Dreamy Fluffy Strawberry Fudge: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delight
Are you ready to experience fudge like never before? Forget the dense, sometimes gritty fudge of your past. This Fluffy Strawberry Fudge is a cloud of strawberry-infused sweetness that practically melts in your mouth. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gifting, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try!
## Why This Fluffy Strawberry Fudge is the Best
* **Incredibly Fluffy Texture:** The secret ingredient? Marshmallow creme! It creates a light and airy texture that is unlike any other fudge you’ve tried.
* **Intense Strawberry Flavor:** We use freeze-dried strawberries for a concentrated and natural strawberry flavor that won’t water down the fudge.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is beginner-friendly. No candy thermometer needed! Just a few simple steps and you’ll have perfect fudge every time.
* **Versatile:** Add your own creative twists! Try different toppings, mix-ins, or even different freeze-dried fruit flavors.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** The pink hue of the strawberry fudge makes it visually appealing, making it ideal for gifting and celebrations.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **3 cups Granulated Sugar:** This is the base for our fudge and provides the necessary sweetness.
* **¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) Unsalted Butter:** Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps to create a smooth texture. Make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the saltiness of the fudge.
* **⅔ cup Evaporated Milk:** Evaporated milk provides a creamy consistency without adding too much liquid, which is crucial for fudge. Do not substitute with regular milk.
* **1 (12-ounce) package White Chocolate Chips:** High-quality white chocolate chips are essential for a smooth and flavorful fudge. Ghirardelli or Guittard are good choices.
* **7 ounces Marshmallow Creme:** This is the secret ingredient that makes our fudge incredibly fluffy! Make sure to measure it accurately.
* **½ teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the fudge.
* **1 cup Freeze-Dried Strawberries, crushed:** Freeze-dried strawberries provide an intense strawberry flavor without adding extra liquid. Pulse them in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sprinkles, chopped freeze-dried strawberries, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **8×8 inch Baking Pan:** A square baking pan is ideal for fudge. You can also use a 9×13 inch pan for a thinner fudge.
* **Parchment Paper:** Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the fudge and prevents it from sticking.
* **Saucepan:** A medium-sized saucepan is needed to cook the sugar mixture.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the fudge mixture.
* **Food Processor (optional):** For crushing the freeze-dried strawberries.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get started! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of dreamy Fluffy Strawberry Fudge:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pan**
* Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out later. Grease the parchment paper lightly with butter or cooking spray.
**Step 2: Combine Sugar, Butter, and Evaporated Milk**
* In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
**Step 3: Cook the Mixture**
* Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
* Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
* Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil for 5 minutes *without stirring*. Use a timer to ensure accuracy. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
**Step 4: Remove from Heat and Add White Chocolate, Marshmallow Creme, Salt, and Vanilla**
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, salt, and vanilla extract.
* Stir vigorously until the white chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes of consistent stirring. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
**Step 5: Stir in Crushed Freeze-Dried Strawberries**
* Add the crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the fudge mixture and stir gently until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fudge tough.
**Step 6: Pour into Prepared Pan**
* Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
**Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)**
* If desired, sprinkle the top of the fudge with your favorite toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped freeze-dried strawberries, or mini marshmallows. Gently press the toppings into the fudge to help them adhere.
**Step 8: Chill the Fudge**
* Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely.
**Step 9: Cut and Serve**
* Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
* Place the fudge on a cutting board and cut it into squares using a sharp knife.
* Serve and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Fluffy Strawberry Fudge
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of your fudge. Use good quality white chocolate chips, fresh butter, and genuine vanilla extract.
* **Don’t Overcook the Sugar Mixture:** Boiling the sugar mixture for too long can result in a hard, grainy fudge. Stick to the 5-minute boiling time exactly.
* **Stir Constantly While Melting Chocolate:** Be patient and stir continuously while melting the white chocolate chips to prevent them from seizing or burning.
* **Don’t Overmix After Adding Strawberries:** Overmixing after adding the freeze-dried strawberries can make the fudge tough. Stir gently until just combined.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Allow the fudge to chill completely before cutting it. This will ensure it holds its shape and has a firm texture.
* **Cut with a Warm Knife:** To get clean, even cuts, warm your knife under hot water, dry it thoroughly, and then cut the fudge. Repeat as needed.
* **Storage:** Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
## Variations and Add-ins
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:
* **Raspberry Fudge:** Substitute the freeze-dried strawberries with freeze-dried raspberries for a tangy twist.
* **Blueberry Fudge:** Use freeze-dried blueberries for a vibrant blue fudge with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
* **Chocolate Swirl:** Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top of the fudge before it sets for a marbled effect.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the fudge mixture for a nutty crunch.
* **Mini Marshmallows:** Stir in mini marshmallows for extra fluffiness and sweetness.
* **Strawberry Jam Swirl:** Swirl a spoonful of strawberry jam into the fudge before chilling for an even more intense strawberry flavor.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the fudge mixture for a mocha-flavored fudge.
## Troubleshooting
* **Fudge is Too Soft:** If your fudge is too soft, it may not have been cooked long enough or chilled sufficiently. Try chilling it for a longer period of time. If it’s still too soft, you can try melting it down and re-boiling the sugar mixture for an extra minute or two.
* **Fudge is Too Hard:** If your fudge is too hard, it may have been overcooked. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to fix this. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully next time and avoid overcooking the sugar mixture.
* **Fudge is Grainy:** Grainy fudge can be caused by undissolved sugar crystals. Make sure to stir the sugar mixture constantly while it’s heating to prevent this.
## Serving Suggestions
This Fluffy Strawberry Fudge is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Gift Giving:** Package the fudge in a decorative box or tin and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift.
* **Dessert Platter:** Include the fudge on a dessert platter alongside other sweets like cookies, brownies, and cake.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Crumble the fudge over ice cream for a delightful topping.
* **Party Favors:** Wrap individual squares of fudge in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for party favors.
* **Coffee Companion:** Enjoy a square of fudge with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
## Fluffy Strawberry Fudge Recipe
**Yields:** Approximately 36 squares
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 5 minutes
**Chill Time:** 2 hours (or overnight)
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups Granulated Sugar
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) Unsalted Butter
* ⅔ cup Evaporated Milk
* 1 (12-ounce) package White Chocolate Chips
* 7 ounces Marshmallow Creme
* ½ teaspoon Salt
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* 1 cup Freeze-Dried Strawberries, crushed
* Optional Toppings: Sprinkles, chopped freeze-dried strawberries, mini marshmallows
**Equipment:**
* 8×8 inch Baking Pan
* Parchment Paper
* Saucepan
* Wooden Spoon or Spatula
* Food Processor (optional)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
**Instructions:**
1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Grease the parchment paper lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil for 5 minutes *without stirring*. Use a timer to ensure accuracy.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, salt, and vanilla extract.
7. Stir vigorously until the white chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Add the crushed freeze-dried strawberries to the fudge mixture and stir gently until evenly distributed.
9. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10. If desired, sprinkle the top of the fudge with your favorite toppings. Gently press the toppings into the fudge to help them adhere.
11. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely.
12. Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
13. Place the fudge on a cutting board and cut it into squares using a sharp knife.
14. Serve and enjoy!
## Nutritional Information (approximate per square)
* Calories: 150
* Fat: 8g
* Saturated Fat: 5g
* Cholesterol: 20mg
* Sodium: 50mg
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Sugar: 18g
* Protein: 1g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
This Fluffy Strawberry Fudge recipe is a guaranteed winner! With its melt-in-your-mouth texture, intense strawberry flavor, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a truly delightful fudge experience. Happy baking!