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This velvety smooth strawberry swirl fudge has become my secret weapon for homemade gifts during the holidays. The gorgeous pink and white swirls create a candy that looks professionally made but requires no special equipment or candy-making experience.
I first made this fudge for a Valentine's Day party and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared. What started as a simple experiment has turned into the most requested treat from friends and family who now expect a batch every Christmas.
Ingredients
- White chocolate morsels create the creamy base and provide the perfect sweetness level without being cloying
- Marshmallow creme gives that classic fudge texture without having to worry about precise candy temperatures
- Strawberry gelatin mix delivers authentic berry flavor and beautiful color throughout the fudge
- Heavy whipping cream provides the rich mouthfeel that makes this fudge truly velvety
- Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level and ensures proper setting
- Granulated sugar dissolves completely for that smooth texture without graininess
- Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base Mixture
- Combine butter, sugar, heavy cream and salt in a large saucepan over medium high heat until it begins to boil. Stir constantly while boiling for a full 5 minutes to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture reaches the right consistency.
- Create the Fudge Base
- Remove your mixture from heat and immediately beat in the white chocolate morsels and marshmallow creme until completely smooth, about 1 2 minutes. This creates your delicious vanilla fudge base.
- Layer and Create Swirls
- Pour half of your vanilla fudge mixture into a parchment lined 9 inch baking dish. To the remaining mixture, add the strawberry gelatin and beat for 1 minute until the color is uniform and beautiful. Pour this strawberry layer over the vanilla layer.
- Swirl and Set
- Using a knife, quickly create swirls by dragging through both layers. Do not overmix or you will lose the distinct swirl pattern. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into squares.
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The marshmallow creme is truly the secret hero of this recipe. Before discovering this ingredient, my fudge attempts were always hit or miss. The marshmallow creme provides stability that ensures your fudge sets properly every single time without worrying about humidity or temperature affecting the outcome.
Storage Success
This fudge maintains its best texture and flavor when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the fudge too firm and potentially affect the creamy texture. For maximum freshness, store the fudge in a solid block and only cut pieces as needed. When properly stored, this fudge will stay fresh for up to two weeks, though in my house it rarely lasts more than a few days!
Flavor Variations
While strawberry creates a beautiful pink swirl, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Raspberry gelatin creates a slightly deeper red color with a more intense berry flavor, perfect for a sophisticated twist. Orange gelatin transforms this into a dreamy creamsicle fudge that tastes like summer. You can even experiment with lime or cherry for completely different flavor profiles while keeping the same foolproof texture.
Gift Giving Ideas
This fudge makes an impressive homemade gift with minimal effort. Cut into perfect squares and layer in a decorative tin between sheets of parchment paper. For special occasions, try cutting the fudge with cookie cutters into hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for Christmas. Add a simple ribbon and handwritten tag for a thoughtful homemade gift that looks like it came from a specialty candy shop.
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Recipe FAQs
- → How long does this strawberry swirl fudge need to set?
The fudge needs to set at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. This allows the texture to become perfectly firm while maintaining its creamy consistency.
- → Do I need a candy thermometer to make this fudge?
No candy thermometer is needed! This recipe simplifies the fudge-making process by having you boil the mixture for exactly 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
- → Can I use different flavors instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the strawberry gelatin with raspberry or orange flavors for delicious variations on the fruit and cream combination.
- → What's the best way to store this fudge?
For maximum freshness, store the fudge in a block and only cut pieces as needed. This helps maintain the perfect texture. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- → What makes the swirl pattern in this fudge?
The beautiful swirl effect is created by layering the plain white fudge mixture first, then pouring the pink strawberry mixture on top and quickly swirling them together with a knife before the fudge sets.
- → How many servings does this strawberry swirl fudge yield?
This recipe makes approximately 64 bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or giving as homemade gifts.