Easy Thanksgiving Fudge Recipe (2024)

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This easy Thanksgiving fudge recipe is perfect for sharing during the holidays. It’s a sweet treat everyone will love with lots of perfectly fall flavors included. There’s pumpkin, shortbread cookies, and even cranberries!

Thanksgiving recipes aren’t just turkey, stuffing, and side dishes! You can do so much more with your favorite holiday flavors…like make delicious desserts! Check out this super simple no cook fudge recipe and see what I mean.

You can’t go wrong with a combination of pumpkin, cranberry, pecans, and of course white chocolate for the fudge flavor we all crave. This great Thanksgiving fudge recipe is the perfect compliment to your holiday dessert table, everyone will love it!

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The best part about the holidays is the desserts! It’s a great time to try new things and experiment with flavor combinations. That’s what we’re doing here today.

We’re combining a bunch of the usual suspects that you’d find in your holiday desserts into one popable, bite sized, portable treat! This is one of those holiday recipes that travels really well so if you travel to see loved ones or family members and need a dessert to share…give this thanksgiving fudge recipe a try.

I also love this one because it’s really flexible. You can change things up if you want to or make it your own with a few tweaks. More on that below.

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Can I make this Thanksgiving fudge recipe gluten free?

This recipe contains shortbread cookies which are not gluten free. You can find a shortbread or vanilla cookie that is gluten free and use that instead if you need to make this one appropriate for allergies!!

Otherwise the recipe is gluten free as written which is nice. Just one simple swap and you can enjoy this recipe with everyone at your holiday gatherings.

This is a really simple recipe to make too which makes it an excellent choice for those of you who want an easy to prep recipe that will still look and taste great and can be modified to be gluten free as well.

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What you’ll need to make Thanksgiving fudge:

For this recipe you will need white chocolate or baking chips, sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and some shortbread cookies!

Pretty much everything in this recipe be kept on hand. It’s a great recipe that can be thrown together without much trouble because of how simple it is and because of the easy to find ingredients.

When the holidays start rolling around I just keep most of these items in the pantry so that whenever I need a last minute dessert I can make a batch of this pumpkin cranberry thanksgiving fudge.

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Kitchen essentials for tasty no bake recipes:

When you head into the kitchen to make some of these great recipes you’ll want to have the best tools on hand.

Of coursemixing bowls, amixer,spatula, and somewhisksshould be on your list if you don’t have ones that you love. I also like to have a set ofcooling racksso that my recipes can properly cool before they’re scarfed down by my family!

I like these casserole dishes from Pyrex which are great for no bake recipes and for all your favorite dinners, brownies, cakes, and more.

You can’t go wrong with some good sharp knives and a cutting board. They will always come in handy in the kitchen for recipes of any kind, even desserts!

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How to make this delicious no cook fudge:

Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.

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In a large microwave safe bowl, add the white chips and sweetened condensed milk. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth. If you prefer, you can melt the chips and condensed milk over a stove top with a medium-low heat, stirring regularly so the mixture doesn’t burn.

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Mix in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.

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Gently mix or fold in ½ cup of the pecans and ½ cup of the dried cranberries until thoroughly combined.

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Add the mixture to the prepared baking pan and top with the remaining cranberries and pecans. Sprinkle the crushed shortbread cookies on top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.

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How many servings does this recipe make?

As always you can find that information in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post but keep in mind this one will make about 36 pieces of fudge. You can cut them smaller or larger as you wish, of course, but that’s typically what I consider the servings on this one.

It’s a flexible recipe so feel free to cut it in half or double it based on what you need for servings. I always make extra because I know everyone will want some to take home with them.

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Looking for more delicious thanksgiving dessert recipes to try?

If you are ready to start planning your holiday menus you will need to check out some of these other delicious desserts that are perfect for Thanksgiving! Don’t miss out on all of these great holiday flavors.

  • Jello Recipes for Thanksgiving
  • Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas
  • Mini Apple Pie Pockets
  • Easy Cranberry Fluff Recipe
  • Easy Layered Pumpkin Pudding
  • Cranberry Lemon Muffins
  • Easy Pumpkin Fudge
  • Pumpkin Spice Fudge

Printable Thanksgiving Fudge Recipe:

Yield: 36 Servings

Thanksgiving Fudge Recipe

Easy Thanksgiving Fudge Recipe (12)

This easy Thanksgiving fudge recipe is perfect for sharing during the holidays. It’s a sweet treat everyone will love with lots of perfectly fall flavors included. There’s pumpkin, shortbread cookies, and even cranberries!

