Hot Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallows: A Cozy Treat for the Soul
As the chill of the Holiday season settles in, there’s something incredibly comforting about curling up with a warm blanket and a rich, gooey dessert. That’s where this Hot Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallows comes into play! Picture this: a cozy evening spent with loved ones, the smell of chocolate wafting through the air, and laughter echoing as you indulge in sweet decadence. This fudgy delight is not just a treat; it’s an experience that warms your heart.
This is the perfect option for chilly nights or festive gatherings. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that captures the essence of hot chocolate in a delicious fudge form. As you prepare to whip up this creamy and comforting treat, make sure to pin this recipe for later! Your cozy evenings will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple: This is an easy weeknight dessert that comes together in no time.
- No-bake goodness: Skip the oven and let your fridge do all the work!
- Perfect for sharing: This rich fudge is a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone loves.
- Family-friendly fun: Kids can help with mixing and folding—make it a family affair!
- Customizable: With optional graham crackers and plenty of mix-in ideas, you can tailor it to your taste.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for texture)
- A pinch of salt
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easy to lift the fudge out later. This little trick makes serving a breeze!
Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is creamy, resembling a silky river of chocolate.
Add Flavor: Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until well combined, enhancing that rich chocolatey goodness.
Mix in Marshmallows: Fold in the mini marshmallows patiently, feeling that delightful gooeyness come together. If you’re adding crushed graham crackers, now’s the time to include them for that extra texture!
Pour and Spread: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Give it a gentle shake to settle all the deliciousness.
Chill to Set: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until firm. The anticipation will be worth it!
Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper, and slice it into small squares. Enjoy that gooey texture and rich flavor—it’s pure bliss!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Minty Magic: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist that brings a holiday cheer.
- Fudgy S’mores: Mix in mini chocolate chips or add more graham crackers for a s’mores-inspired fudge.
- Fruity Fusion: Toss in some dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a tangy and sweet surprise!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: This fudge keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or even use almond or coconut milk for the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Slicing Tricks: To get nice clean cuts, run a knife under hot water before slicing—it works wonders!
- Storage Suggestions: Keep your fudge stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Layer parchment paper between the squares if you need to stack them to prevent sticking.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Carbs: 21g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This fudge can be made up to two weeks in advance.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes, feel free to experiment with different chocolate types or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- How long does it last? When properly stored, this fudge can last for about two weeks in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallows is more than just a dessert—it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for snuggling up with loved ones. Whether you serve it at a cozy gathering or enjoy it on a quiet evening by the fire, each bite is a reminder of the simple joys of the Holiday season. Save this Hot Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallows to your sweet treats board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Hot Chocolate Fudge with Marshmallows
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, gooey dessert that captures the essence of hot chocolate, perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Fold in mini marshmallows and optional crushed graham crackers.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Lift fudge from pan using parchment, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
This fudge can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
