Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (2024)

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Ramp up your holiday baking with this fantastic Gumdrop Fudge recipe! Creamy vanilla fudge riddled with colorful Gumdrop candy pieces. The colorful fudge is perfect to add to your Christmas cookie platter, holiday dessert table, or gift to family and friends this holiday season.

Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (1)

You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this Candy Dots Gumdrop Fudge! That’s why making fudge (or any of my easy homemade candy recipes) for gifts and baking exchanges can seem like the perfect idea when you want something other than cookies. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Christmas Cookie, but fudge is a great Christmas treat as well!

Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (2)

If you are in the mood for some more simple fudge recipes, you’ve gotta try these Christmas hits: Christmas sugar cookie fudge (the best of both the cookie and fudge worlds!), Christmas coal fudge (perfect to give to those who you want to mess with) or a classic- Andes mint fudge!

Table of Contents

INGREDIENTS

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (3)
  • White Chocolate Chips—These bring the perfect white chocolate flavor to your fudge- use your favorite brand.Almond bark or Ghiradelli white melting wafers work too.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk— This classic fudge ingredient combines with the melted white chocolate to make the base of the Christmas fudge.
  • Vanilla extract— adds a little extra flavor
  • Gumdrops— We used a box of Dots candy but classic gumdrops are great as well. Use only red and green gumdrops as we did or use all the colors. I like to slice them in half but you could also chop them into several smaller pieces if you prefer. Next time I am going to try the recipe using homemade gumdrops.

SUPPLIES

  • 9×9-inch square pan
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Cutting board and sharp knife with a straight edge

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST GUMDROP FUDGE RECIPE

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (4)

Prep: Line a 9 x 9 inch square pan with foil or parchment paper. Leave a bit overhanging the edges to make it easy to lift out of the pan later.

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat add your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.

Step 2: Heat and stir until melted and smooth. Do not overcook or cook too high as it will turn the chocolate a tan color instead of white.

Step 3: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in gumdrops.

Step 4: Pour the fudge into your prepared pan and smooth out into an even layer.

Step 5: Chill in the refrigerator overnight, or until set (at least 2 hours).Remove from the pan, cut into bite-size pieces, and serve.

Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (5)

STORAGE

Store fudge in an airtight container. It’ll keep up to a week at room temperature. If you wish to keep it longer, place it in the fridge and it will last up to 2 weeks.

EXPERT TIPS AND TRICKS

  • Can’t find gumdrops? If you have a hard time finding classic gumdrops you can use the Dots candy which is typically easier to find, especially around Halloween. So if you plan on adding this holiday fudge to your Christmas baking list, keep an eye out around Halloween for Dots if you know you won’t find Gumdrops when you need them.
  • Work fast. The chocolate can harden back up fairly quickly once you’ve melted it in the saucepan on the stove, so be sure to work hastily to get the rest of the fudge ready to go before it hardens again.
  • Photo-perfect fudge squares. Ever wonder how you end up with all the pretty fudge squares? Use a sharp knife with a straight edge. Cut the rough edges of the fudge off first and then work on cutting the fudge neatly into squares from there. Wiping your knife after each cut helps as well As a bonus, I find the edge scraps are perfect for munching on as you cut and save the rest for serving.
Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (6)

GUMDROP FUDGE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does this fudge take to set?

Setting time will vary a bit based on the ingredients used, refrigerator temperature, etc… The minimum it will take is 2 hours in the fridge. Plan for at least 3 hour to be safe. Ideally, if you have the time and patience, you’d let it set up in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy the fudge the next day.

The fudge is too hard to cut, what do I do?

I know what you’re talking about. It can get hard to cut, especially if you let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to chill. When this happens, I suggest letting it sit out at room temperature to soften up a little before trying to cut it again. Do not attempt to microwave it to make it softer.

What else can I add to this fudge?

You can pretty much add whatever mix-ins you desire to this gumdrop fudge recipe. Just be mindful of how much add-ins you’re tossing in the mixture to make sure there’s enough of the fudge mixture to hold it all together. Mu0026Ms, sprinkles, or other fun and festive colored candies would be a great addition to your colorful candy fudge.

More Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes

  • Crockpot Candy
  • Nut Brittle
  • Christmas Saltine Toffe
  • Chocolate Rum Balls
  • Martha Washington Candy with Cherries

Or check out this huge list of all my easy homemade Christmas candy recipes!

Recipe

Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (7)

Recipe

4.70 from 10 votes

Gumdrop Fudge

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Chill Time 2 hours hrs

Total: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Gumdrop fudge is a fun and colorful homemade Christmas candy that is quick and easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups chopped red and green gumdrops Dots candy

Instructions

  • Line a 9 x 9 inch square pan with foil or parchment paper.

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat add your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.

  • Heat and stir until melted and smooth. Do not overcook or cook too high as it will turn the chocolate a tan color instead of white.

  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in gumdrops.

  • Pour the fudge into your prepared 9×9 pan and smooth out into an even layer.

  • Chill in refrigerator overnight, or until set (at least 2 hours).Remove from the pan, cut into bite-size pieces, and serve.

Notes

  • You can use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips.
  • I used Dots candies that I cut in half but you can use other gumdrops or even spiced gumdrops.
  • To get pretty, picture-perfect fudge squares trim off the rough edges first and wipe your knife after each slice.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 2pieces | Calories: 179kcal

    Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (8)

    Did You Make This Recipe?

    Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!

    Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (9)
    Gumdrop Fudge Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to smooth fudge? ›

    By cooling the fudge prior to agitation (like in the recipes included in this article), on the other hand, you'll get much smaller, finer sugar crystals and a finished fudge with a smooth, creamy texture. Cool the mixture until it reads 120° F on the thermometer—no stirring. This can take 1 to 1/2 hours.

    What is the secret to non grainy fudge? ›

    Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

    What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

    Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

    What's the difference between fudge and chocolate fudge? ›

    Although fudge often contains chocolate, fudge is not the same as chocolate. Chocolate is a mix of cocoa solids, cocoa butter and sometimes sugar and other flavorings and is hard and brittle. Fudge is a mixture of sugar, dairy and flavorings that is cooked and cooled to form a smooth, semi-soft confection.

    What not to do when making fudge? ›

    7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
    1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
    2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
    3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
    4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
    5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
    6. Scraping the Pot. ...
    7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
    Dec 16, 2015

    Do you stir fudge while it is boiling? ›

    Never stir the mixture during cooking or sugar could crystallize again. The mixture may seize and become grainy. Use a candy thermometer or conduct a cold water test to check if the fudge is done. Do not rely on the cooking time indicated in your recipe.

    What happens if you boil fudge too long? ›

    Too cooked

    The result is hard and brittle fudge. To save the fudge, put it in a saucepan with 45 to 60 ml (3 or 4 tbsp.) of 35% cream and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely melted. Then let it boil without stirring until the thermometer reaches 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

    Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

    The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

    How do you get fudge to soft ball stage? ›

    Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

    What to do with failed fudge? ›

    Options for what you can do with your unset fudge:

    OPTION 1) Depending on how runny it is, you can either use it as a frosting for cakes, or a sauce for ice-cream. OPTION 2) Freeze it overnight. Cut it into squares. Cover each square thickly in melted chocolate, ensuring no part of the fudge is exposed.

    Can you reboil fudge that hasn't set? ›

    How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

    Why do you whip fudge? ›

    Whipping the fudge with the electric mixer eliminates the marshmallow-it is just more sugar and air! The mixer takes care of adding the air to your fudge. It's better for you as you are not adding more sugar. I also have added a large Hershey's candy bar-(broken into bits) with the chocolate chips for added richness.

    Is fudge healthier than chocolate? ›

    Fudge typically contains more sugar than chocolate, so it may not be the best choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake. On the other hand, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation.

    What makes fudge taste like fudge? ›

    Fudge incorporates sugar, milk, butter, and other ingredients such as cocoa for chocolate fudge. The chocolatier then heats these products together until they melt. After this, the mixture is beaten during the cooling process. Think of fudge as a food consisting of crystallized sugar.

    Is fudge just ganache? ›

    Although the two are made from similar ingredients, they'll wind up with different consistencies. Ganache might solidify slightly but will remain smooth as a filling or icing. Fudge, meanwhile, will be soft enough to easily bite into while being solid enough to hold its shape after it has time to set up.

    Why isn't my fudge smooth? ›

    It's important to beat the fudge ingredients to develop the right texture, but you won't get smooth, creamy fudge if you beat it when it's too hot. Beating fudge when it's still over heat creates sugar crystals, aka the grittiness you feel in the fudge.

    What is the best way to soften fudge? ›

    Put the fudge in a plastic bag add a piece of bread or a damp paper towel close the bag completely leave it overnight it will soften . For small amounts just heat at half power for ten seconds intervals until soft.

    References

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