Name: Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cup (18 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk; 2 tablespoon butter; Dash salt; 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped nuts; 2 cup miniature marshmallows; 2 tablespoon butter

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I absolutely adore sharing this Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe with you because it perfectly captures the magic of rich chocolate blended with fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. Whenever I make this fudge, it brings a cozy, festive feel to any gathering, and I love how the swirled marshmallow topping adds that beautiful, snowy look that’s almost too pretty to eat. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that always disappears fast in my house, making it one of my treasured go-to dessert recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe

What really excites me about this Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe is the delightful mix of textures and flavors. The semi-sweet chocolate base is incredibly smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness from the condensed milk. Then you get that gentle buttery richness and a hint of vanilla that elevate the entire flavor profile. The chopped nuts provide a satisfying crunch, while the marshmallow swirl on top creates a light, almost cloud-like contrast that keeps every bite interesting and delicious.

Another thing that makes this recipe stand out for me is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. I love recipes that don’t demand a lot of fuss or unusual ingredients but still deliver impressive results. This fudge mixture comes together smoothly on the stovetop and only requires a bit of chilling time. It’s perfect for festive occasions, potlucks, holiday gift-giving, or just a cozy night in when I want a sweet treat without pulling out all the stops. Honestly, I always feel confident recommending this recipe to friends because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as lovely as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six small white bowls and one glass jar arranged on a white marbled surface with gold streaks. Starting from the top left, there is a clear glass jar filled with small dark brown chocolate chips. To the right, a white plate holds a rectangular block of pale yellow butter. Below the jar, a white bowl contains a smooth, creamy white liquid. To its right, another white plate displays a thick dark brown syrup. At the bottom left, a small white ramekin is filled with coarse white salt, and next to it, a larger white bowl is packed with small, fluffy white marshmallows. All items are neatly positioned in a casual grid layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that snowy swirled appearance.

3 cups (18 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips: These form the rich chocolate base that melts beautifully for a silky fudge.
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps the fudge set nicely.
4 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter enriches the fudge and keeps it smooth and luscious.
Dash of salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and amplify the chocolate flavor.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate’s taste.
1 cup chopped nuts: I like to use walnuts, but pecans or almonds work great too for crunch and texture.
2 cups miniature marshmallows: Melting these with butter creates that distinctive, fluffy snow swirl topping on the fudge.

Directions

Step 1: Line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with wax paper, making sure to have the paper extend over the edges to help lift the fudge later. Lightly coat the wax paper with no-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a heavy saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and a dash of salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. This slow melting and stirring are crucial to achieve a smooth, lump-free chocolate mixture.

Step 3: Once melted and completely smooth, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped nuts gently, ensuring the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the fudge base.

Step 4: Spread this chocolate mixture evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: In a separate medium saucepan, melt the miniature marshmallows with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Spread the melted marshmallows evenly over the chocolate layer. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the marshmallow topping into the chocolate layer, creating that signature snowy swirl effect.

Step 7: Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until it is completely firm. When ready, lift the fudge out of the pan by grabbing the edges of the wax paper, then cut into squares to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 2 pounds of fudge, which I typically cut into 32 bite-sized squares—perfect for sharing without overindulging. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, which makes it quick and easy to whip up. The cook time on the stove is short since you’re only melting ingredients together, but the fudge needs to chill for at least 2 hours to set firmly. So, in total, expect about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. Planning ahead is key because the chilly setting time makes all the difference in texture.

How to Serve This Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe

A square black baking pan lined with white parchment paper holds a rich chocolate dessert. The top layer is mostly dark brown, thick and glossy chocolate with white cream swirled into it creating smooth marbled patterns. Scattered evenly on top are small, soft, white marshmallows, some showing a light toasting with brown spots. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with gold streaks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this fudge chilled, straight from the fridge, because it’s firm enough to hold its shape perfectly but still melts in your mouth with that creamy chocolate and marshmallow magic. I usually arrange the squares on a decorative platter or a tiered tray to make it feel special, especially during holidays or parties. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or even edible silver glitter can add a festive, elegant touch if I’m feeling fancy.

Pairing options for this fudge are quite fun to explore. I enjoy offering it alongside a hot cup of tea or rich coffee to contrast the sweetness. For adult gatherings, I think a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Zinfandel or Merlot, complements the chocolate beautifully. Sparkling water with a splash of fresh citrus is a refreshing non-alcoholic choice that helps balance the richness without competing with it.

This fudge is wonderful for just about any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gift, a potluck dessert, or a cozy family night treat. Because of the chunk size, I usually recommend serving it in small squares since it is quite rich. Room temperature also works well if you want a softer bite, but I try to keep it chilled until serving for the cleanest swirls and best texture.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe is its versatility. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or swap them for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower to keep the crunch without allergens. For those following vegan diets, I’ve experimented using dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut condensed milk, and vegan butter—though the texture ends up a bit different, it’s still delightfully tasty and worth a try.

If you want to mix up the flavor profile, I recommend trying different extracts alongside or instead of vanilla. Almond, peppermint, or even a hint of orange extract can add a new twist that feels festive and fresh. You could also experiment with different types of nuts like macadamia or pistachios for a bit of a unique bite.

While this recipe calls for cooking on the stovetop, I’ve successfully melted the chocolate and marshmallows gently in a microwave using short bursts and stirring often—just be cautious not to overheat. Additionally, layering the fudge with swirls of caramel or peanut butter can bring exciting flavor contrasts if you’re in the mood to get creative.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover fudge fresh, I store it in an airtight container lined with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking. It will keep well at room temperature for up to a week, but I prefer refrigeration. When refrigerated, the fudge stays good for about two weeks and maintains its firm texture and fresh flavor perfectly.

Freezing

Yes, this fudge freezes beautifully. I wrap individually cut squares tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasting almost as good as fresh. Frozen fudge can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow the fudge to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

Reheating

I don’t recommend reheating fudge in the microwave to soften it because it can quickly turn grainy or melt unevenly. Instead, I find letting frozen or refrigerated fudge sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes is the perfect way to enjoy soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you do want a slightly softer fudge, placing it in a warm spot (not hot) for a short time works well without risking the texture.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your fudge a richer, slightly more bitter flavor which balances nicely with the sweetness of the condensed milk and marshmallows. Just keep in mind that the overall sweetness will be less, so you might want to adjust the amount of vanilla or nuts accordingly for balance.

What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are my go-to choices because of their natural buttery texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. However, almonds, macadamias, or even chopped hazelnuts work wonderfully. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.

Can this fudge be made ahead of time for holidays or parties?

Yes! This fudge actually benefits from resting time, so making it a day or two before your event ensures it’s perfectly set and flavors have melded. Just keep it chilled until serving and bring it out shortly before to allow it to come to the ideal serving temperature.

Is there a way to make this fudge less sweet?

If you find traditional fudge a bit too sweet, try using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with lower sugar content, and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk by a small margin. You could also add a pinch more salt to bring out the chocolate’s depth and cut sweetness.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?

You can, but you will want to chop the regular marshmallows into small pieces so they melt evenly and spread smoothly. Miniature marshmallows simply melt faster and more uniformly, which helps create that beautiful snowswirl effect on top.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Chocolate Snowswirl Fudge Recipe. It’s one of those special treats that brings everyone together with its perfect balance of creamy chocolate, crunchy nuts, and that whimsical swirl of marshmallow snow. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday delight or just a cozy indulgence, this recipe never fails to impress and delight. Give it a go—I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your own kitchen too!