Easter Candy Fudge: The ultimate way to transform your leftover Easter treats into a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert! Let’s be honest, after the egg hunts and the bunny-shaped chocolates, we’re often left with a mountain of candy. Instead of letting it languish in the pantry, why not give it a delicious new life?

Fudge, in its simplest form, has been around since the late 19th century, born from a “fudged” batch of caramels. This happy accident led to a confection that’s become a beloved treat worldwide. While traditional fudge recipes are wonderful, this Easter Candy Fudge takes the concept to a whole new level, infusing the classic sweetness with the unique flavors and textures of your favorite Easter candies.

People adore fudge for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and intense sweetness. It’s a comforting treat that satisfies any sweet tooth. This version is particularly appealing because it’s incredibly easy to make no candy thermometer required! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and create something truly special from what you already have. The combination of creamy fudge and the crunchy, chewy, and colorful elements of Easter candy makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful and resourceful recipe!

Ingredients:

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 cups Easter candy, such as Cadbury Mini Eggs, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, jelly beans, chopped

Preparing the Fudge Base

Okay, let’s get started! This Easter Candy Fudge is seriously easy and so much fun to make. The base is a simple, creamy chocolate fudge that comes together in minutes. Trust me, you’ll be making this one again and again.

Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and softened butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up. If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over simmering water. Just make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Stir in the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Once the chocolate and butter are melted, remove the bowl from the microwave (or double boiler) and stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Don’t overmix at this stage.
Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, and the salt balances the sweetness. Mix until just combined.

Adding the Easter Candy

This is where the fun begins! Now we get to load up our fudge with all that delicious Easter candy. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite candies. I love using a mix of Cadbury Mini Eggs, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and jelly beans for a variety of textures and flavors.

Chop the Candy: If you’re using larger candies like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Cadbury Mini Eggs, chop them into smaller pieces. This will make them easier to distribute throughout the fudge. Jelly beans can be used whole.
Fold in the Candy: Gently fold the chopped Easter candy into the chocolate fudge mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the candy to break down and the fudge to become discolored. You want to distribute the candy evenly throughout the fudge. Reserve some of the candy for topping.

Setting the Fudge

Almost there! Now we just need to get the fudge into a pan and let it set. Patience is key here, but I promise it’s worth the wait.

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the sides of the pan, as this will make it easier to remove the fudge later. You can also lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray if you prefer.
Pour the Fudge into the Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Top with Remaining Candy: Sprinkle the remaining chopped Easter candy over the top of the fudge. Gently press the candy into the fudge to help it adhere.
Chill the Fudge: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely. The longer it chills, the firmer it will be.

Cutting and Serving

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to cut into that beautiful Easter Candy Fudge and enjoy. This fudge is perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for indulging in a little treat all by yourself.

Remove the Fudge from the Pan: Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
Cut the Fudge: Place the fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but I usually cut them into 1-inch squares. For cleaner cuts, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Easter Candy Fudge immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Candy Variations: Feel free to use any type of Easter candy you like in this fudge. Other great options include Peeps, chocolate bunnies, and malted milk balls.
Nutty Fudge: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the fudge mixture for a nutty twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl a tablespoon or two of peanut butter into the fudge mixture before chilling for a peanut butter flavor.
White Chocolate Fudge: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a white chocolate version.
Double Chocolate Fudge: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the fudge mixture for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Microwave Tips: When melting the chocolate and butter in the microwave, be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This will prevent the chocolate from burning.
Double Boiler Method: If you prefer to melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler, make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.
Softening Butter: The butter needs to be softened for the fudge to have the right consistency. Leave the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until it’s soft but not melted.
Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper is essential for easy removal of the fudge. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs the sides of the pan.

Troubleshooting:

Fudge is too soft: If the fudge is too soft, it may not have chilled long enough. Place it back in the refrigerator for a few more hours.
Fudge is too hard: If the fudge is too hard, it may have been over-chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
Chocolate seized up: If the chocolate seizes up while melting, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to the mixture and stirring until smooth.
Candy is sinking to the bottom: If the candy is sinking to the bottom of the fudge, try chilling the fudge mixture for about 30 minutes before adding the candy. This will help the fudge to thicken and prevent the candy from sinking.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Easter Candy Fudge! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this sweet treat as much as I do. Happy Easter!

Conclusion:

This Easter Candy Fudge isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration in every bite! Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to use up that leftover Easter candy (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), or simply craving a decadent and ridiculously easy treat, this is it. I’ve made a lot of fudge in my time, but the combination of creamy chocolate and those familiar, colorful candies creates a texture and flavor profile that’s truly irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty (depending on your candy!), and utterly satisfying. But why is this particular fudge a must-try? Beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s the simplicity. We’re talking minimal ingredients and even fewer steps. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of this Easter Candy Fudge. It’s a fantastic recipe to make with kids, letting them help with unwrapping the candy and stirring everything together. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your creativity! While I used a mix of classic Easter candies like mini eggs, chocolate bunnies, and jelly beans, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Got a ton of peanut butter cups? Throw them in! Prefer a more sophisticated flavor? Dark chocolate and chopped Cadbury Creme Eggs would be divine. You could even swirl in some marshmallow fluff for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. Serving suggestions? Oh, the possibilities! This fudge is perfect on its own, of course, but it’s also amazing crumbled over ice cream, served alongside a cup of hot coffee, or even used as a topping for brownies. For a truly decadent experience, try melting a small piece into a warm mug of milk for a rich and chocolatey drink. If you’re feeling fancy, cut the fudge into small squares and arrange them on a dessert platter for a party. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Variations to Explore:

* Peanut Butter Bliss: Incorporate peanut butter cups and a swirl of peanut butter into the fudge mixture. * Dark Chocolate Decadence: Use dark chocolate as the base and add chopped Cadbury Creme Eggs. * Marshmallow Swirl: Swirl in marshmallow fluff for a gooey and extra-sweet treat. * Salted Caramel Crunch: Add a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped caramel candies. * Mint Chocolate Madness: Use mint chocolate candies and a few drops of peppermint extract. I truly believe this Easter Candy Fudge will become a new family favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, from Easter celebrations to weeknight desserts. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, raid your Easter candy stash, and get ready to create some fudge magic! I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And now for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? What was the reaction from your family and friends? Please, please, please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy fudging! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy your delicious Easter Candy Fudge!