INTRODUCTION
Easy Easter Swirled Fudge gives you a bright, simple dessert for spring. This fudge mixes smooth white chocolate with soft cake mix and small candy eggs. The colors and candy make it look like a fun holiday treat. You can make it in one pan and chill it overnight. It takes little effort and makes a good gift or party snack.
If you like quick sweet treats, try a similar sweet idea like the coal fudge recipe for holidays to see how easy fudge can be to make and give as a gift.
This recipe uses common pantry items and a few bright gel colors. The instructions are simple and safe for beginners. You do not need special skills to get a smooth, pretty fudge every time.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this fudge because it is fast, simple, and fun. It uses white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to make a rich, creamy base without baking. A small amount of cake mix or flour gives it body and helps it set. Bright gel colors make it perfect for Easter. The candy eggs and sprinkles add texture and a festive look.
This recipe is also flexible. You can change the colors, use different small candies, or skip the sprinkles. It is a great project to make with kids because the steps are safe and the result is colorful. For another fun candy idea with bright pieces, look at this gumdrop fudge for more simple candy ideas.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Easter Swirled Fudge
This recipe is made on the stovetop and finished in the pan. The key is low heat and slow stirring. Start by melting the white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the cake mix or flour and stir to blend. Work fast when you remove the mixture from heat so you can divide and color it.
If you like step-by-step photo guides for sweet treats, you might enjoy the quick tips in the easy Halloween appetizers post for more simple holiday snack ideas.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Small heavy saucepan or double boiler
- Heatproof mixing bowls (two)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 inch baking dish
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
- Fork for marbling
- Toothpicks for adding gel color
These tools are common and easy to find. The heavy pan helps melt the chocolate evenly. An 8×8 baking dish gives a good thickness for cutting squares.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup white boxed cake mix or flour
- teal gel color
- purple gel color
- 1/2 cup candy eggs, malted or not
- sprinkles or sparkles
Measure each item before you start. Using gel color rather than liquid helps keep the fudge smooth and thick. Candy eggs add crunch and a festive look.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Stir together white chocolate chips and condensed milk over low heat, until melted and smooth, for around 10 minutes.
- Stir in cake mix or flour until blended, around 5 minutes.
- Mixture must be smooth.
- Remove from heat, and immediately divide into two bowls.
- Add a couple of drops of gel color using toothpicks to each bowl and blend.
- Line and spray an 8×8 inch baking dish, then drop in a little of each color at a time, being a little messy about placement.
- Take a fork and marble your fudge.
- Sprinkle with candy eggs and sprinkles, then refrigerate overnight.
- Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Follow these steps in order. Work quickly after you color the mixture so the chocolate does not firm up before you marble it. Use a light hand when marbling so the colors swirl but do not mix into one color.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Easter Swirled Fudge
Cut the chilled fudge into small squares or bite-size pieces. Place the squares on a simple plate or in small paper liners for a pretty display. This fudge pairs well with tea or coffee. It also fits well on a dessert table with other treats.
If you want to pack the fudge as a gift, stack squares in a small box and add a bright ribbon. For a party, serve on a tray with a mix of salty and sweet snacks to balance the sugar.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Easter Swirled Fudge
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks when chilled. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge.
To freeze, arrange squares on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until firm. Then transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to keep the texture smooth.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve small pieces on a dessert plate with a few whole candy eggs for decoration. You can also offer a bowl of mixed nuts or pretzels so guests can pair salty bits with the sweet fudge. For a sibling treat, place a mix of different colored squares on a platter.
If you plan a spring buffet, add the fudge next to pastel cookies or fruit to keep the table light and colorful. For a cozy treat, serve it with warm milk or a mild coffee.
For other fun cookie ideas to serve at the same time, try making the apple pie cookies for a mix of flavors and textures.
VARIATIONS
- Chocolate stripe: Use a small amount of melted dark chocolate to add thin lines over the top before chilling.
- Different colors: Use any two gel colors you like. Pastel pink and yellow work well for Easter.
- Nutty add-in: Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans for crunch.
- Candy swap: Use mini M&Ms or crushed peppermint instead of candy eggs.
- No cake mix: If you skip the boxed cake mix, you can use 1/2 cup sifted flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a plant-based condensed milk substitute if you need a vegan version.
If you want a different candy idea with a soft texture and bright pieces, see the gumdrop fudge recipe for more inspiration.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
A: Gel color is best because it has no extra liquid. If you use liquid color, add very little to avoid thinning the fudge.
Q: Do I need the boxed cake mix?
A: The cake mix or flour helps the fudge set and keeps it soft. You can use plain flour, but the cake mix adds a slight sweetness and texture.
Q: How long does it take to set?
A: The fudge sets best if refrigerated overnight. It may be firm enough in 4 to 6 hours, but overnight gives a cleaner cut.
Q: Can I make this without candy eggs?
A: Yes. You can leave off the candy eggs or use sprinkles, crushed cookies, or small candy pieces instead.
Q: Can I make this on a double boiler?
A: Yes. A double boiler gives gentle heat and lowers the risk of burning the chocolate.
Q: Is this safe to make with kids?
A: Yes, with adult supervision. The melting step uses warm heat, so an adult should handle the saucepan and stirring.
Q: Why does my fudge get grainy?
A: Grainy fudge can happen if the chocolate overheats or if too much liquid is added. Stir on low heat and do not boil.
Q: Can I add flavor extracts?
A: Yes. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract to the melted mixture for extra flavor.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Easter Swirled Fudge
Make the fudge a day before you need it so it chills fully and cuts cleanly. You can also freeze the squares up to three months ahead. If you want to make the process faster on a party day, prepare the mixture and divide it into the two bowls. Keep the colored bowls covered and chilled briefly, then marble and chill fully when you are ready to serve.
If you plan to give the fudge as gifts, wrap the chilled squares in wax paper and place in a sturdy box. Add a note with the best-by date and storage tips. This keeps your treats fresh and ready to share.
Easy Easter Swirled Fudge
A fun and colorful dessert for spring featuring white chocolate, cake mix, and candy eggs, perfect for Easter.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup white boxed cake mix or flour
- Teal gel color
- Purple gel color
- 1/2 cup candy eggs, malted or not
- Sprinkles or sparkles
Instructions
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Stir together white chocolate chips and condensed milk over low heat, until melted and smooth, for around 10 minutes.
- Stir in cake mix or flour until blended, around 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and immediately divide into two bowls.
- Add a couple of drops of gel color using toothpicks to each bowl and blend.
- Line and spray an 8×8 inch baking dish, then drop in a little of each color at a time.
- Take a fork and marble your fudge.
- Sprinkle with candy eggs and sprinkles, then refrigerate overnight.
- Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Work quickly after coloring the mixture to prevent it from firming up. Use a light hand when marbling to keep colors distinct.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Easter, fudge, dessert, sweet treat, spring sweets
