Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

I absolutely love making and sharing this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe because it combines the creamy richness of classic white fudge with a vibrant, fruity twist that’s just so joyful. Every bite bursts with the subtle sweetness of strawberry extract and a beautiful swirl of color that makes it feel special. It’s one of my go-to treats when I want something that looks impressive but is actually quite simple to pull together.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

What I find so irresistible about this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe is its wonderful balance of flavors. The base is luxuriously creamy, thanks to the blend of butter, heavy cream, and white baking chips, but then that hit of strawberry extract and the red swirl add just the right amount of fruity brightness to keep things exciting. To me, it’s like the perfect marriage of classic comfort and playful flair. With every bite, you get that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with just a whisper of strawberry that elevates it beyond ordinary fudge.

Beyond the taste, I love how approachable this recipe is. I always appreciate desserts that look stunning, but don’t require a ton of complicated steps or fancy ingredients—and this fudge fits that bill perfectly. It’s ideal for all kinds of occasions, whether that’s bringing a homemade treat to a holiday party, preparing sweets for family gatherings, or just cozying up at home with something delightful. Plus, the swirl effect makes it feel like you put in a little extra effort, even though it’s really quite straightforward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large white container of marshmallow fluff with a silver spoon inside it at the top left. To its right, a clear glass measuring cup holds heavy cream. Below the marshmallow fluff, a small white bowl contains 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and next to it, a slightly bigger white bowl with 2 teaspoons of pink strawberry extract. A small white pitcher holds half and half cream near the center. To the right, a white bowl is filled with white baking chips. On the left side, a red tube of food color sits beside a wooden bowl filled with white sugar. At the bottom right, a square white plate holds a block of butter. Each ingredient is labeled with bold black text showing measurements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and look of this fudge. From the creamy butter and rich cream to the bright red coloring and strawberry extract, everything comes together harmoniously.

Strawberry extract: Gives the fudge that fresh, fruity flavor without overpowering the richness.
Red food color gel: Adds a vibrant, eye-catching swirl that makes the fudge look festive and fun.
Salted sweet cream butter: Provides the creamy richness and slight saltiness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Half and half: Adds body and smoothness to the fudge mixture, ensuring a rich texture.
Heavy cream: Boosts the creaminess, making every bite melt indulgently in your mouth.
Clear vanilla flavoring: Enhances the overall flavor without coloring the fudge, keeping it bright and pretty.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fudge and creates the classic dense fudgy texture as it cooks down.
White baking chips: Provide a creamy base and help with smoothness when melted into the mixture.
Marshmallow fluff: Adds a light, fluffy texture that contributes to the fudge’s classic melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Directions

Step 1: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends up all four sides for easy removal later. Set it aside while you prepare the fudge.

Step 2: In a small glass bowl, combine the strawberry extract and red food color gel. Stir well until you get a uniform pink-red mixture. This will be used for the swirl later, so set it aside.

Step 3: In a heavy-bottomed 3 to 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring. Stir constantly until the butter is fully melted and blended with the liquids.

Step 4: Add the granulated sugar to the saucepan and continue stirring as the mixture heats. Bring it to a gentle simmer over 6 to 7 minutes, then maintain the simmer for an additional 3 minutes while stirring continuously. This ensures the sugar dissolves nicely and the mixture thickens properly. Once done, remove the pan from heat.

Step 5: Add the white baking chips to the hot mixture, cover the saucepan, and let it rest for 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir thoroughly until the chips have melted completely, creating a smooth, creamy base.

Step 6: Stir in the marshmallow fluff until it is fully incorporated, which adds that signature fudge fluffiness and richness.

Step 7: Pour about three-quarters of the fudge into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8: Mix the red food color and strawberry extract blend into the remaining fudge in your saucepan until the color is uniform and vibrant.

Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the red-tinted fudge over the base layer in the baking dish. Use a kitchen knife to gently swirl the red fudge throughout, creating beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.

Step 10: Let the fudge sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to start setting, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Step 11: Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment paper edges to lift it out of the pan. Cut into 25 squares (5 by 5) with a large, sharp knife. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

This Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe yields approximately 25 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family, friends, or at parties. The prep time is about 15 minutes since most of the process involves careful stirring but no complicated steps. Cook time—mainly simmering and melting—takes around 10 minutes. The fudge needs to rest and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, so total time comes in at roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes, mostly from the cooling period.

