Red Velvet Fudge Recipe (With Cream Cheese Frosting)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This smooth and creamy Red Velvet Fudge is so easy to make and is melt-in-your mouth delicious! With a gorgeous red fudge layer and a white cream cheese frosting, this is one decadent treat that’s sure to be a hit this Valentine’s Day!
Fudge is the ultimate confection for any holiday. But I have to be honest, most traditional fudge recipes can be a bit of hassle. Between having to boil it to an exact temperature and then having to beat it for what seems like forever, it’s just a little too much trouble.
If you feel the same way, then you are going to LOVE this super simple recipe. It uses a really tasty shortcut with white chocolate chips and marshmallows that makes it easy to whip up a batch anytime the fudge cravings hit!
If you love fail proof fudge recipes, you may also want to try this easy to make Butterbeer Fudge and this Rocky Road Fudge.
Why We Love This Homemade Fudge Recipe
Simple ingredients: Only a handful of ingredients is needed to make this fudge recipe. Most of which are pantry staples you already have on hand.
Taste: Our favorite thing about this fudge is just how delicious and creamy it is. Between the cocoa powder and the white chocolate cream cheese layer, it has that classic red velvet flavor you’re looking for.
Rich red color: Red is the signature color for Valentines Day. So, of course, this fudge is the perfect gift idea for your special someone or as a sweet treat for school Valentine’s Day parties. Wrap up a few of the small squares decorative cellophane bags and use as Valentine’s treats.
It’s also great for Christmas time! The same beautiful colors are sure to bring your table lots of holiday cheer. You could make this red and white fudge anytime you’re wanting to add a pop of color to your dessert or sweet trays. Blue sprinkles would be an awesome idea for a 4th of July or Memorial Day dessert!
Easy recipe: This is just one of those easy but great recipes where you don’t have to mess up the whole kitchen to make it. You aren’t boiling the mixture, so no candy thermometer, double broiler or special equipment is needed.
Key Ingredients in this Red Velvet Fudge Recipe
Cocoa Powder: What would red velvet be without the signature subtle hint chocolate flavor? Cocoa powder also helps with the food coloring to give the fudge that deep red color.
White Chocolate Chips: This is what makes the fudgy base and the topping of this recipe. Because it’s the main ingredient, you’ll want to use good quality chocolate chips that you have tasted before and enjoy.
Marshmallows: We used mini marshmallows, but you can use the same amount of the jumbo ones that you’ve cut up. Marshmallows are the key to this fudge having a smooth and velvety texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: You cannot substitute milk or even half and half in fudge recipes. The fat content in heavy cream is what helps give the fudge that classic creamy texture.
Sugar: You’ll use granulated sugar for the red layer and powdered sugar for the cream cheese layer!
Cream Cheese: This fudge has a beautiful contrasting white layer on top of the red chocolate fudge. Cream cheese and white chocolate chips make a rich and decadent topping that everyone will flip over. It is just SO good!
Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter. Be sure and allow it to come to room temperature before adding it to the saucepan.
Red Food Coloring: We used a gel-based, no taste red food coloring. It will provide a vibrant red color to the bottom layer without altering the taste or consistency of your fudge.
Vanilla Extract: We used a pure vanilla extract to help balance out the other flavors.
How to Make this Easy Fudge Recipe
To Make the Fudge Layer
Step 1: Line an 8×8 in square pan with parchment paper. Butter the top of the parchment (or you can spritz with butter flavored cooking spray).
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons butter, the mini marshmallows, sugar, cocoa powder and the heavy cream.
Step 3: Stir well to mix together. Cook the mixture over medium /low heat. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the other ingredients are nice and smooth.
Step 4: Turn the heat on down to low. Add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and white chocolate chips. Mix until chips are smooth and melted.
Step 5: Remove from the heat and add in food coloring. Stir until well incorporated and add more to achieve desired color.
Step 6: Pour the chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
For the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Layer
Step 1: In a medium bowl cream together butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat 1/3 cup white chocolate chips in 30 second increments. You’ll want to stir it well between each one, until completely melted.
Step 3: Pour the melted chocolate into the butter and cream cheese mixture and mix on low to blend well.
