Creamy, colorful, and perfectly sweet, this Strawberry Fudge is a no-bake Valentine’s dream. You’ll love how quick it comes together with candy melts and frosting — no thermometer needed!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Fudge
A Fast, No-Bake Dessert
This Strawberry Fudge is ready with minimal effort and no stovetop stirring. Just melt, mix, and chill! It’s ideal for busy days when you still want a homemade treat. Plus, the microwave method keeps cleanup simple and fast.
Beginner-Friendly Method
If you’ve never made fudge before, this is the recipe to start with. There’s no boiling or tricky timing — just follow easy microwave steps. Each layer sets beautifully, and even kids can help swirl the colors.
Customizable Colors and Flavor Strength
You can play with shades of pink or deepen the strawberry taste with a little extra extract. Try heart sprinkles for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for spring gatherings. Every batch can look uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Key Ingredients Explained
You’ll need a 16 oz container of buttercream frosting for smooth texture and sweetness. Red and pink candy melts give that two-toned look and creamy consistency. The strawberry extract adds a fruity burst that ties it all together.
Smart Substitutions and Alternatives
If you can’t find strawberry candy melts, just use pink melts or white chocolate chips with strawberry extract. Oil-based food coloring works best if you want to tint white chocolate. Avoid adding liquid or water-based colors — they can cause seizing.
How to Make Strawberry Fudge Step by Step
Prep the Pan
Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This makes lifting and cutting much easier later.
Melt the Candy Melts Separately
Microwave the red candy melts in 15–30 second bursts, stirring until smooth. Repeat with the pink ones in another bowl. Keep both mixtures fluid and glossy.
Liquify the Buttercream Frosting
Microwave the sealed frosting container for about 45 seconds to a minute, until pourable. This helps the fudge set creamy and not grainy.
Add Strawberry Extract for Flavor
Stir in the strawberry extract while the frosting is warm. It blends better this way and keeps the candy from clumping.
Combine and Color-Swirl the Mixtures
Divide the melted frosting evenly between both bowls of candy melts. Stir until each is fully blended. Then spoon alternating pink and red portions into your pan, tapping gently to release bubbles. Add Valentine’s sprinkles if you like.
Chill, Set, and Slice into Squares
Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang, then slice into one-inch squares. Store chilled for the best texture.
Each piece has around 165 calories, 7 g fat, and 25 g carbs — a perfect little indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Fudge Every Time
Preventing Candy Melt Seizing
Always add extract to the melted frosting, not the candy melts. If your mixture thickens, keep stirring gently until smooth again.
Adjusting Texture: Too Soft vs. Too Firm
Too soft? Use slightly more candy melts next time. Too firm or crumbly? Add a touch less candy melts or a bit more frosting.
Flavor Boosting and Color Options
For deeper flavor, increase strawberry extract slightly or swirl in white chocolate chips. You can also create ombré layers for parties or holidays.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
What are the common mistakes when making fudge?
Overheating the candy melts or adding liquid extract directly can make the mixture seize or turn grainy.
How long can fudge stay unrefrigerated?
It stays good for up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container, but longer if chilled.
What is the secret to perfect fudge?
Work quickly with melted ingredients, stir until smooth, and chill without disturbing for even texture.
What would make fudge not set up?
Too much frosting or not enough candy melts can prevent it from firming properly.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Moist Strawberry Cake Dessert Recipe
- Easy Strawberry Brownies Recipe
- Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe (Dessert)
- Strawberry Jello Cream Pie – No-Bake Dessert
- Strawberries and Cream Truffle Hearts Dessert
Conclusion
This Strawberry Fudge is a quick, fun dessert that always feels special. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, it’s perfect for holidays or anytime you want something sweet and homemade. Try sharing photos of your version on Pinterest — your colorful squares are sure to impress!
Strawberry Fudge
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowls Use two separate bowls for each candy melt color.
- 8-inch square pan Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Spatula Helps mix melted candy and frosting smoothly.
Ingredients
- 1 container (16 oz) buttercream frosting
- ¾ cup red candy melts
- ¾ cup strawberry-flavored pink candy melts
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- to taste Valentine’s mix nonpareils sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Melt red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 15–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth. Repeat with pink candy melts in a separate bowl.
- Microwave the sealed buttercream frosting for 45–60 seconds until liquid. Stir in the strawberry extract until smooth.
- Divide the flavored frosting between the melted red and pink mixtures. Stir until fully combined.
- Spoon alternating portions of pink and red mixtures into the prepared pan. Tap gently to level and remove bubbles. Sprinkle with nonpareils if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Lift using parchment and cut into 1-inch squares.
