Cream cheese fudge offers a delightful twist on traditional fudge recipes. It combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the deep flavors of chocolate, achieving a smooth, soft texture that’s easy to make at home. This recipe avoids the complexities of candy thermometers and boiling sugar, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned bakers. If you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss dessert that balances sweet, tart, and salty notes, cream cheese fudge is an excellent choice.
Why Choose Cream Cheese Fudge?
Most classic fudge recipes involve cooking sugar to a specific temperature. This process can be tricky and intimidating. Cream cheese fudge simplifies this by using cream cheese and powdered sugar to create the base. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with chocolate. This blend results in fudge that’s chewy but not overly dense or tooth-crushingly hard.
The fudge’s texture is smooth and velvety, which makes each bite melt in your mouth. Plus, adding chopped walnuts introduces a satisfying crunch, offering a contrasting texture that enhances the overall experience.
Ingredients Overview
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
- Cream Cheese (Softened): Essential for creating that creamy texture and subtle tartness. Ensure it’s at room temperature to blend smoothly.
- Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar dissolves easily, ensuring a grain-free fudge without cooking. Sifting powder sugar ensures no lumps interfere with the smoothness.
- Unsweetened Chocolate: Using unsweetened chocolate gives control over the fudge’s sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter fudge, dark or semi-sweet chocolate will work, but keep in mind the overall sugar balance.
- Chopped Walnuts: Lightly toasted walnuts provide a nutty depth and crunchy texture. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A small amount enriches the chocolate and cream cheese base, adding subtle warmth and sweetness.
Step-By-Step Preparation
1. Prepare Your Pan
Start by selecting an 8-inch square baking pan. Lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking, or for easier cleanup, line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This will help you lift out the fudge once it sets.
2. Beat the Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth. This usually takes around two minutes with an electric mixer. If your cream cheese feels cold or lumpy, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave on low power can help soften it up.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar
Gradually add sifted powdered sugar into the cream cheese. Beat as you go to ensure everything blends without lumps. This process makes the fudge base thick and creamy.
4. Melt the Chocolate
Melting chocolate can be done in three ways:
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Microwave: Chop the chocolate finely, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat at 70% power in 30-second intervals. Stir between sessions until smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent gritty texture.
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Double Boiler: Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water without letting steam or water touch the chocolate. Stir until melted.
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Saucepan: Melt chocolate over very low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Once melted, set the chocolate aside to cool slightly but ensure it remains pourable.
5. Combine Chocolate, Nuts, and Vanilla
Pour the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture. Add the toasted walnuts and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for about three minutes until the mixture thickens and loses its glossy sheen. Be careful not to overbeat, or the fudge will become too stiff to spread.
6. Set the Fudge
Transfer the fudge mixture into your prepped pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing out the top. Refrigerate for at least three hours to allow it to firm up properly.
7. Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into small squares. Wiping the knife blade with a damp cloth between cuts helps create clean, smooth edges. Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Fudge
- Work Quickly: After combining cream cheese and powdered sugar with the melted chocolate, the mixture will start to set. Stir and spread swiftly to maintain smoothness.
- Avoid Overbeating: Stop mixing when the fudge thickens to a frosting-like consistency. Overbeating leads to dense or sticky fudge that is hard to cut and eat.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Consider adding dried fruit for chewy bursts or swap walnuts for pecans or almonds. For seasonal variations, try crushed peppermint candies or mini marshmallows mixed in with the chocolate.
- Humidity Matters: Don’t prepare fudge on humid days. Moisture in the air can prevent fudge from setting properly. If you must, cover your fudge tightly and refrigerate overnight.
How to Store Your Cream Cheese Fudge
Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze fudge in freezer-safe containers with wax paper between layers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain texture. Avoid storing fudge at room temperature for long periods; it tends to become too soft and loses shape.
Troubleshooting: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
- Lumpy Mixture: Softening the cream cheese properly and sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps. If lumps appear, mix longer or use a hand mixer on a higher speed briefly.
- Grainy Chocolate: Overheating chocolate can cause graininess. Melt gently and avoid water contact during melting.
- Fudge Too Soft: Ensure the fudge sets for the full refrigeration time. Also, avoid room temperature storage, especially in warm climates.
- Fudge Too Hard: Don’t overbeat the final mixture and avoid using chocolate with very low cocoa butter content.
Cream cheese fudge is an easy way to enjoy a classic treat without complicated steps. Its tangy creaminess combined with rich chocolate makes for a balanced flavor profile. Whether you’re making it for holidays, parties, or a simple sweet indulgence, this recipe is reliable and adaptable.
Try customizing it with your favorite nuts, extracts, or mix-ins. Remember, simple ingredients and straightforward methods can yield something truly special. Enjoy your homemade fudge, knowing it’s crafted with care and minimal fuss.
Cream Cheese Fudge (Easy Recipe)
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4-ounce) package unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Spray an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese. Use medium-low speed. Continue beating until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually beat in the sugar. Continue until it's smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the melted chocolate, chopped walnuts, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for about 3 minutes.
- Spread the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Chill until firm. Slice it into squares. Enjoy!
