudge cleanly from the pan without breaking those precious squares.
- Sticky Stirring Logic: When boiling the sugar mixture, stop stirring after it comes to a boil to avoid crystallization—this was a game changer for me.
- Color in Small Batches: Add your green food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly for that perfect Grinch green without over-coloring or adding too much liquid.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Let the fudge cool completely in the fridge for the cleanest cuts and best texture—patience really pays here!
How to Serve Grinch Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I always stick to the classic red heart sprinkles because they add the perfect festive pop of color and a bit of crunch. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra playful, I mix in some edible glitter or crushed candy canes for that seasonal sparkle and a tiny peppermint kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fudge.
Side Dishes
This fudge goes wonderfully alongside a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a bright pot of spiced mulled cider. During holiday parties, I like pairing it with other small bites like gingerbread cookies or candied nuts to create a fun dessert platter full of vibrant colors and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, try stacking your Grinch fudge squares in a clear jar with festive ribbons or present them on a holiday-themed tray layered with doilies. I once arranged them in a small tree shape on a platter using a toothpick as a “tree trunk”—it was a big hit with the kids and a fun conversation starter at our Christmas Eve gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover Grinch fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain that perfectly firm texture. It stays fresh for about a week, though usually, it disappears way before then in my house! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so pieces don’t stick together.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. I’ve frozen this fudge with great success — it keeps its creamy texture and vibrant color after thawing in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Since this fudge is best served chilled, you won’t want to reheat it like other desserts. Instead, just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving so it slightly softens and melts deliciously in your mouth.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk for this Grinch Fudge Recipe?
You can substitute regular milk, but evaporated milk gives the fudge a richer, creamier texture that’s hard to duplicate. If you use regular milk, your fudge may be a bit softer and less dense, so reduce any added liquids accordingly and monitor consistency while cooking.
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Why does my fudge turn grainy and how can I prevent it?
Grainy fudge usually happens when sugar crystallizes during cooking or stirring. To prevent this in your Grinch Fudge Recipe, avoid stirring the sugar mixture after it comes to a boil. Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heating and be sure to boil the mixture for the full 10 minutes to reach the perfect soft-ball stage.
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Can I make this recipe without marshmallow cream?
Marshmallow cream adds smoothness and helps the fudge set properly, so omitting it might change the texture and firmness. If you want to try without it, I recommend adding a bit more butter and mixing thoroughly to compensate, but results may vary.
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How long will the Grinch Fudge stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge stays fresh for about a week. It’s best enjoyed within that time to savor its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, though you might find it disappears faster because it’s just so good!
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Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap out white chocolate chips for vegan versions and replace butter with coconut oil or margarine. Use a dairy-free marshmallow fluff substitute or homemade version. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but it’s totally doable with some experimentation.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Grinch Fudge Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite holiday treats. I love how it’s simple enough for a weekday baking session but impressive enough to bring a big smile at any holiday party. The rich, creamy texture combined with that fun, festive green color and sweet red hearts just makes my heart grow a little bigger every time I make it. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how much joy it brings to your kitchen and those you share it with. Happy baking!
Print
Grinch Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Grinch Fudge combines creamy white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and a vibrant green color to create a delightful holiday treat. Topped with red heart sprinkles, this easy-to-make fudge is perfect for spreading holiday cheer and making your sweet tooth sing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces white chocolate chips
- ½ cup marshmallow cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup butter
- Bright green gel food coloring
- Red heart sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Combine White Chocolate Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, add the white chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, and vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are combined and the mixture begins to boil gently. Once boiling, stop stirring and let it boil undisturbed for 10 minutes, even if it starts turning caramel-like in color.
- Mix with Chocolate Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the hot sugar mixture over the white chocolate mixture. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate before stirring gently with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Add Color and Beat: Add a few drops of bright green gel food coloring to the mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium-low speed, beat the fudge until it is almost set. Add more green food coloring as needed to achieve a vivid Grinch green color.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and evenly sprinkle with red heart sprinkles on top. Place the pan in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, or until fully set.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan and cut into 1 ½ inch squares. Serve and enjoy your festive treat!
Notes
- This festive Grinch Fudge is straightforward to prepare and perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Use bright green gel food coloring to achieve the iconic Grinch color without altering the fudge’s texture.
- Allow the sugar mixture to boil without stirring to ensure proper fudge texture and avoid graininess.
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Red heart sprinkles add a charming, seasonal touch reminiscent of the Grinch’s transformed heart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1 ½ inch square)
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 88 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 26 mg