Step 4: Pour the white mixture over the refrigerated red fudge layer and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Place the dish in the fridge until the cream cheese layer is completely chilled.
Before placing in the fridge, you can add red sprinkles for an even more festive look.
Step 6: Remove the fudge from the lined pan by carefully lifting out the edges of the parchment paper. Lay it on a flat surface and slice it into 16 even squares.
Covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Red Velvet Fudge Keep?
Around my house, this fudge is devoured within a day or two! But if you happen to have leftover fudge, cover it well and store in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to a couple of weeks.
Can I Use Candy Melts?
Yes, you can. Candy melts and almond bark will both work in this recipe, but due to the milk fat content, white chocolate chips are preferred. They make the perfect texture that sets up well, where candy melts and almond bark may result in a fudge that is a little too soft. It will still be tasty, but the overall texture is best when chips are used.
Why Did My Chocolate Chips Seize Up?
Moisture is the number one reason chocolate seizes up in the microwave. Be sure you are using a really clean and dry bowl when melting chocolate.
When melting chocolate stove top, you’ll want to keep an eye on it. It will burn if you are cooking it at too high of a temp, which can also cause chocolate becomes clumpy.
Tips and Variations of Red Velvet Fudge
Freezing this fudge: You certainly can. It’s important that you wrap the fudge really well. For best results, wrap the fudge in wax paper. Then, wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Store the wrapped fudge in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for 2-3 months.
Getting clean edges: Because this fudge has a layered effect, it’s important to cut really clean edges to keep it nice and pretty. The key to doing this is to make sure the fudge has been in the fridge for at least an hour before you try to cut it into squares.
Using silicone molds: A perfect way to make heart shaped fudge is to use a silicone mold. It can be a little extra work, but they turn out really cute and make a great Valentine’s Day gift. You will still need to spray the silicone candy molds with a little non stick spray to make sure they come out easily. Wrap up a few pieces of fudge in decorative cellophane bags and you’ve got great Valentine’s treats.
Nutty Fudge: For a little crunch, you can add about 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the red fudge layer.
You can also give this a classic red velvet cake look by using finely chopped nuts on the top of the white layer instead of the sprinkles. It will look just like red velvet cake!
Extracts: If Christmas is your favorite time of year, try making this fudge using a little peppermint extract. And if you want to really add more chocolate flavor to the fudge, you can use a mocha or even a coffee extract.
Want More Valentine’s Day Treat Recipes?
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Valentine Rice Krispie Treats
- Red Velvet Brownies
- Blueberry hand Pies
- Mini Valentine Cake with Candy Surprise
- Valentine Bark with White and Dark Chocolate
Red Velvet Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
For The Fudge
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon tasteless red gel food coloring
For The Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
- Red sprinkles
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 in square pan with parchment paper. Butter the top of the parchment (or you can spritz with butter flavored cooking spray).
- In a medium saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons butter, the mini marshmallows, sugar, cocoa powder and the heavy cream.
- Stir well to mix together. Cook the mixture over medium /low heat. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the other ingredients are nice and smooth.
- Turn the heat on down to low. Add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract and white chocolate chips. Mix until chips are smooth and melted.
- Remove from the heat and add in food coloring. Stir until well incorporated and add more to achieve desired color.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- In a medium bowl cream together butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well incorporated.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat 1/3 cup white chocolate chips in 30 second increments. You’ll want to stir it well between each one, until completely melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate into the butter and cream cheese mixture and mix on low to blend well.
- Pour the white mixture over the refrigerated red fudge layer and spread it evenly.
- Place the dish in the fridge until the cream cheese layer is completely chilled.
- Remove the fudge from the lined pan by carefully lifting out the edges of the parchment paper. Lay it on a flat surface and slice it into 16 even squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @funmoneymom and follow on Pinterest @funmoneymom for more!
Let’s be friends!
Did you love this post? Make sure to comment below and let me know your thoughts! And don’t forget to follow on your favorite social network below!
Flawless as written. People at work told me I should open a bakery (I did remind them it wasn’t my recipe!). Perfectly balanced. Thank you!!
I’m so glad it was a hit! And next time, you can let them think it was your recipe…I’ll never tell 😂
Really good and easy recipe, my family loved it! Made for Thanksgiving with my girls.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing!