If you are on the lookout for a dessert that combines luscious creaminess with the iconic charm of red velvet, this Cream Cheese Red Velvet Fudge Recipe is an absolute must-try. It boasts a velvety texture and rich flavors that melt in your mouth, showcasing that wonderful blend of classic red velvet cake nuances with a smooth, creamy fudge experience. Perfect for festive occasions, thoughtful gifting, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this fudge delivers a beautiful marbled look and decadent taste that’s sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this fudge is surprisingly simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and striking color. From creamy cream cheese to the sweet touch of powdered sugar and vibrant red candy melts, these ingredients come together beautifully.
- White chocolate chips: Provide a smooth, sweet base that melts into creamy bliss.
- Red candy melts or red velvet baking chips: Add that signature red velvet color and flavor punch.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings a rich, tangy smoothness essential for true fudge texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens to achieve perfect consistency without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth with warm, sweet notes.
- Cocoa powder: Gives just the right amount of chocolate kick and color contrast.
- Red gel food coloring (optional): Intensifies the red hue for a dazzling presentation.
- Butter (optional): Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel for extra indulgence.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Cream Cheese Red Velvet Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend beyond the sides. This clever trick will make lifting the fudge out after chilling a breeze, helping to keep those perfectly smooth edges intact without any sticky mess.
Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is wonderfully smooth and free of lumps. This step is key for the creamy texture that defines this fudge. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing, allowing it to fully incorporate and result in a luscious, creamy blend.
Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers
Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. These simple additions work wonders by deepening the flavors and balancing the sweetness, preparing your base for that irresistible taste.
Step 4: Melt and Mix the White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid burning. When silky smooth, quickly stir this melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, combining until no streaks remain. This glossy blend is the foundation of the fudge’s creamy texture.
Step 5: Create the Red Velvet Portion
Scoop about one-third of the cream cheese-chocolate mixture into a separate smaller bowl. To this, add cocoa powder, melted red candy melts, and optional red gel food coloring if you want a more vivid shade. Stir until fully incorporated—this creates the rich red velvet section of the fudge that contrasts beautifully with the white base.
Step 6: Assemble the Marble Effect
Alternately drop spoonfuls of the white and red mixtures into your prepared pan. Don’t worry about perfection here; the fun is in the swirling. Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl through both colors to create that stunning marbled effect that makes this fudge visually captivating as well as delicious.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Smooth out the top with a spatula to even out the surface, then place the pan in the refrigerator. Allow the fudge to chill and firm up for at least 2 hours. This chilling step ensures the fudge achieves that firm bite while preserving its creamy, melt-in-the-mouth quality.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once fully set, carefully lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut it into approximately 25 small squares, ready to share and savor with friends, family, or just yourself!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Red Velvet Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your already stunning fudge, try sprinkling the squares with crushed peppermint for a holiday sparkle or a light dusting of edible glitter to enhance the festive vibe. Shaved white chocolate curls on top add a touch of elegance and texture contrast that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm mug of spiced chai tea—both complement the richness beautifully. Serving it alongside fresh berries also brings a refreshing and colorful element that contrasts nicely with the fudge’s creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your fudge squares in a decorative gift box tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts. For parties, try layering the fudge on a dessert platter with an assortment of cookies and chocolates to create a luxurious sweets spread that will be the star attraction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Red Velvet Fudge Recipe pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping it chilled maintains the perfect texture and prevents the creamy fudge from becoming too soft or sticky.
Freezing
If you want to keep your fudge longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen properly, fudge can last up to 3 months without losing any of its luscious taste or texture.
Reheating
Since fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is generally unnecessary. However, if it feels too firm after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the texture to become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge?
For the smoothest fudge texture, it’s best to use softened cream cheese at room temperature. This prevents lumps and helps the ingredients blend seamlessly.
Is red gel food coloring necessary?
While optional, red gel food coloring enhances the vividness of the red velvet portion, especially if you want that classic bright red hue. However, the red candy melts provide good color on their own.
Can I substitute white chocolate with semisweet chocolate?
Yes! Using semisweet chocolate will give your fudge a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, perfect for those who prefer a less sweet treat.
How long does it take to set in the fridge?
Typically, the fudge needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly, though leaving it overnight guarantees a perfect set and easier slicing.
Could I make this fudge without cocoa powder?
The cocoa powder adds depth and chocolate flavor, especially for the red velvet half. Omitting it will change the flavor slightly, making it less chocolatey but still delicious in a cream cheese fudge style.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a dessert that blends the nostalgia of red velvet with the creamy, rich allure of fudge. This Cream Cheese Red Velvet Fudge Recipe hits every mark effortlessly, making it a joy to prepare, impressively beautiful to serve, and utterly delicious to enjoy. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you do, it might just become your new favorite treat to share with everyone you love.
Print
Cream Cheese Red Velvet Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 25 small squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and creamy red velvet fudge combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with the smooth texture of cream cheese fudge. With a beautiful marbled look and decadent taste, it’s a festive treat perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup red candy melts or red velvet baking chips
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- Red gel food coloring (optional for deeper color)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge once set.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Chocolate and Cream Cheese Mixture: Quickly stir the melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until it is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Prepare Red Velvet Portion: Separate approximately one-third of the fudge mixture into a smaller bowl. Mix in the cocoa powder, melted red candy melts, and red gel food coloring if using, to achieve a vibrant red velvet color and flavor.
- Create Marble Effect: Spoon dollops of the white fudge mixture and red velvet mixture alternately into the prepared pan. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled appearance.
- Chill and Set: Smooth the surface of the fudge and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into approximately 25 small squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, semisweet chocolate can be used instead of white chocolate chips.
- Using a hand mixer can help achieve a smoother cream cheese texture during mixing.
