Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

If you’ve been scouring for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is downright delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe. I absolutely love how this fudge looks with its vibrant pink swirls and how each bite bursts with a creamy, sweet strawberry flavor. Trust me, stick with me here—this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and whether you’re making it for a holiday treat or just because you deserve something special, it won’t disappoint.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses classic fudge ingredients paired with some special touches like strawberry extract and marshmallow fluff that really elevate the flavor and texture. When picking your ingredients, aim for quality—good white baking chips and fresh cream make a big difference in the final taste.

• Strawberry extract: I swear by Watkins for that intense, authentic strawberry punch without any artificial bitter aftertaste.
• Red food color gel: This gives the fudge those vivid swirls without watering down your batch—use gel for the best color saturation.
• Salted sweet cream butter: Real butter adds richness and balances sweetness perfectly—don’t skimp on this one!
• Half and half: Provides creaminess and helps get that smooth fudge texture you’re after.
• Heavy cream: A bit of fat makes every bite extra luscious and silky.
• Clear vanilla flavoring: Adds subtle warmth without darkening your fudge’s bright colors.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for that perfect candy texture—don’t swap it out!
• White baking chips: I use Ghirardelli because their quality really shines through in the final product.
• Marshmallow fluff: This secret ingredient brings incredible smoothness and chewiness to your fudge.

Variations

Over time, I’ve enjoyed mixing this recipe up a bit to suit different occasions and dietary needs. Feel free to make this fudge your own—every twist adds a new layer of fun and flavor.

• Less Intense Strawberry: If you want a subtler pink swirl, just dial down the red food color gel to about ¼ teaspoon—I’ve done this when making fudge for kids, and it’s still lovely!
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve experimented using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free butter; it yields a slightly different texture but still keeps that dreamy creaminess.
• Chocolate Twist: Try swirling in melted dark chocolate instead of red coloring for a chocolate-strawberry combo—my family goes crazy for this one.
• Nutty Add-In: I’ve tossed in some chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for a delightful crunch and a bit of nutty contrast to the smooth fudge.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Color Mix

First things first, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper extends up all four sides—that’s your secret for easy fudge removal! Then, mix the strawberry extract and red food color gel in a small glass bowl. I always choose glass because it won’t stain, which trust me, as a fudgy-mess veteran, is a huge time saver.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Cream

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring. Stir constantly until the butter has fully melted and everything is smoothly blended. This step sets the creamy foundation for your fudge, so keep a close eye to avoid scorching.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Simmer

Next, stir in the granulated sugar and keep stirring as the mixture comes to a simmer. This usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes. It’s critical to keep stirring here to prevent sticking or burning. Once it reaches a simmer, let it go for an additional 3 minutes before removing from heat. This cooking length ensures the perfect candy consistency later.

Step 4: Incorporate White Baking Chips

Sprinkle the white baking chips into the hot sugar mixture, cover the saucepan, and let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t rush this pause! I discovered that giving the chips time to melt without stirring aggressively leads to that luxuriously smooth fudge texture everyone raves about. After resting, stir gently until the chips have completely melted.

Step 5: Add Marshmallow Fluff

Now for the magic—add the marshmallow fluff and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the fudge base. This is what gives the fudge its signature cloudlike softness. I remember the first time I tried this step, I was amazed at how it transformed the texture instantly.

Step 6: Create Your Strawberry Swirls

Pour about three-quarters of your fudge into the prepared pan in an even layer. Then, mix the red food color and strawberry extract mixture into the remaining fudge in the pot until the color is uniform and striking. Dollop spoonfuls of this colored fudge over the base fudge and use a kitchen knife to swirl it around gently. Don’t overmix—you want to see beautiful swirled patterns that give each piece personality!

Step 7: Chill and Slice

Let the fudge sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to fully set. When it’s ready, lift it out using the parchment paper, and cut into 25 pieces with a sharp knife. I like a big sharp knife, and sometimes I run it under hot water between cuts—it makes slicing so much easier and cleaner.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few freeze-dried strawberry bits on top just before the fudge sets—the tart crunch contrasts so well with the creamy sweetness. Sometimes, I also dust the top lightly with edible glitter for a festive sparkle, especially during the holidays. Fresh mint leaves on the side add a nice pop of color when serving.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. At parties, I like to serve it alongside a cheese and fruit platter—its sweetness balances out savory bites beautifully. It also makes a lovely end note after a light meal or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the fudge pieces in a pretty glass jar layered with parchment or wax paper, tied with a ribbon—my go-to gift idea! Another fun way is cutting fudge into heart shapes using cookie cutters, which is perfect for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. If you’re feeling fancy, stack bite-sized fudge cubes on appetizer skewers with fresh berries for a fruity-fudge kabob!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover fudge stored in an airtight container inside the fridge—it stays fresh and creamy for up to two weeks that way. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, refrigeration is a must to prevent melting or stickiness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both sliced and unsliced fudge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe container. It lasts beautifully for up to two months. When I freeze fudge, I make sure to separate pieces with waxed paper to keep them from sticking together—pro tip that really helps!

Reheating

When ready to enjoy frozen fudge, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture. If I’m in a hurry, I allow it to come to room temp for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture and make it grainy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe quickly became one of my favorite sweets to make because it’s straightforward, stunning to look at, and utterly scrumptious. Every time I whip up a batch, I’m reminded how something so simple can bring so much joy to my family and friends. If you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction, definitely give this recipe a try—you’ll thank me later!

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