If you’ve got a sweet tooth and love a bit of playful color in your treats, then this Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is about to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how this fudge is creamy, packed with bursts of fruity gumdrops, and just melts in your mouth—it’s like a little holiday party in every bite. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail it every time. Trust me, this fudge is fan-freaking-tastic and perfect for gifting or indulging yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This fudge requires simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time—perfect for busy days.
- Fun Flavor Combo: The sweet white chocolate balances perfectly with chewy, fruity gumdrops for a delicious contrast.
- Perfect for Gifting: Cut into colorful bite-sized pieces, it’s an instant holiday hit loved by friends and family.
- No Baking Required: You’ll be surprised how easy fudge is to make without firing up the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how this recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create something so indulgent and festive. When shopping, don’t skimp on the quality of your white chocolate chips—they make all the difference in smoothness and flavor.

- White chocolate chips: Use good-quality chips for the creamiest fudge; avoid white chocolate bark, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds the perfect creamy sweetness and helps the fudge hold together without fuss.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch enhances the white chocolate flavor and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- Chopped red and green gumdrops (Dots candies): These bring vibrant color and fruity chewiness that really make this fudge stand out.
Variations
This Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe is super forgiving, so I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand—don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Gumdrops Flavor Swap: Sometimes I swap in other chewy candies like fruit slices or even small gummy bears for a playful twist my kids adore.
- Nutty Delight: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gives a satisfying crunch and depth that contrasts nicely with the sweet gumdrops.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve experimented with coconut condensed milk and dairy-free white chocolate chips for friends with allergies—it works pretty well with minor texture differences.
- Color Themes: Mix the gumdrops based on the season—pinks and reds for Valentine’s, or orange and black for Halloween—for festive flair.
How to Make Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan for Success
Start by lining a 9 x 9 inch square pan with foil or parchment paper—this step makes life so much easier when it comes time to remove your fudge. I usually butter the foil slightly to prevent sticking, especially if I’m using parchment. This little prep saves you from any sticky messes later on!
Step 2: Melt the Magic Together
In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously as they gently melt together—you want a smooth, glossy mixture. Patience here is key; too much heat or rushing can cause the white chocolate to scorch or change color from bright white to a dull tan, which isn’t as pretty or tasty. I learned this the hard way the first time!
Step 3: Fold in the Fun Gumdrops
Once your fudge mixture is silky and smooth, remove it from the heat immediately. Stir in the chopped red and green gumdrops gently so they’re evenly distributed without breaking them down too much. The chewier texture of gumdrops is what makes this fudge so memorable, so handle them with care!
Step 4: Set and Chill
Pour the fudge into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to get an even layer. Cover it lightly and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours, but I prefer chilling it overnight—that’s when it’s perfectly firm and ready to slice. Cut into small, bite-sized squares because these are so rich, a little goes a long way!
Pro Tips for Making Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Low and Slow: Keep your heat low to avoid grainy fudge or discoloration—melting slowly keeps the texture just right.
- Chop Evenly: Make sure your gumdrops are chopped into similar-sized pieces so they distribute evenly in every bite.
- Pan Prep Is Key: Don’t skip lining your pan—foil or parchment lined and greased means easy removal and clean edges.
- Patience Pays Off: Let the fudge fully set in the fridge; cutting too early makes it sticky and messy.
How to Serve Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a few extra mini gumdrops or colored sugar crystals on top before it sets for a festive sparkle. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar makes presentation pop for events. It’s these little details that make your fudge look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee. For holiday gatherings, I often serve it alongside sugar cookies or gingerbread for a cheerful treat spread that everyone raves about.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifts, I’ve wrapped small batches in wax paper squares tied with festive ribbon. It also looks stunning layered in clear glass jars with ribbon tags—instantly charming and so easy to share!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and firm. I’d say it stays perfect for up to two weeks, though it usually disappears much faster in my house!
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen gumdrop white chocolate fudge by wrapping pieces individually in wax paper and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge, they maintain their creamy texture and cheerful colors beautifully.
Reheating
You don’t really need to reheat fudge, but if it’s a bit firm straight from the fridge, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to get that melt-in-your-mouth softness back.
FAQs
-
Can I substitute regular chocolate for white chocolate in this fudge?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with white chocolate for its creamy sweetness and color, you can swap in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. Just remember that darker chocolates will change the flavor profile and appearance completely.
-
Why did my fudge turn grainy or crumbly?
That usually happens when the chocolate overheats or the mixture cooks too fast. Keeping the temperature low and stirring constantly helps maintain a smooth texture. Also, don’t rush the setting process; patience is key!
-
Can I use other candies besides gumdrops in this recipe?
Yes! While gumdrops add a classic chewy and colorful touch, you can experiment with chopped jelly beans, dried fruit, or even festive sprinkles. Just make sure the candy holds up well in the fridge and doesn’t melt.
-
How long does this fudge keep?
If stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this fudge stays fresh for about two weeks. It can also be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
Final Thoughts
This Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, colorful, and endlessly comforting. Whenever I make it, friends and family come running, eager for more. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like the mix of creamy white chocolate and those chewy gumdrop surprises to brighten up any day. Give it a try—you’ll love having this easy, festive fudge in your sweet treat arsenal!
Print
Gumdrop White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Gumdrop Fudge combines creamy white chocolate with the chewy, colorful bursts of red and green gumdrops, creating a festive treat perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet, nostalgic candy. Made with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla for a rich, smooth texture, this fudge is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Fudge 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 (such as Dots candy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9 x 9 inch square pan with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously.
- Heat and Stir: Gently heat the mixture until the chocolate chips melt completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Be careful not to overheat or cook on high, as this can discolor the white chocolate turning it a tan color.
- Add Gumdrops: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the chopped red and green gumdrops, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Place the pan into the refrigerator and chill overnight or for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Serve: Once set, remove the fudge from the pan using the foil or parchment paper edges. Cut into bite-size pieces and serve.
Notes
- Do not overheat the chocolate mixture to prevent discoloration and graininess.
- Use a silicone spatula for easy mixing and spreading.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- You can substitute gumdrops with other colorful chewy candies if desired.
- For a firmer fudge, chill overnight; for a softer set, 2 hours suffices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 1 x 1 inch)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg

