Homemade Creamy White Vanilla Fudge is unbelievably rich, decadent, and so easy to make! There are a few secret ingredients for making perfect vanilla fudge every single time.
For many years, I was afraid of fudge. As a kid, I remember receiving goodie plates during Christmas time and getting so excited about the creamy fudge on the holiday designed plates. Sometimes the fudge would be rich and creamy and melt in my mouth and other times it would be chalky and rock hard. I never knew what I was going to get!
When you make fudge, you want it to be soft and creamy. When I was going to college, I would save all of my pennies so I could get a small piece of the famous fudge at the bookstore. It was everything fudge should be and I craved it like no other. I wanted to figure out how to make it just like them. I am happy to report we have had success in the kitchen!
I took an online class on candy making through Craftsy and Elizabeth LaBau and learned so much about the tips and tricks for making perfect Creamhy White Chocolate Vanilla Fudge. I am going to share all of the secrets with you!
How to make PERFECT CREAMY WHITE VANILLA FUDGE:
- It all starts with BUTTER. Butter makes everything better so it is only logical to put it into fudge. It helps to create a base for the creamy texture.
- Add the SECRET INGREDIENT -- Sour Cream. The beauty of sour cream is that it adds a thick creaminess to the fudge without adding more sweetness. It is all about balance and the acidity from the sour cream lends itself to making creamy vanilla fudge.
- Cook and stir until the SUGAR is completely dissolved. You don't want grainy fudge! Let it come to a boil so the sugars are completely dissolved. If you have a candy thermometer, it is highly recommended. Bring the fudge to 235 degrees and then remove from heat. Click HERE to buy a Wilton Candy Thermometer.
- Another game-changing ingredient is MARSHMALLOW CREAM. It is what helps to create a smooth texture and make this fudge so easy to make.
- Add high-quality WHITE CHOCOLATE chips. This is what gives it such a sweet, rich flavor. I use Guittard or Ghirardelli white chocolate.
- Use pure VANILLA extract or real vanilla beans.
- Stir in your favorite accompaniments -- caramel, nuts, dried fruits, candy canes, etc. Once you have this recipe down, you can make peppermint fudge, candy cane fudge, caramel pecan fudge, OREO fudge, turtle fudge, apricot pistachio fudge, cranberry pistachio fudge, white chocolate fudge, and so many more!
- Let fudge set, covered, at room temperature for 2 hours.
If you want to make Caramel Pecan Fudge, swirl in some homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel into the fudge and top with pecan halves. If the caramel is thick enough, you can place it on top of each piece of fudge with a pecan on top.
If you want to make Cranberry Pistachio Apricot Fudge, stir in a combination of dried fruit and nuts.
To make homemade OREO fudge, stir in 2 cups of crushed OREOS before pouring into pan.
To make Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge, add ¼ - ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
Here's my favorite pan to use to make fudge -- USA 9 x 9 baking pan.
Creamy White Vanilla Fudge
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- ½ cup Butter
- 2 cups Sugar
- ½ cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
- 2 cups High-Quality White Chocolate Chips or chopped white chocolate bar
- 1 jar 7 ounces Marshmallow Cream
- 1 ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- Optional add-ins:
- *2 cups crushed OREOS for OREO fudge
- *¾ cup Crushed Candy Canes and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract for CANDY CANE Fudge
- *1 - 1 ½ cup Chopped Dried Cranberries Apricots, and Pistachios for Holiday Bark Fudge
- 1 ½ cups Thick Homemade Caramel and 1 cup Pecan Halves for Caramel Pecan Fudge
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 9-inch pan with aluminum foil, pressing down the sides of the pan, and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Add the sugar and sour cream and raise the heat to medium.
- Keep stirring frequently while the sugar dissolves. Brush down the sides of the pan occasionally with a spatula to remove sugar crystals.
- When the mixture comes to a boil, insert a candy thermometer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it registers 235 F.
- Remove from the heat and add the white chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, salt and vanilla, stirring until the white chocolate is entirely melted and the fudge is smooth. If adding any accompaniments, stir into fudge now.
- Pour into the prepared pan and smooth out.
- Let the fudge set at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours. Remove from the pan using the foil as handles and cut into small squares to serve.
- Store in airtight container so the fudge stays nice and fresh.
- *Recipe adapted from Elizabeth LaBau Craftsy Cooking Class
I hope you love this Creamy White Vanilla Fudge. This is so perfect for your Christmas goodie plates and for baking at home during the holiday season. Happy Baking, my friends! xo
Teresa
Forgot to leave my star rating … if I could give it more stars I would 🤗
Pam
Just wanted to let you know that I had entered your fudge recipe in the Ohio State Fair this summer and placed 1st with it!
Modern Honey
Hi Pam! This just made my day. I am so happy to hear that the vanilla fudge recipe earned you a first place ribbon. Congratulations! Thank you so much for trusting my fudge recipe.
Andrea
What if you don’t have a candy thermometer...about how many minutes do you boil for?
Gil Smith
I hope this works. I can make the chocolate fudge with out any problem, I have been looking for this.
Where can I get pure white chocolate chips that don't have let chin, soy, sugar or other inert ingredients?
Thanks for this one.
Teresa
I just made it it’s fabulous not that Sandy kind of fudge no no no this one’s creamy . I didn’t have a thermometer, well I did but didn’t get it out lol. Anyway some asked about that … for me I got it to a bubbling stage and just kept it there at a low bubbling for about 5 mins stirring .
As for the person that asked about making chocolate could you not just change the white chocolate recipe calls for to milk chocolate? I just used the chocolate chips.
I’d do that but love vanilla, I put some maple extract in it .. amazing.
To the person that posted this recipe THANK YOU!
Tracy
I used this recipe to make butter pecan fudge last night & it was soooooo good. But, I was wondering if I could also use this same recipe to do regular chocolate fudge? Would it still come out good/set up right if I switch out the white chocolate chips for regular chocolate chips?
Tracy
Nope. Doesn't work with regular chocolate chips, at least not semi sweet anyway. Lol
Eleni
I am new to making fudge but tried this recipe- and it was DELICIOUS. Brought it to some friends including one that is experienced in fudge making and she said it was amazing. It is easy to make and comes out very smooth and rich. I reccommend cutting into SMALL pieces because it is that rich. AMAZING RECIPE!!!
Jesi
Stop.The.Presses. I want to, at once, shout this amazing recipe from the rooftops and hide it away to keep all to myself! This stuff is crazy yum. I got all the ingredients back in December to make for the holidays but only just got around to trying it. Make this candy. Make it today.
Michelle
You convinced me, Jesi.
Making it as Valentine's gifts.
Michelle