Trail Mix White Fudge: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Craving something sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all at once? Look no further! This Trail Mix White Fudge recipe is the answer to your multifaceted dessert desires. It’s a delightful combination of smooth, rich white chocolate fudge studded with your favorite trail mix ingredients. Perfect for holiday gifting, potlucks, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, this fudge is incredibly easy to make and completely customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Trail Mix White Fudge

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients. No candy thermometer needed!
• Customizable: Use your favorite trail mix components or create your own unique blend.
• Perfect for Gifting: The festive appearance and delicious flavor make it a wonderful homemade gift.
• Sweet and Salty Perfection: The combination of sweet white chocolate and salty trail mix is simply irresistible.
• No-Bake Recipe: No need to turn on the oven! This fudge sets up beautifully in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• White Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Lindt are excellent choices. Avoid using white baking bars as they can sometimes be difficult to melt smoothly. 30 ounces is recommended.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the key to the creamy, smooth texture of the fudge. One 14-ounce can is all you need.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma. One teaspoon will suffice.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients. About 1/4 teaspoon is recommended.
• Trail Mix: The star of the show! Use your favorite trail mix or create your own blend. Here are some popular options:
  • Nuts: Peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts
  • Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries, mango, pineapple
  • Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • Chocolate Candies: M&Ms, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips
  • Pretzels: Mini pretzels, pretzel sticks
  • Coconut Flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened
  • Other: Yogurt-covered raisins, granola

  We recommend using about 2-3 cups of trail mix, depending on your preference.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8 inch Baking Pan: A square baking pan is ideal for making fudge.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: To line the baking pan and prevent the fudge from sticking.
• Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the white chocolate.
• Rubber Spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Trail Mix White Fudge:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out of the pan once it has set. Lightly grease the parchment paper or foil with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

There are two ways to melt the white chocolate:

Double Boiler Method:

1. Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
3. Add the white chocolate chips to the bowl and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.

Microwave Method:

1. Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.

Regardless of the method, ensure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth before proceeding. If you find that the chocolate is seizing up, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to help smooth it out.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the white chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Trail Mix

Pour the trail mix into the white chocolate mixture and gently fold it in until it is evenly distributed throughout the fudge. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the chocolate to seize up.

Reserve a small amount of trail mix to sprinkle on top of the fudge for decoration, if desired.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle the reserved trail mix on top, gently pressing it into 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 6: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but 1-inch or 1.5-inch squares are a good size.

Store the Trail Mix White Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fudge

• Use High-Quality White Chocolate: The quality of the white chocolate will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the fudge. Opt for a reputable brand known for its smooth melting and rich flavor.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Overheating white chocolate can cause it to seize up and become grainy. Be patient and melt it slowly, stirring frequently.
• Line the Pan Properly: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or foil is crucial for easy removal. Make sure the lining extends over the edges of the pan to create an overhang.
• Refrigerate Thoroughly: Allow the fudge to chill completely in the refrigerator before cutting it. This will ensure it is firm enough to cut into clean squares.
• Use a Warm Knife: If you’re having trouble cutting the fudge, try warming the knife under hot water before each cut. This will help it glide through the fudge more easily.
• Get Creative with Your Trail Mix: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different trail mix combinations. Consider adding toasted coconut flakes, chopped pretzels, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
• Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted milk chocolate or dark chocolate over the top of the fudge for an extra touch of decadence.

Variations and Additions

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:

• Peanut Butter Trail Mix Fudge: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the melted white chocolate before adding the trail mix. You can also use peanut butter chips in your trail mix blend.
• Cranberry Pistachio White Fudge: Use dried cranberries and pistachios in your trail mix for a festive holiday flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge: Add edible cookie dough pieces to the fudge for a decadent twist.
• Peppermint Bark Fudge: Crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top of the fudge for a holiday-inspired treat.
• Salted Caramel Fudge: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty delight.
• Espresso Fudge: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted white chocolate for a coffee-flavored kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Trail Mix White Fudge is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Serve with Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of the fudge pairs perfectly with a warm beverage.
• Add to a Dessert Platter: Include the fudge on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies, brownies, and fruit.
• Gift Giving: Package the fudge in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Party Favor: Wrap individual squares of fudge in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for a cute party favor.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the fudge and sprinkle it over ice cream for a delicious topping.

Storage Instructions

To maintain its freshness and texture, store the Trail Mix White Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: 250-350 per serving
• Fat: 15-25g per serving
• Saturated Fat: 10-15g per serving
• Cholesterol: 10-20mg per serving
• Sodium: 50-100mg per serving
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g per serving
• Sugar: 20-30g per serving
• Protein: 2-4g per serving

Trail Mix White Fudge Recipe

Yields: Approximately 36 squares

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)

Ingredients:

• 30 ounces (about 5 cups) high-quality white chocolate chips
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 cups trail mix (your favorite blend)

Equipment:

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper or foil.
2. Melt the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
4. Add the Trail Mix: Gently fold in the trail mix until it is evenly distributed. Reserve a small amount for topping, if desired.
5. Pour and Chill: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with reserved trail mix, if desired, and gently press it into the fudge.
6. Refrigerate: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.
7. Cut and Serve: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Conclusion

This Trail Mix White Fudge is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Its ease of preparation, customizable nature, and irresistible flavor combination make it a winner for any occasion. So gather your favorite trail mix ingredients, melt some white chocolate, and get ready to create a sweet and savory masterpiece!