Festive White Chocolate Rocky Road Fudge is a sweet, indulgent treat perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home. This easy-to-make dessert combines the creamy richness of white chocolate with chewy marshmallows, tangy dried fruits, and crunchy nuts. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the sweet creaminess of the fudge balanced by the tartness of the fruits and the nutty crunch. This no-bake recipe requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy schedules. Get ready to bring a little extra joy to the dessert table with this colorful and festive treat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as dried apricots, cherries, pineapple, and papaya)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing your dried fruits and nuts. Chop larger dried fruits like apricots and pineapple into small pieces for easier mixing. Roughly chop the nuts as well if they’re not already in small pieces. This will ensure that each piece of fudge has a balanced distribution of fruits and nuts.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be sure to keep the heat low to prevent burning the chocolate. Once the mixture is smooth, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Add the vanilla extract to the melted chocolate and milk mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth to the fudge, enhancing the white chocolate’s flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Marshmallows, Dried Fruits, and Nuts
Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly, then gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chopped dried fruits, and nuts. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. The marshmallows add a chewy texture, while the dried fruits and nuts add bursts of flavor and crunch throughout the fudge.
Step 5: Transfer to a Pan and Spread Evenly
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the fudge out later. Pour the mixture into the pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Step 6: Chill the Fudge
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is fully set and firm to the touch. This helps the chocolate harden, creating a solid block of fudge that can be easily sliced.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the fudge is set, remove it from the refrigerator. Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a cutting board. Slice the fudge into small squares or rectangles, about 1-inch in size. Serve immediately or store for later.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
These values are approximate and may vary based on exact portion sizes.
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A: Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate if you prefer. The flavor will be richer and less sweet with dark chocolate, while milk chocolate will be slightly sweeter. However, white chocolate pairs especially well with the dried fruits in this recipe.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the fudge?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins. Try coconut flakes, mini pretzels, or even peanut butter chips for extra flavor and texture.
Q: How long will this fudge stay fresh?
A: When stored properly, this fudge can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container in a cool place or the refrigerator for the best results.
Tips for Making the Best White Chocolate Rocky Road Fudge
- Use High-Quality White Chocolate: The flavor of this fudge relies heavily on the quality of the white chocolate, so it’s worth using a good-quality brand. Avoid white chocolate chips that contain mostly sugar and oil, as they won’t melt as smoothly.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes it much easier to lift the fudge out of the pan and prevents sticking, so you’ll get nice, clean pieces when you slice it.
- Chop Large Ingredients: Make sure any large pieces of fruit or nuts are chopped to a similar size as the marshmallows for a more even texture in each bite.
- Let the Mixture Cool Slightly Before Adding Marshmallows: This helps prevent the marshmallows from melting into the chocolate, which can happen if the mixture is too hot.
- Customize the Add-Ins: The dried fruit and nut mixture is very flexible. Feel free to try dried cranberries, raisins, or even dried mango. For nuts, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts can be great additions.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: You can store this fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week if the weather isn’t too warm. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, or if you prefer the fudge firmer, store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for softer fudge.
- Freezing: This fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
White Chocolate Rocky Road Fudge is the perfect blend of creamy, chewy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re making this as a treat for the family, a dessert for guests, or gifts for the holidays, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, the colorful mix of fruits and nuts makes it look festive and inviting.
Final Thoughts
This fudge recipe offers endless possibilities for customization, so feel free to get creative with your choice of fruits, nuts, and even the type of chocolate. Each batch can be a little different, giving you the chance to experiment with flavors and textures. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of making a homemade, deliciously rich fudge that everyone will love!