Grinch Fudge Recipe

The Jolliest Grinch Fudge Recipe for Holiday Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories of holiday cheer collide with classic grinch fudge in this delightful seasonal treat.

Green swirls of delectable goodness promise a whimsical dessert adventure.

Chocolate lovers will adore this playful twist on traditional fudge.

Soft, creamy textures melt perfectly on your tongue with each bite.

Minimal ingredients create maximum excitement for winter celebrations.

Vibrant colors and rich flavors make this dessert a festive showstopper.

Whip up this magical recipe and watch smiles spread faster than frosting on a cookie.

Grinch Fudge That’s Delightfully Sweet

Grinch Fudge That’s Delightfully Sweet
  • Craft a Festive Treat: Create a whimsical dessert that captures the playful spirit of the holiday season with vibrant colors and peppermint flavor.
  • Master Simple Chocolate Techniques: Learn professional-level chocolate melting and layering skills without requiring advanced culinary expertise, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Design Stunning Presentation: Develop a visually impressive dessert with minimal effort, featuring stunning green and red swirled layers that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
  • Quick Party Preparation: Prepare a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires basic ingredients and minimal cooking time, making it ideal for last-minute holiday celebrations or potluck contributions.

Ingredients to Craft Grinch Fudge

Main Ingredients:

White Chocolate: A creamy, sweet base that provides the rich and smooth texture of the fudge.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: A thick, sugary milk that helps bind the fudge and create a rich, smooth consistency.

Flavor Enhancers:
  • Peppermint Extract: A cool, refreshing flavoring that gives the fudge its signature minty taste.
  • Cinnamon Red Hot Candies: Spicy-sweet candies that add a pop of color and a hint of warmth to the fudge.
Coloring and Preparation Ingredients:
  • Green Gel Food Coloring, Red Gel Food Coloring: Vibrant colorings that transform the fudge into a festive Grinch-inspired treat.
  • Parchment Paper, Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Essential tools for easy preparation and removal of the fudge from the baking dish.

How to Make Grinch Fudge

How to Make Grinch Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Canvas

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Spritz the paper with cooking spray to help the fudge slide out effortlessly when it’s ready.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate Magic

Grab two small saucepans. In each pan, combine:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk

Warm over low-medium heat, stirring gently.

Step 3: Infuse Flavor Excitement

Pour peppermint extract into each chocolate mixture. Stir until the extract blends completely, creating a smooth and fragrant base.

Step 4: Create Colorful Layers

Divide the melted chocolate into two portions:
  • Add green gel food coloring to one pan
  • Add red gel food coloring to the other pan

Adjust color intensity to match your Grinch-inspired vision.

Step 5: Build the Festive Foundation

Pour the green fudge into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle cinnamon red hot candies across the surface for a playful touch.

Step 6: Layer the Vibrant Topping

Carefully spoon the red fudge over the green layer.

Aim for an even distribution that looks as magical as it tastes.

Step 7: Swirl with Artistic Flair

Take a knife and create mesmerizing swirls, blending the red and green together.

Let your creativity flow!

Step 8: Allow Fudge to Set

Let the fudge rest at room temperature.

Give it plenty of time to firm up – overnight works best.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut the fudge into bite-sized squares.

Each piece is a delightful reminder of holiday cheer.

Tips to Perfect Grinch Fudge Texture

Tips to Perfect Grinch Fudge Texture
  • Prevent sticking by generously greasing parchment paper with non-stick spray, ensuring seamless fudge removal.
  • Monitor chocolate melting carefully using low-medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning or uneven texture.
  • Select high-quality gel food coloring for vibrant green and red hues that capture the Grinch's festive spirit.
  • Create perfect swirls by gently dragging a knife through layers, using light and controlled movements for artistic marbling.
  • Refrigerate fudge for faster setting and firmer consistency, cutting into bite-sized squares after complete cooling.

