Name: Strawberry Fudge
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups white chocolate chips; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup strawberry puree; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp strawberry extract (optional); ¼ cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries; Pink food coloring (optional)

Strawberry Fudge is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth candy made with white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and real strawberry flavor — and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by homemade candy, this is the recipe that will completely change your mind.

There’s no candy thermometer required, no complicated sugar stages to monitor, and no baking involved. Just a handful of simple pantry ingredients melted together into something smooth, pink, and absolutely irresistible. The texture is rich and silky with bursts of strawberry flavor in every bite.

I first made this strawberry fudge on a chilly February afternoon when I needed something sweet but didn’t want to turn on the oven. Within minutes, my kitchen smelled like strawberries and vanilla, and by evening we were slicing into the prettiest little pink squares. It instantly became one of those “why didn’t I make this sooner?” recipes.

Whether you’re preparing treats for Valentine’s Day, a baby shower, Easter, or just because, this foolproof strawberry fudge is perfect — even if you’re a complete beginner.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Fudge Recipe

This recipe checks every box: easy, beautiful, delicious, and completely beginner-friendly. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

Rich, Creamy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

The base of this strawberry fudge is silky smooth white chocolate combined with sweetened condensed milk. The result is soft but perfectly sliceable, with a luxurious creaminess that melts on your tongue. It’s sweet but balanced, thanks to a touch of salt and real strawberry flavor. Unlike traditional cooked fudge, it’s never grainy — just smooth, rich, and utterly satisfying.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

You only need 5–7 basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have. There’s no corn syrup, no complicated substitutions, and no specialty tools. Just white chocolate chips, condensed milk, strawberry puree, and a few flavor boosters. Everything is accessible, affordable, and easy to find at any grocery store.

Easy, No-Fail Preparation

This recipe requires just 10 minutes of active cooking and one saucepan. That’s it. No baking. No candy thermometer. No stress. If you can stir a pot, you can make this strawberry fudge. It’s wonderfully forgiving and ideal for beginners who want impressive results without complicated techniques.

Customizable for Any Occasion

You can swirl in melted chocolate, fold in nuts or sprinkles, adjust the strawberry intensity, or even change the color for themed events. It’s the kind of recipe you can make your own while keeping that creamy, dreamy base intact.

Ingredients

One of the best things about strawberry fudge is how simple the ingredient list is. Each component plays an important role in creating that smooth texture and bright flavor.

Full List of Ingredients

White chocolate chips (3 cups) – Forms the creamy, sweet base of the fudge. Choose high-quality white chocolate for best results.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can) – Binds everything together and provides sweetness and structure.
Strawberry puree (½ cup) – Adds natural fruit flavor and a hint of freshness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and rounds out the strawberry flavor.
Strawberry extract (½ teaspoon, optional) – Intensifies the strawberry taste if you want a stronger berry profile.
Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (¼ cup) – Adds texture and concentrated bursts of strawberry flavor.
Pink food coloring (optional) – For a vibrant, bakery-style pink finish.

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Best white chocolate brands: Look for white chocolate that lists cocoa butter as one of the first ingredients. Baking bars often melt more smoothly than chips.
Fresh vs. frozen puree: Both work beautifully. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess liquid before blending.
Avoid chocolate with stabilizers: Some lower-quality chips contain additives that affect texture and can make fudge too thick or greasy.

How to Make Strawberry Fudge

This method is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Take it step by step, and you’ll have perfect fudge every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Line your pan.
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting and slicing the fudge incredibly easy later.
Melt the base.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously to prevent scorching. Low and slow is key.
Stir until smooth.
Continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. If the mixture looks too thick, reduce heat immediately and keep stirring gently.
Add flavorings.
Stir in the strawberry puree, salt, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (if using). Mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in texture.
Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring and stir until evenly tinted.
Pour and smooth.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until completely set.
Slice and serve.
Lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut into small squares with a sharp knife.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the mixture looks oily: It may have overheated. Lower the heat immediately and stir gently to bring it back together.
If it seems too thick: A small splash of warm cream can help loosen it slightly.
To prevent separation: Keep heat low and avoid introducing water into the chocolate mixture.

What to Serve with Strawberry Fudge

Strawberry fudge is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other treats and beverages.

Suggested Pairings

Drinks

Freshly brewed coffee
Espresso
Earl Grey tea
Strawberry milk

Desserts

Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate brownies
Cheesecake slices

Party Pairings

Dessert platters
Gift boxes tied with ribbon
Valentine’s candy boards

Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or sneaking a square with your afternoon coffee, this strawberry fudge always feels special. It’s sweet, cheerful, and just indulgent enough to make any day a little brighter.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the reasons I love making strawberry fudge is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve mastered the creamy base, you can tweak it in so many fun ways without complicating the process. Whether you want something richer, fruitier, or dairy-free, there’s a simple adjustment for you.

