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Quick Description:

This Eggnog Fudge is a decadent, creamy holiday treat that combines the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog with the smooth, sweet texture of fudge. Perfect for the holiday season, this easy-to-make treat is packed with holiday cheer, featuring hints of nutmeg and vanilla, complemented by crunchy nuts for texture. Whether served as a dessert or given as a homemade gift, this eggnog fudge will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.

Servings & Timing:

Servings: 16-24 squares (depending on size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2-3 hours (for setting)
Total Time: 35 minutes + chill time

Ingredients List:

For the Eggnog Fudge:

1/2 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of warmth)
3 cups white chocolate chips (or white chocolate baking bars, chopped)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (for a creamy texture)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for the classic eggnog flavor)
Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)

Optional Garnish:

Extra nutmeg (for sprinkling on top)
Additional chopped nuts (for garnish)
Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Ingredients

Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan (or a 9×9-inch pan for thinner fudge) with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Leave some overhang so you can easily lift the fudge out once it’s set. Alternatively, grease the pan lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Chop the nuts: If you’re using pecans, walnuts, or almonds, chop them into smaller pieces. Set them aside for later.
Measure out ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients are measured and ready. This will help the process go smoothly and make it easier to incorporate everything at the right time.

Step 2: Melt the Ingredients

Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the eggnog and sweetened condensed milk: Once the butter has melted, add 1/2 cup eggnog and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan. Stir everything together and heat until the mixture is warmed through. Do not let it boil, just bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps the mixture combine smoothly.
Stir in the white chocolate: Reduce the heat to low and add the 3 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate bars). Stir continuously until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla and spices: Once the chocolate has melted, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The nutmeg will give the fudge its signature eggnog flavor, and the salt will help balance the sweetness.

Step 3: Combine the Fudge Base and Nuts

Fold in the chopped nuts: If you’re adding chopped nuts to the fudge, gently fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts at this stage. The nuts add texture and a crunchy element that complements the creamy fudge.
Pour the fudge mixture into the pan: Pour the melted fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 4: Chill and Set the Fudge

Chill the fudge: Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill for 2-3 hours, or until it has fully set and is firm to the touch.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the fudge: Once the fudge has set, remove it from the fridge and lift it out of the pan using the overhang from the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred serving size.
Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle the fudge with extra nutmeg, chopped nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch. Serve and enjoy this creamy, indulgent holiday treat!

Additional Notes:

Eggnog Flavor: For a stronger eggnog flavor, you can add more nutmeg or cinnamon to taste. You could also add a dash of rum extract if you like the flavor of classic eggnog.
White Chocolate Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile.
Make it Vegan: To make this fudge vegan, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk (available in stores) and use dairy-free white chocolate chips or coconut cream for the creamy base.
Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts and opt for a nutmeg garnish instead.

Dietary Information (per serving, 1 piece of fudge):

Calories: 150-180 calories (depending on size of pieces)
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 19g
Sodium: 40mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Flavor Tips & Variations:

Flavor Boosters:

Rum Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon dark rum or rum extract to the fudge mixture to give it a deeper, holiday-inspired flavor.
Spiced Rum Fudge: For a more festive twist, substitute a small amount of the eggnog with spiced rum to create a spiced eggnog fudge flavor.

Creative Variations:

Chocolate Eggnog Fudge: Add a swirl of chocolate fudge into the eggnog mixture for a layered look. Alternatively, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Candy Cane Fudge: Crush peppermint candies or candy canes and sprinkle them on top of the fudge before chilling to create a festive peppermint version.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions:

Eggnog Fudge Parfaits:

Layer pieces of the eggnog fudge with whipped cream and berries for a fun and festive parfait. This can be served as a dessert or treat for holiday gatherings.

Eggnog Fudge Bites:

Roll the chilled fudge into small balls and coat them in shredded coconut or crushed nuts to make bite-sized holiday treats. These are perfect for gifting or snacking.

Eggnog Fudge with Fruit:

Pair the eggnog fudge with fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or grapes for a contrast of textures. The fruit’s natural sweetness and freshness complement the creamy richness of the fudge.

Storage & Make-Ahead:

Storage: Keep the eggnog fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to store it for longer, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead Tips: This fudge can easily be made ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it until you’re ready to serve it. Thaw it at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs:

Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
- Yes, you can substitute eggnog with regular milk or heavy cream. However, it will lose the distinctive eggnog flavor, so you might want to add nutmeg and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Can I add alcohol to the fudge?
- Yes, you can add rum extract or a small amount of dark rum to the fudge to give it the classic holiday eggnog flavor.
Can I make this fudge without white chocolate?
- While white chocolate is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer. Just note that the texture and flavor will be different.

Optional Personal Story:

This Eggnog Fudge brings back wonderful memories of holiday gatherings. I remember making fudge with my grandmother during the winter holidays, and eggnog was always a special treat. This recipe is a modern twist on that tradition, and it’s something I love sharing with friends and family. It’s simple to make but always leaves a lasting impression.

Call-to-Action:

Ready to make this delicious Eggnog Fudge for your holiday gatherings? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started! Don’t forget to share your fudge creations on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how it turns out!