Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

There’s something magical about homemade fudge, isn’t there? And this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe brings that magic in such a fun and flavorful way. The creamy white chocolate base combined with a delicate but vibrant strawberry swirl creates a treat that feels both nostalgic and unexpectedly fresh. I love making this when I want to delight friends at a gathering or just surprise my family with a sweet treat that feels a little extra special.

What makes this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe so worth trying is how simple the ingredients come together to create those pretty swirls that taste as good as they look. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, summer picnics, or just when you need a cheerful pick-me-up dessert. Plus, with some easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have no trouble getting that perfect chewy, creamy texture every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter to the punchy strawberry flavor. When shopping, quality truly shines through, especially with the white baking chips and vanilla flavoring—trust me, it’s worth going for the good stuff.

• Strawberry extract: I use Watkins—it has that authentic berry aroma without being overpowering.
• Red food color gel: Gel colors blend better without thinning the fudge texture like liquid colors might.
• Salted sweet cream butter: Adds richness and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Half and half: Helps keep the fudge nice and creamy.
• Heavy cream: Contributes to the smooth texture you want in fudge.
• Clear vanilla flavoring: Enhances flavors but keeps the fudge white, so the strawberry color pops.
• Marshmallow fluff: This gives the fudge its soft, chewy edge—don’t skip it!
• Granulated sugar: The base sweetener to get that classic fudge consistency.
• White baking chips: I swear by Ghirardelli for that silky melt and rich flavor.

Variations

I’m a big fan of tweaks, and this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe lets you get creative easily. Whether you want to make it dairy-free or amplify the strawberry flavor, there’s room for fun customizations.

• Dairy-free version: Swap the butter, cream, and half and half for coconut milk and dairy-free margarine. I tried this for a friend’s party, and honestly, it was still deliciously creamy.
• More intense strawberry: Add freeze-dried strawberry powder along with the extract for a bolder berry punch.
• Nutty twist: Toss in chopped toasted pistachios or almonds for texture contrast—it makes a lovely crunch against the smooth fudge.

How to Make Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Color Blend

First things first, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends up the sides. This makes removing the fudge super easy later on without any mess. Then, in a small bowl, mix your strawberry extract with the red food color gel. Give it a good stir so the color blends evenly and prevent any staining mishaps later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Creams

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter together with the half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring. Keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns—this gentle heat stage is key to silky fudge later.

Step 3: Sugar and Simmer

Now stir in the granulated sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer over about 6 to 7 minutes, still stirring constantly. It’s important to watch it closely here—you want it simmering gently, not boiling hard. After those minutes, let it simmer for another 3 minutes before removing from heat. This careful heating helps your fudge set perfectly.

Step 4: Add White Baking Chips and Marshmallow Fluff

Throw in the white baking chips and cover the pan off heat for 3 to 4 minutes to let them melt into the warm mixture. Then stir it all together until it’s glossy and smooth. Finish by folding in the marshmallow fluff—it’s the secret ingredient I always get asked about for that melt-in-your-mouth fudge texture.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Swirl and Chill

Pour about three-quarters of this fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Take the remaining fudge in the saucepan and mix in the strawberry extract and red color blend you prepared earlier until the entire mixture turns a gorgeous pinkish-red. Spoon dollops of this red fudge all over the plain base, then use a knife to gently swirl them for a beautiful marbled effect. Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then move it to the fridge for at least 4 hours to fully set.

How to Serve Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here—just a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces sprinkled on top add a nice crunch and brighten up the presentation. Sometimes, a little edible glitter or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios makes it feel extra festive, especially for birthdays or holidays.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a light, tangy fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea if serving at a casual get-together. For a dessert board, I love placing it alongside fresh berries and dark chocolate pieces for a balance of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I packed this fudge in little clear boxes tied with ribbon as party favors—it was a hit! You could also cut the fudge into fun shapes using cookie cutters for holidays or themed parties. Another idea? Serve squares nestled inside pretty cupcake liners for easy grabbing at buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover Strawberry Swirl Fudge stored tightly in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and chewy for about a week, making it great for nibbling slowly over several days.

Freezing

Freezing’s a good option if you want to keep fudge longer than a week. I wrap individual pieces in wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the texture comes back nearly like fresh—perfect for prepping gifts early!

Reheating

I actually don’t reheat fudge since it’s best served chilled or at room temp. If it feels too firm after chilling, just let it sit at room temperature a bit before serving so it softens up nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress—both visually and flavor-wise. It’s one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but comes together with surprisingly little fuss. I really hope you give it a try and enjoy the fun of swirling vibrant strawberry goodness into a creamy white chocolate base. Trust me, once you share it with friends or family, it quickly becomes a favorite!

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