Chocolate Swirl Strawberry Fudge

If you adore the combination of strawberries and chocolate, this variation is a must. Simply melt a few ounces of dark chocolate separately and drizzle it over the top of the fudge before chilling. Use a toothpick or butter knife to gently swirl it into the pink mixture, creating a beautiful marble effect. It looks elegant and tastes even better — rich chocolate ribbons woven through creamy strawberry goodness.

Nut-Free Version

Good news: this strawberry fudge is naturally nut-free. You don’t need to skip or substitute anything. However, if you’re serving it to someone with allergies, always double-check your white chocolate and other packaged ingredients for cross-contamination warnings. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Extra Strawberry Flavor Boost

Love bold berry flavor? You can:

Increase the strawberry extract slightly (just don’t overdo it).
Swirl in a tablespoon or two of strawberry jam.
Add extra freeze-dried strawberry powder for concentrated flavor.

These small adjustments make the strawberry notes even brighter and more pronounced.

White Chocolate Substitute Options

For the smoothest texture, baking bars often melt more evenly than chocolate chips. Chop them finely before melting. I recommend avoiding almond bark, as it can alter the flavor and texture, making the fudge waxy rather than creamy.

Dairy-Free Option

To make dairy-free strawberry fudge, use coconut sweetened condensed milk and a high-quality dairy-free white chocolate alternative. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavor remains deliciously indulgent.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage keeps your strawberry fudge tasting just as creamy and delightful as the day you made it.

Room Temperature Storage

Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Keep it away from heat and humidity, as moisture can affect the texture and make it sticky. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigeration is the safer option.

Refrigeration Tips

Refrigeration is the best method for maintaining freshness and structure. Store the fudge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If stacking pieces, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Freezing Instructions

Strawberry fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

A few simple techniques will guarantee smooth, perfect strawberry fudge every time:

Use low heat only when melting chocolate.
Don’t overheat the white chocolate — it can seize quickly.
Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Chill fully before slicing for clean edges.
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for neat squares.
Pat strawberries dry before pureeing to avoid excess moisture.
Avoid watery puree — too much liquid can soften the fudge.
Measure ingredients accurately for proper texture.
Line the pan properly with parchment for easy removal.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and consistency.

Even if you’ve never made homemade fudge before, this strawberry fudge is incredibly forgiving. Take your time, keep the heat gentle, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be slicing into beautiful pink squares that look just as good as they taste.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Strawberry Fudge recipe, you might enjoy these other sweet treats from Creative Cookery:

🍫 Easy Peppermint Fudge Recipe — a festive spin on classic fudge with refreshing peppermint flavor.
🥧 Hot Fudge Pie Recipe — rich, gooey chocolate pie perfect for celebrations & cozy evenings.
🎂 No-Bake Oreo Cake — creamy, layered dessert with cookie crumb base (no oven needed).
🍪 Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies — buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies using sweetened condensed milk.
🍰 Lemon Fluff Dessert — light, creamy no-bake dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

FAQs

If you’re making strawberry fudge for the first time, it’s completely normal to have a few questions. Below are some of the most common ones — along with simple, reassuring answers to help you get perfect results every time.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of puree?

Yes, absolutely. Just blend fresh strawberries until smooth — but here’s the important step: cook the puree down slightly to remove excess moisture. Too much water can affect the texture of your strawberry fudge. Let the cooked puree cool before adding it to the mixture.

Does strawberry fudge need to be refrigerated?

While it can sit at room temperature for a short time, refrigeration is recommended for the best texture. Chilling keeps it firm, smooth, and perfectly sliceable — especially if your kitchen is warm.

Can I make strawberry fudge without condensed milk?

It’s possible, but it’s more complicated. Traditional fudge without condensed milk requires cooking sugar to specific temperatures using a candy thermometer. The condensed milk version is much easier and more forgiving, which is why it’s my go-to method.

Why did my white chocolate seize?

White chocolate can seize if:

It overheats
Even a small amount of water gets into it

Always melt over low heat and avoid steam or splashes. Stir gently and consistently for best results.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep in mind it may need a slightly longer chill time to fully set.

Conclusion

Strawberry fudge is one of those desserts that feels extra special without requiring extra effort. It’s creamy, smooth, and bursting with sweet strawberry flavor — all wrapped up in the prettiest pink squares. The method is simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the results are consistently delicious.

What I love most is how adaptable it is. You can swirl in chocolate, boost the berry flavor, or make it dairy-free — all while keeping that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If you try this Strawberry Fudge, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share your favorite variation.

And don’t forget to pin this recipe for later — you’ll definitely want to make it again. 💕