Aunt Irene’s Christmas Fudge
The last recipe of the year and it’s one of my all time favorite family recipes, Aunt Irene’s Christmas Fudge.
You wouldn't typically consider fudge as a Christmas treat, but in my family while growing up, it always held that special place, thanks to my Great Aunt Irene's recipe. Her recipe remains the standard for any fudge made by any of my family members. It has the perfect level of sweetness and an incredibly satisfying chewiness, making it a delightful dessert for any holiday gathering.
Aunt Irene’s Christmas Fudge
1 stick unsalted butter
½ can evaporated milk
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
6 oz. marshmallow fluff
9 oz. semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
6 oz. creamy peanut butter
½ tsp vanilla extract
Red, white and green sprinkles
Line a 9x9” square pan with parchment and put aside.
In a medium sized heavy bottom pot; cook your butter, evaporated milk and sugar on medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring occasionally while waiting for it to boil. Once the mixture starts to boil and set a timer for 10 minutes. While the timer is going, do not stir, just let the sugar boil. If you stir the sugar, it will disrupt the formation of the molten sugar crystals and it will turn your fudge grainy.
After 10 minutes have passed, turn off the heat. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Pour the fudge into your parchment lined pan and smooth over with a silicone spatula. Jiggle the pan to release any air bubbles that may be trapped in the fudge.
Top the fudge with red, white and green sprinkles for Christmas or any other toppings you might want to use.
Let the fudge sit at room temperature until the pan is cool to the touch and then place the fudge in the fridge to finish setting. Let sit in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing and enjoying.
*Notes:
For the toppings, my aunt would always use Christmas sprinkles to top her fudge but like I said you could use any toppings you want. Some of my favorites are walnuts, mini marshmallows, or even crushed potato chips and pretzels. Anything you choose will be delicious.