Prep Time15 minutes

Chill Time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces of white chocolate or baking chips
  • 10 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
  • ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, divided
  • ¼ cup shortbread cookies, crushed

Instructions

  1. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
  2. In a large microwave safe bowl, add the white chips and sweetened condensed milk. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth.If you prefer, you can melt the chips and condensed milk over a stove top with a medium-low heat, stirring regularly so the mixture doesn’t burn.
  3. Mix in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
  4. Gently mix or fold in ½ cup of the pecans and ½ cup of the dried cranberries until thoroughly combined.
  5. Add the mixture to the prepared baking pan and top with the remaining cranberries and pecans. Sprinkle the crushed shortbread cookies on top.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

36

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 183Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 2g

I am not a medical expert. These calculations are provided as a courtesy.

Easy Thanksgiving Fudge Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Use Evaporated Milk- Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet. Cut up the Butter– Before adding the butter in make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for faster melting.

What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

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.

How do you make Paula Deen's 5 minute fudge? ›

directions
  1. Combine sugar, milk, butter and salt in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  2. Add in chocolate chips; cook until melted.
  3. Remove from heat; stir in marshmallows, vanilla and nuts. Mix well.
  4. Pour into a 8-inch pan. Cool cut into squares.

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!

Why won't my 2 ingredient fudge set? ›

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.

Should you stir fudge while it's 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.

Why won't my condensed milk fudge set? ›

It sounds like your fudge simply wasn't heated enough. Fudge is basically a superconcentrated syrup, and it sets when sugar dissolved in the water (from the butter and milk) comes out of solution as the mixture cools and forms crystals.

Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of evaporated milk in fudge? ›

With its very similar consistency, 1 cup of heavy cream can replace 1 cup of evaporated milk in sweet and savory dishes. While the flavor will be blander than evaporated milk's unique caramelized tones, the texture will be noticeably richer.

What went wrong with my fudge? ›

If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

The amount of time you cook fudge directly affects its firmness. Too little time and the water won't evaporate, causing the fudge to be soft. Conversely, cook it too long and fudge won't contain enough water, making it hard with a dry, crumbly texture.

Why did my fudge turn out like taffy? ›

If the temperature is too low, the fudge will be too soft and sticky, and if it's too high, it will turn into a hard, crumbly mess. The ideal temperature to cook fudge is between 232-234 degrees F (111-112 degrees C).

What makes Mackinac Island fudge? ›

The team has the process down pat: One person weighs the ingredients—raw chocolate from Germany, sugar from Bay City, and cream and butter—into a copper kettle set over a propane gas burner. The maker constantly stirs with an oak paddle until the sugary mixture reaches a roaring boil, about 16 to 17 minutes.

What is the softball method fudge? ›

Without a candy thermometer, you can achieve this with what is called a “cold water method”. Fill a small glass with ice and cover it with water until it is ice cold.. Drop your hot sugar syrup into the ice water. When it clumps into a soft ball, it is the correct temperature.

What is in Mackinac Island fudge? ›

Ingredients. Milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, skim milk, high fructose corn syrup, whey, water, chocolate liquor, hydrogenated coconut oil, peanut oil, alkalized cocoa, mono and diglycerides, buttermilk, butter, natural flavors, soy lecithin, pectin, salt, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, annatto (color), vanilla.

What gives fudge the creamy texture and dull appearance? ›

The addition of egg whites and gelatin will coat the sugar crystals and keep them small. This results in creamy fudge. Shhh! It's a Fudgy Secret!

What gives fudge its firm texture? ›

Cooking. Cooking is necessary to dissolve sugar crystals and to evaporate part of the water in the cream. The length of this step has a direct impact on the firmness of the fudge. As water gradually evaporates, sugar is concentrated and the temperature of the mixture rises above 100°C (212°F).

What is the ball method fudge? ›

According to most recipes, the ingredients of fudge are cooked to what is termed in kitchen parlance the soft ball stage, that point between 234 and 240 °F (112 and 115 °C) at which a small ball of the candy dropped in ice water neither disintegrates nor flattens when picked up with the fingers.

What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

The most common culprit behind unset fudge is inaccurate temperature control. If the sugar mixture hasn't reached the correct temperature, your fudge won't set. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and follow temperature guidelines meticulously to achieve the desired consistency.

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