If you are looking for a fun and unique twist on a classic sweet treat, this Watermelon Fudge Recipe will absolutely delight your tastebuds and brighten up any dessert table. Creamy, luscious, and visually stunning with its vibrant pink and green hues, this fudge captures the nostalgic flavor of summer watermelon in an irresistibly smooth confection. It’s such a joyful recipe to make and share, perfect for celebrations or a special indulgence that’s a little different from the ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Watermelon Fudge Recipe keeps things simple but special, combining everyday baking staples with a few delightful extras to achieve that perfect watermelon flavor and look. Each ingredient plays its role—whether it’s the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, the rich texture from butter and condensed milk, or the bright colors that make this fudge a feast for the eyes before it even hits your palate.
- 1 stick of butter – softened to bring creaminess and a rich mouthfeel to the fudge.
- 3/4 cup of sugar – for balanced sweetness without overpowering the delicate watermelon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla – enhances the overall flavor depth with warm, comforting notes.
- 1 cup of flour – provides structure and helps the fudge hold its shape perfectly when cut.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt – to contrast and elevate the sweetness, making flavors pop.
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips – adds little pockets of rich chocolate that complement the white chocolate base.
- 1 can of Eagle-brand sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces) – it’s the secret smoothener and sweetener that gives the fudge its creamy consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups of white chocolate, melted – for that luscious base and mild sweetness that sings of summer.
- 1 drop of watermelon flavoring – the star flavor that brings the essence of juicy watermelon to this fudge.
- 3 drops of hot pink gel color – creates the vibrant pink that makes this fudge visually pop.
- 3 drops of green gel color – adds that fresh green hue reminiscent of watermelon rind, completing the look.
How to Make Watermelon Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Start by softening the butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. Then, whisk in the sugar and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth, evenly sweet foundation that will carry the watermelon flavor beautifully throughout your fudge.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt to avoid lumps. Slowly add this to your wet mixture, stirring constantly to create a uniform batter. This blending builds the fudge’s firmness yet keeps it soft enough to melt in your mouth delightfully.
Step 3: Adding the Chocolate Chips and Condensed Milk
Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently to distribute little bursts of rich chocolate in each bite. Next, incorporate the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, mixing thoroughly to bind everything into a smooth, creamy fudge dough.
Step 4: Mixing in Melted White Chocolate
Gradually blend in the melted white chocolate, stirring steadily so the fudge stays glossy and has just the right firmness. This is when the fudge truly starts to take its lush, decadent texture.
Step 5: Flavoring and Coloring
Add the drop of watermelon flavoring carefully—just enough to give that unmistakable melon essence without overpowering the sweet creaminess. Then add the gel colors: three drops of hot pink for the main body of the fudge and three drops of green to mimic the watermelon rind. These colors make your fudge festive and visually irresistible.
Step 6: Shaping and Setting
Pour the completed mixture into a lined pan, spreading it evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm. Once set, cut into 24 bite-sized squares, showcasing the fun watermelon-inspired colors and tempting chocolate chips.
How to Serve Watermelon Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your watermelon fudge by sprinkling a few finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of edible glitter on top. These garnishes add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication, perfect for parties or gifting.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs brilliantly with chilled fruit salads or a scoop of tangy sorbet to balance the richness. The fresh flavors of citrus or berries highlight the watermelon notes and create a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your watermelon fudge on a platter lined with fresh mint leaves or watermelon slices for an eye-catching display. You can also stack the fudge squares like mini cakes or place them inside cute cupcake wrappers for a festive touch at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover watermelon fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps the texture soft and the flavor vibrant without any drying out or fading.
Freezing
If you want to save your Watermelon Fudge Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Since fudge is best enjoyed slightly cool yet firm, there’s generally no need to reheat. However, if it becomes too hard after refrigeration or freezing, letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes softens it beautifully without losing that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh watermelon instead of flavoring?
Fresh watermelon is delicious on its own but would add too much moisture to this fudge, affecting its firmness. The concentrated watermelon flavoring keeps the fudge consistent and flavorful without compromising texture.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
You can try liquid food coloring, but gel colors offer stronger hues without diluting the fudge. If you only have liquid, use sparingly and adjust consistency if needed to keep that perfect fudge texture.
Can I substitute white chocolate with another type of chocolate?
White chocolate provides the creamy sweetness that complements the watermelon flavor perfectly. Dark or milk chocolate will change the flavor profile and appearance, but you can experiment if you prefer a more chocolate-forward fudge.
Is it okay to add nuts or dried fruit to this fudge?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried fruit can add great texture and contrast. Just keep the pieces small so they don’t overwhelm the smooth, creamy feel that makes this Watermelon Fudge Recipe so special.
How long does the fudge take to set properly?
Chilling it for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator is optimal to ensure the fudge firms up nicely and slices cleanly. For best results, avoid rushing this step to keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Fudge Recipe is such a bright, cheerful treat that brings a touch of summer joy any time of the year. It’s super fun to make, utterly delicious, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. I truly hope you give this unique fudge a whirl—it’s a sweet surprise you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Watermelon Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time 4 hours)
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Fudge recipe is a whimsical and delightful treat that combines the creamy sweetness of white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk with playful watermelon flavoring and vibrant gel colors. It’s perfect for summer parties or anyone looking to enjoy a unique twist on traditional fudge with a fruity flair.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 1 stick of butter – softened
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups of white chocolate, melted
Flavoring and Coloring
- 1 drop watermelon flavoring
- 3 drops of hot pink gel color
- 3 drops of green gel color
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by softening the butter at room temperature to ensure easy mixing. Melt the white chocolate separately over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the fudge.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and the can of sweetened condensed milk to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth and creamy batter.
- Add Chocolate and Flavoring: Fold in the melted white chocolate and mini chocolate chips into the batter. Then, add one drop of watermelon flavoring to impart a subtle fruity taste into the fudge.
- Add Gel Colors: Carefully add three drops each of hot pink and green gel colors to the mixture. Gently fold them in to create a vibrant watermelon-like appearance without overmixing, which might dull the colors.
- Transfer and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture into a lined or greased square baking pan, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours or until it is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Cut and Serve: Once set, remove the fudge from the pan, cut into 24 small squares, and serve chilled for a refreshing, colorful treat.
Notes
- Melting white chocolate should be done carefully to avoid seizing; use low heat or microwave in 20-second intervals.
- Using gel colors is preferable to liquid food coloring to avoid altering the texture.
- For a stronger watermelon flavor, you can increase the flavoring drops slightly, but do so cautiously to avoid overpowering the fudge.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allow fudge to come slightly to room temperature before serving for softer texture.
