Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge

$To make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s the list: - 2 cups dark chocolate chips - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups freeze-dried strawberries, crushed - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved - Sea salt for garnish Each ingredient plays a special role. The dark chocolate chips give a rich taste. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness. The vanilla extract boosts the flavor, making it even better. Freeze-dried strawberries give a crunchy texture and bright flavor. Fresh strawberries add a juicy burst. Lastly, sea salt enhances all the sweet flavors. When you gather these ingredients, make sure they are fresh and high-quality. This choice will make your fudge even more delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps when you take the fudge out later. It makes removal easy and neat. Next, take a medium saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of dark chocolate chips. Add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk to the pan. Heat this over low heat. Stir it constantly until the chocolate melts. You want it smooth and creamy. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it well to combine. Now fold in 2 cups of crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Make sure they are evenly spread in the chocolate. Now, pour half of the chocolate-strawberry mix into the dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Take your halved fresh strawberries and arrange them on top. Then, pour the rest of the chocolate mixture over the fresh strawberries. Smooth it out so it covers everything. Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet fudge. Place the dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Once it sets, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares and enjoy! Melting chocolate can be tricky. Here are some easy tips to help you. - Use a heavy saucepan. Thin pans can burn the chocolate. - Heat on low. This helps chocolate melt evenly. - Stir constantly. This keeps the heat even and smooths the chocolate. - Use a double boiler if you can. It adds gentle heat. - Avoid water. Even a drop can make chocolate seize up. A great fudge needs the right texture. Follow these steps for success. - Use sweetened condensed milk. This gives fudge a creamy base. - Mix until smooth. Stir well after adding the chocolate. - Fold in freeze-dried strawberries gently. This keeps them whole and adds crunch. - Let it cool before cutting. This helps it set better. - Refrigerate long enough. Chill for at least two hours for best results. You want your fudge to look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips. - Cut into even squares. This makes it look neat and tidy. - Place fudge on a decorative plate. A nice plate adds charm. - Garnish with fresh strawberries. They add color and freshness. - Use a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It gives a nice contrast. - Serve with toothpicks. This makes it easy for guests to grab. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for premium dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor and smoother texture in your fudge. Chill for Perfect Setting: Allow the fudge to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets properly and is easy to cut. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like crushed nuts or drizzles of white chocolate to customize your fudge. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for up to a week. {{image_2}} You can make your fudge even more exciting by adding different mix-ins. Try adding nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy bite. You can also use mini marshmallows for a fun texture. For a touch of spice, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder. This twist will bring warmth to the sweet fudge. If you love coconut, try adding shredded coconut for a tropical flair. If you want a vegan version of this fudge, swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream or a plant-based condensed milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavor without any animal products. Make sure to check the labels to confirm they are dairy-free. Want to change the flavor profile? You can use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. It will give a sweeter taste and a creamy texture. You can also try milk chocolate for a more balanced flavor. For a fruity twist, add orange or lemon zest to the mixture for a fresh kick. Each of these swaps can create a unique fudge experience. To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can layer the fudge squares between parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together. If you store it properly, the fudge lasts up to two weeks at room temperature. For best taste and texture, eat it within the first week. If you keep it in the fridge, it stays fresh for about three weeks. You can freeze fudge for longer storage. Wrap each square in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. It lasts for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture smooth and tasty. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will make the fudge sweeter and creamier. The taste will change a bit, but it's still delicious. If you love milk chocolate, go for it! Just melt it the same way as dark chocolate. You can use coconut milk and sugar for a similar taste. Mix one cup of coconut milk with a bit of sugar until it thickens. Another option is to use evaporated milk mixed with sugar. This will give you a creamy base without using condensed milk. To check if the fudge is set, feel it after two hours in the fridge. It should feel firm to the touch. You can also gently press the top with your finger. If it holds its shape, it is ready. If not, give it more time in the fridge. This blog post covered how to make delicious strawberry fudge. We explored the key ingredients you'll need, like dark chocolate and fresh strawberries. I provided step-by-step instructions for smooth preparation and melting. You also learned tips for perfect texture and creative variations, such as vegan options. Lastly, we discussed storage methods for keeping your fudge fresh. In your kitchen, this fudge can be a fun, tasty treat. Enjoy making it your way!$

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge

A delicious and creamy fudge infused with dark chocolate and strawberries, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
to taste sea salt for garnish

Instructions

Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan, heat the dark chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and combined.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries until evenly distributed in the chocolate mixture.
Pour half of the chocolate-strawberry mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Arrange the halved fresh strawberries on top of the first layer of fudge.
Pour the remaining chocolate-strawberry mixture over the fresh strawberries, smoothing it out to cover completely.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a flavor contrast.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firmly set.
Once set, lift the fudge from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Serve the fudge squares on a decorative plate, garnished with additional fresh strawberries for a pop of color.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, strawberry