Flavor Variations for Grinch Fudge

Flavor Variations for Grinch Fudge
  • Holiday Color Swap: Replace green and red with blue and silver for a winter wonderland themed fudge, maintaining the same peppermint flavor and white chocolate base.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free condensed milk alternative, keeping the festive peppermint extract flavor.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or sliced almonds between green and red layers for added texture and nutty complexity to the original Grinch fudge recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Grinch Fudge

Pairing Suggestions for Grinch Fudge
  • Craft a creamy hot chocolate using white chocolate and peppermint schnapps to mirror the fudge's flavor profile. The warm drink complements the cool, sweet fudge perfectly.
  • Scoop a classic vanilla bean ice cream alongside the fudge to create a refreshing contrast. The cold, smooth texture balances the rich, sweet fudge while enhancing its holiday spirit.
  • Choose a light, bubbly prosecco with subtle sweetness to cleanse the palate between bites. The effervescence cuts through the fudge's richness and adds a celebratory touch to the dessert experience.
  • Brew a warm cinnamon tea that echoes the red hot candies' spice notes.

Storing Grinch Fudge Correctly

Storing Grinch Fudge Correctly
  • Refrigerate: Store the Grinch Fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Room Temperature: Keep fudge in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that might cause melting or texture changes.
  • Reheating: Bring refrigerated or frozen fudge to room temperature naturally. Avoid microwave reheating, as it can alter the smooth texture and cause chocolate to separate.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Regular food coloring may not provide the same vibrant color intensity as gel food coloring. Gel food coloring is more concentrated and gives a richer, more saturated color without adding extra liquid to the fudge mixture.

  • How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?

Continuous stirring and using low-medium heat are key to preventing graininess. Make sure to stir constantly and avoid overheating the chocolate, which can cause sugar crystals to form and create a grainy texture.

  • Is it possible to make this fudge without peppermint extract?

While peppermint extract adds a festive flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a more neutral taste. However, the signature holiday flavor will be less pronounced.

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Grinch Fudge Recipe

Grinch Fudge Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Festive Grinch fudge brings holiday cheer with its green-tinted white chocolate base and cheerful red heart sprinkles. Whimsical colors and sweet flavors make this dessert a playful tribute to Dr. Seuss’s beloved character.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 cups (680 g) white chocolate chips
  • 2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) cinnamon red hot candies
  • 13 drops green gel food coloring
  • 14 drops red gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8-inch square dish by lining with parchment paper and lightly spraying with non-stick cooking spray to facilitate easy fudge removal.
  2. Set up two small pots on low-medium heat, dividing white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk equally between them.
  3. Stir chocolate mixtures continuously, ensuring a smooth texture without any lumps, maintaining consistent heat around 110°F.
  4. Add peppermint extract to both pots, thoroughly incorporating the flavoring into each chocolate base.
  5. Create distinct color variations by adding green gel food coloring to one pot and red gel food coloring to the other, adjusting drops to achieve desired color intensity.
  6. Pour the green-tinted fudge mixture into the prepared dish, evenly distributing cinnamon red hot candies across the surface.
  7. Carefully layer the red-tinted fudge over the green mixture, ensuring gentle and even coverage.
  8. Generate a marbled effect by delicately swirling the red and green layers using a knife, creating an artistic pattern without overmixing.
  9. Allow fudge to set at room temperature, preferably for 4-6 hours or overnight, until completely firm and solid.
  10. Once set, slice the fudge into precise 1-inch squares, revealing the festive swirled pattern underneath.

Notes

  • Customize the color intensity by gradually adding food gel drops, letting personal preference guide the vibrant Grinch-themed hues.
  • Prevent chocolate burning by using a double boiler or carefully monitoring low heat while stirring consistently to maintain smooth texture.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with additional extracts like vanilla or replacing peppermint with almond extract for unique taste variations.
  • Create dietary-friendly versions by substituting white chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives and using condensed coconut milk for vegan compatibility.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Melting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 283
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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