Irish Cream Fudge Delight

The kitchen was quiet except for the gentle hum of the refrigerator when I first attempted making Irish cream fudge without any actual cream. I had this idea swirling in my head about capturing that beloved coffee and chocolate flavor combination in something that could be gifted to anyone, regardless of their stance on alcohol. The moment the chocolate and condensed milk melted together into this glossy pool, I knew something magical was happening. My apartment smelled like a cozy café on a rainy morning.

Last Christmas, I made three batches of this fudge and wrapped each square in little parchment paper twists with red baker's twine. My neighbor who never accepts homemade goodies because of her dietary restrictions took one tentative bite and immediately asked for the recipe. Now every time I open a can of sweetened condensed milk, someone in my family starts asking if that special fudge is making an appearance again.

Ingredients

• Sweetened condensed milk: This creates that impossibly smooth fudge texture we all love and provides just the right amount of sweetness without any additional sugar needed
• Unsalted butter: Just enough to add richness and help the fudge set properly without making it greasy
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The perfect base that provides deep chocolate flavor without overwhelming the delicate coffee notes
• Instant coffee granules: These dissolve beautifully into the warm mixture creating authentic Irish cream flavor without any actual cream
• Vanilla and almond extract: This combination mimics the complex flavor profile found in traditional Irish cream liqueur
• Salt: A tiny pinch that makes all the flavors pop and prevents the fudge from tasting cloyingly sweet

Instructions

Prep your pan:

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper letting some overhang for easy removal later then lightly butter the paper

Melt together:

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium saucepan over low heat then add the butter and chocolate chips stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth

Add the magic:

Remove from heat and stir in the instant coffee vanilla extract almond extract and salt until fully incorporated

Set and chill:

Pour the fudge into your prepared pan spreading it evenly with a spatula then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm

Cut and serve:

Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang then cut into 36 perfect squares

Save to Pinterest

My daughter declared this the official Christmas fudge after helping me cut the squares one snowy December afternoon. She sat at the counter sneaking the imperfect edge pieces while I arranged the perfect ones onto gift plates.

Getting the Right Consistency

The fudge should pour into your pan like thick molten lava not runny like cake batter but not stiff like cookie dough either. If it seems too thick to spread you can gently warm it again for just a few seconds.

Customization Ideas

Sometimes I fold in chopped toasted hazelnuts for that classic chocolate hazelnut combo or swirl in some white chocolate before chilling for a marbled effect. Just keep any add-ins to about half a cup so the fudge still sets properly.

Storage and Gifting

This fudge keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks which is dangerous because it is so tempting to grab a square every time you open the fridge door.

• Layer pieces between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking
• Let chilled fudge sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving for the best texture
• Pack in decorative tins with wax paper between layers for the most impressive homemade gifts

Save to Pinterest

There is something deeply satisfying about transforming such simple ingredients into something that feels so luxurious and special.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I add nuts to enhance texture?

Yes, folding in toasted hazelnuts or walnuts before chilling adds a pleasant crunch that complements the creamy chocolate base.

→ What chocolate is best for smooth results?

High-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips melt smoothly and provide a balanced sweetness essential for this fudge's flavor.

→ How long should the fudge chill to set properly?

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up adequately for clean slicing.

→ Is it possible to create a marbled effect?

Swirling in a little white chocolate before chilling creates a visually appealing marbled pattern without altering the texture.

→ How should the fudge be stored after preparation?

Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.