Irish Cream Fudge Delight

The first time I made this fudge, my roommate walked into the kitchen and immediately asked if I was secretly hosting a coffee tasting. The aroma of melting white chocolate mixed with that dissolved coffee creates something that feels like a cozy café in candy form.

I brought a batch to my office holiday party last year, and three different people asked for the recipe before they even finished their first piece. Something about the combination of vanilla and almond extracts alongside the coffee notes makes it feel much more sophisticated than typical fudge.

Ingredients

• White chocolate chips: High quality chips melt more smoothly and give that professional sheen
• Sweetened condensed milk: This creates the silky texture that sets fudge apart from ganache
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter incorporates more evenly into the warm mixture
• Heavy cream and instant coffee: Dissolving the granules first prevents grainy spots in your finished fudge
• Vanilla and almond extracts: This dual extract combo mimics the complexity of Irish cream liqueur
• Salt: Just enough to balance all that sweetness without tasting salty

Instructions

Prep your pan:

Line your baking pan with parchment, letting the edges hang over like handles. This overhang becomes your best friend when it is time to lift the whole slab out later.

Wake up the coffee:

Stir the instant coffee into your heavy cream until completely dissolved. Let it sit while you work on everything else.

Melt the base:

Combine white chocolate, condensed milk, and butter in your saucepan over low heat. Stir gently but constantly until everything melts together into something that looks like edible satin.

Add the flavor:

Pour in that coffee cream along with both extracts and the salt. Keep stirring until the mixture turns glossy and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan slightly.

Set and forget:

Pour everything into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the fridge and walk away for at least two hours.

The grand finale:

Use those parchment handles to lift the fudge onto a cutting board. A warm knife makes the cleanest cuts through all that creaminess.

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My grandmother kept a marble slab specifically for making candy, claiming the cold surface helped fudge set faster. While a parchment lined pan works perfectly fine, there is something wonderful about having dedicated tools for recipes you love.

Getting The Perfect Texture

Stirring constantly might feel tedious, but it is absolutely what prevents scorching and ensures that silky smooth consistency. I have learned that multitasking during this step almost always ends in disappointment.

Flavor Variations

Sometimes I swap the white chocolate for milk chocolate when I want something less sweet. The coffee flavor still comes through beautifully, and the whole fudge feels a bit more like a traditional chocolate candy.

Storage And Gifting

This fudge keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator, which makes it ideal for making ahead of holiday gatherings. I have started packing small boxes lined with wax paper for neighbor gifts.

• Cut your fudge before freezing if you plan to store some long term
• Let refrigerated fudge sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving
• A dusting of cocoa powder on top makes it look extra professional

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There is something deeply satisfying about making candy that actually turns out right on the first try. This recipe has earned its permanent place in my holiday baking rotation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use different chocolate types?

Yes, substituting white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate changes the flavor profile, adding depth or sweetness to suit your taste.

→ How do instant coffee granules affect the flavor?

Instant coffee granules add a subtle coffee note that enhances the Irish cream influence without overpowering the creamy sweetness.

→ What’s the best way to store the fudge?

Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to retain its texture and rich flavor.

→ Can I add nuts to this fudge?

Sprinkling toasted hazelnuts or pecans on top before chilling adds a crunchy texture and nutty contrast to the creamy base.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this sweet treat contains no meat products, making it suitable for vegetarians, though it includes dairy ingredients.