How to Serve This Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe

The image shows a stack of four square-shaped strawberry fudge pieces placed closely on a white marbled surface. Each piece has two layers: the bottom layer is smooth and white, while the top layer is a mix of pink and white with a marbled, swirled texture. The top piece has a bite taken out of one corner, revealing the creamy inside. Around the fudge pieces, there are fresh whole and sliced strawberries adding vibrant red and green colors in the background. The lighting is soft and bright, enhancing the creamy texture of the fudge and the freshness of the strawberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this fudge, I love arranging the pieces on a pretty platter or tiered dessert stand to show off those eye-catching swirls. Each small square is rich, so I recommend serving bite-sized pieces that let everyone enjoy a sweet treat without it being overwhelming. Garnishing the platter with fresh strawberries or a few mint leaves adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that echoes the fudge’s flavor.

For me, this fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of lightly brewed tea or fresh coffee as a delightful afternoon snack. If I’m serving it at a festive gathering, I like to accompany it with sparkling rosé or a sweet dessert wine to complement the strawberry notes. For non-alcoholic options, a chilled glass of lemonade or a strawberry-infused iced tea feels like the perfect refreshing match.

Since the fudge is best served chilled to maintain its firm but creamy texture, I keep it refrigerated until just before serving. It’s a fantastic option for holidays, birthday parties, or even as a homemade gift for friends because it looks sophisticated but is so lovingly simple. I find the contrast of the creamy white base with the vibrant strawberry swirls always gets compliments!

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about the Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want to switch up the flavor, try substituting the strawberry extract with raspberry or cherry extract for a different fruity swirl. You can also experiment with natural food colorings, like beet juice powder, to get the red tone in a more natural way.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make a gluten-free version by ensuring all ingredients (especially white baking chips and marshmallow fluff) are certified gluten-free. Vegan versions are a bit trickier because of the dairy and marshmallow fluff, but I’ve had success using coconut-based butter substitutes, plant-based cream alternatives, and vegan marshmallow spread to recreate a similar creamy and airy texture.

If you want to get playful with the texture, adding crushed freeze-dried strawberries into the base fudge before chilling adds a satisfying crunch and an extra intense burst of berry flavor. Alternatively, you could gently toast some chopped nuts and sprinkle them on top of the fudge before chilling for a sweet and salty contrast. The stovetop technique can also be tweaked by using a candy thermometer to reach the perfect temperature for optimal fudge texture.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve cut the fudge into squares, I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layer the squares between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Properly stored, the fudge stays fresh for up to two weeks, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant swirl.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Strawberry Swirl Fudge for longer storage, it freezes quite well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them together in a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor. When stored properly, your fudge can last up to 3 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

Reheating

Personally, I prefer to enjoy this fudge chilled or at room temperature, as reheating can change the texture and diminish that creamy firmness. If the fudge feels too hard after refrigeration or freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid using microwaves or stovetops to reheat since gently warming fudge often makes it oily or grainy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry extract?

While fresh strawberries add wonderful natural flavor, the extract delivers a more concentrated, consistent taste ideal for fudge. You can use fresh strawberries by making a puree and reducing it to a thick syrup, but that process will affect the fudge’s texture and requires recipe adjustments to manage moisture.

What kind of white baking chips work best?

I prefer using high-quality white baking chips, like Ghirardelli or similar premium brands, because they melt smoothly and provide excellent creaminess. Avoid generic or low-quality chips that may not melt evenly or taste waxy.

Can I make this fudge ahead for a party?

Absolutely! This Strawberry Swirl Fudge can be made several days in advance and kept refrigerated until serving, which actually helps the flavors deepen. Just be sure to store it tightly covered to keep it fresh.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! There are no alcohol or spicy ingredients, and the sweet, fruity flavor makes it a favorite among children and adults alike. Just keep in mind the high sugar content, so portion sizes are best kept small.

What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?

If marshmallow fluff isn’t available, you can try using homemade marshmallow cream or whipped marshmallows melted gently, but the texture might vary slightly. It helps with that light, airy quality, so leaving it out will result in a denser fudge.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you’ll give this Strawberry Swirl Fudge Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels both indulgent and joyful, with gorgeous color and flavor that impress every time. It’s simple enough to make on a whim yet special enough for celebrations, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite to share and savor. Enjoy making it as much as I do!