If you’re looking for a festive and delightful treat to brighten your holiday celebrations, the Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little swirls of creamy green fudge capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Rich, minty, and beautifully decorated with rainbow nonpareils and gleaming gold star sprinkles, they combine simple ingredients into a showstopper dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or gifting in pretty holiday boxes, this recipe brings a joyful twist to classic fudge that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on the Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients that are each crucial in bringing out the perfect flavor, texture, and color. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a luscious treat that’s creamy, minty, vibrant, and festive all at once.
- Green Candy Melts: These give the fudge its beautiful Christmas tree color and smooth texture, making the treat visually and tastefully delightful.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds richness and creaminess that is essential to the fudge’s classic smoothness.
- Creme de Menthe Liquor or Syrup: Adds a refreshing minty flavor that complements the green color and heightens the festive feel.
- Rainbow Nonpareils: These tiny colorful sprinkles provide a cheerful crunch and bright decoration.
- Gold Star Sprinkles: The perfect finishing touch, these add sparkle and a festive star at the top of each fudge tree.
How to Make Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Candy Melts and Milk
Start by placing the green candy melts in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, then gently stir just enough to coat the candy wafers. This careful coating ensures that the melts and milk will combine smoothly during melting.
Step 2: Melt the Mixture
Microwave on high power for one full minute and then let the bowl sit in the microwave for an additional three minutes without opening. This resting period allows the mixture to soften evenly. When you take it out, slowly stir the mixture until the candy melts fully incorporate with the milk.
Step 3: Finish Melting and Flavor
If some pieces remain unmelted, heat for 15-second bursts at 50% power, stirring gently after each. Once completely smooth, stir in the creme de menthe liquor or syrup, infusing the fudge with its signature minty flavor that lifts the whole recipe.
Step 4: Cool and Thicken the Fudge
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it cool on the counter, stirring every five minutes. Watch carefully as the fudge thickens to the texture of frosting—smooth enough to pipe, but not too stiff. This step is critical for getting those perfect tree shapes later on.
Step 5: Pipe the Christmas Trees
Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip with the fudge. Pipe a generous swirl onto parchment or wax paper, pulling up at the end of each swirl to create a peeked tree topper. This technique gives the fudge its delightful Christmas tree silhouette.
Step 6: Decorate with Sprinkles
Right after piping each tree, sprinkle on rainbow nonpareils for a splash of colorful “ornaments,” and top it all off with a gold star sprinkle at the peak. These little details turn simple fudge into a holiday masterpiece.
Step 7: Repeat and Enjoy
Keep piping and decorating until you’ve made about 30 Fudge Christmas Trees, perfect for sharing or gifting across your holiday gatherings.
How to Serve Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra festive touch when serving, consider pairing these fudge trees with crushed candy canes or a light dusting of edible glitter for sparkle under the lights. A few fresh mint leaves on the side can also highlight the mint flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
The rich and creamy Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like peppermint mocha, rich cocoa, or even a smooth coffee. These drinks complement the mint chocolate notes and make for a cozy treat on chilly winter evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your fudge Christmas trees on tiered cake stands for a charming centerpiece or arrange them in festive tins lined with colorful parchment paper for thoughtful gift-giving. Wrapping each fudge tree individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon elevates their presentation even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the fudge Christmas trees in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their texture and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Freezing
You can freeze these fudge trees for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. When properly stored, they’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months without losing their shape or flavor.
Reheating
Fudge Christmas Trees are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If the fudge becomes too firm in the fridge or freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to regain its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other colors of candy melts to make this recipe?
Absolutely! While the green candy melts make the fudge look like Christmas trees, you can use red, white, or even a combination of colors to customize the fudge for different occasions or themes.
What if I don’t have creme de menthe liquor? Can I substitute it?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, creme de menthe syrup is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute that still delivers that minty flavor for the fudge. You can also omit it if you want a simple sweet treat without the mint.
How do I get the fudge consistency right for piping?
The key is to let the fudge cool and thicken while stirring every 5 minutes. It should feel like a thick frosting—soft enough to pipe smoothly but firm enough to hold its shape. Patience during cooling ensures perfect fudge trees.
Can I make these fudge trees ahead of time?
Yes! These fudge Christmas trees hold up beautifully when made in advance. Store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.
How can I make the fudge dairy-free or vegan?
To make a dairy-free or vegan version, you’d need to swap out the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free candy melts. Bear in mind that texture and flavor may vary, so some experimentation might be required to get the perfect fudge.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe—the way it blends simple ingredients into a festive, luscious treat that spreads holiday joy with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, as special gifts, or simply to delight yourself, these fudge trees will quickly become a seasonal favorite. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a whirl and see how much happiness a batch of these sweet Christmas trees can bring to your celebrations!
Print
Fudge Christmas Trees Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 fudge Christmas trees
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fudge Christmas Trees are a festive and delicious holiday treat made from creamy green candy melts and sweetened condensed milk, flavored with a hint of creme de menthe. Piped into delightful tree shapes and decorated with colorful nonpareils and gold star sprinkles, these no-bake fudge trees are perfect for Christmas parties or gifting.
Ingredients
Fudge
- 24 ounces Green Candy Melts
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons Creme de Menthe Liquor or Creme de Menthe Syrup
Decorations
- 1–2 tablespoons rainbow nonpareils
- 30 gold star sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Candy Melts: Place the Green Candy Melts in a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl to get ready for melting.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the candy melts to coat them evenly.
- Coat the Candy Melts: Stir gently just to make sure all candy wafers are coated with the condensed milk without breaking them.
- Microwave the Mixture: Heat the mixture in the microwave on high power for 1 minute to begin melting the candy.
- Allow to Sit: Let the bowl sit inside the microwave for 3 minutes to allow residual heat to soften the candy melts.
- Stir to Melt: Remove the bowl and slowly stir to help the candy melts fully melt into a smooth mixture.
- Heat if Needed: If some candy remains unmelted, heat for additional 15-second bursts at 50% power, stirring after each until completely melted.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the Creme de Menthe Liquor or Creme de Menthe Syrup to infuse the fudge with mint flavor.
- Cool and Thicken: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the fudge to cool, stirring every 5 minutes, until it thickens to a frosting-like consistency. Be cautious not to over-thicken.
- Prepare Pastry Bag: Spoon the thickened fudge into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip for piping.
- Pipe the Trees: Pipe a large swirl of fudge onto a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet, pulling up as you pipe to create a pointed tip resembling a Christmas tree.
- Add Nonpareils: Immediately sprinkle colorful rainbow nonpareils over each fudge tree to decorate like ornaments.
- Add Star Toppers: Place a gold star sprinkle at the top tip of each fudge tree to complete the festive look.
- Repeat: Continue piping and decorating to create about 30 Fudge Christmas Trees.
Notes
- Use plastic wrap to cover the fudge as it cools to prevent a skin from forming.
- If the fudge becomes too thick to pipe, gently warm it again in short bursts to soften.
- For a non-alcoholic option, use Creme de Menthe syrup instead of the liquor.
- Store fudge trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Be careful not to overheat the candy melts as they can become grainy or burn.
