Bookmark
This Strawberries and Champagne Fudge offers a delightful combination of creamy white chocolate and fresh strawberry flavor with an elegant splash of champagne. It’s wonderfully smooth, melts in your mouth, and brings a touch of festivity to any occasion. With its simple steps, it’s a dessert you can quickly make to impress without fuss.
I first shared this treat at a holiday get together and everyone asked for the recipe. The dreamy texture and hint of fizz make it unforgettable.
Ingredients
- White chocolate chips: provide the fudge with a creamy texture and rich sweetness. Choose high quality chips for smooth melting.
- Sweetened condensed milk: helps bind everything together and adds extra creaminess. Look for cans with no dents or cracks to ensure freshness.
- Champagne: adds a pop of celebratory flavor. Use a dry variety for balanced sweetness and make sure it is chilled so it mixes in evenly.
- Strawberry puree: gives the fudge its fruity kick and natural pink color. Using ripe fresh strawberries will deliver the best flavor and color.
- Salt: a pinch sharpens all the flavors so nothing gets too sweet. Fine sea salt is best if you have it.
- Red food coloring (optional): adds a bold rosy hue. Gel food color is recommended so you only need a drop or two.
Instructions
- Line the Pan:
- Lay wax paper into an 8 inch square pan smoothing it out and letting some paper hang over the edges. This makes it much easier to lift the fudge out later.
- Melt the Base:
- Add white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a medium saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat while stirring nonstop until the chips are melted and everything is glossy and fully blended.
- Pour in Champagne:
- Add the chilled champagne and carefully stir. The mixture will fizz a bit so keep stirring until it is silky and smooth again.
- Add Strawberries and Salt:
- Pour in the strawberry puree and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Mix until the color and texture are uniform with no streaks.
- Color if Desired:
- For a deeper pink, add a few drops of red gel food coloring. Stir until the color looks just right.
- Set the Fudge:
- Pour everything into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure the fudge spreads evenly to all corners.
- Chill to Firm:
- Slide the pan into your fridge and chill the fudge for at least two hours until it feels firm to the touch.
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift the fudge out by the wax paper. Place on a board, slice into neat squares, and serve cold.
Whenever I make this fudge I use extra strawberries and sneak a few for snacking. The champagne note reminds me of my parents anniversary parties when little treats like this would always appear on fancy platters.
Storage Tips
Store fudge squares in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to one week. Layer with more wax paper to avoid sticking. If you want to freeze them, wrap the pieces tightly in plastic and then in foil. They will last for about two months.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a nonalcoholic version, use sparkling apple cider instead of champagne. The fudge will still have a fun fizz and a lovely fruitiness. You can also try other berries such as raspberries or even blackberries for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange fudge pieces on a platter with fresh strawberries or chocolate curls for an elegant dessert spread. I love making small boxes for friends as a sweet homemade gift. They are especially beautiful for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or birthdays.
This strawberries and champagne fudge is best served chilled and makes an elegant homemade gift. Enjoy its creamy texture and subtle sparkle.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of chocolate works best?
White chocolate chips provide a creamy base with mild sweetness that complements the freshness of strawberries and the sparkle of champagne.
- → Can fresh strawberries be used?
Yes, fresh strawberries are ideal for pureeing, adding bright color and genuine berry flavor to the blend.
- → Is the alcohol content a concern?
Most alcohol evaporates during gentle heating, leaving just a mild essence. For a nonalcoholic option, sparkling juice can be used without sacrificing fizz.
- → How should the treat be stored?
Keep chilled in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture for up to one week, layering with wax paper to prevent sticking.
- → Can the color be intensified?
Absolutely. Adding a few drops of red gel food coloring during mixing deepens the pink or red shade to your preference.