No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge offers a delightful shortcut to indulgence, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven. This incredibly easy recipe delivers the classic, irresistible flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries in a rich, creamy fudge format, making it a fantastic treat for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into small pieces
- 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate (for drizzling, optional)
- Additional freeze-dried strawberry pieces for garnish (optional)
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge:
Get ready for a dessert experience that’s as simple as it is satisfying! This No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge is a dream come true for busy bakers and sweet tooths alike. In just under 20 minutes of active prep time, you’ll whip up a batch of decadently creamy, rich fudge bursting with the iconic taste of chocolate and strawberries. Its effortless assembly means you can enjoy a gourmet treat without the fuss, perfect for last-minute gatherings or a personal indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Lightly grease the parchment paper if desired to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Flavorings: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Ensure the butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and sifted cocoa powder to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important to sift these ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth fudge. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Achieve Fudge Consistency: Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated, start adding the milk (or heavy cream), one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the fudge reaches a thick, pourable consistency. You might not need all 4 tablespoons; aim for a consistency that holds its shape but is still smooth enough to spread.
- Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the fudge mixture, ensuring you get those delightful pops of strawberry flavor in every bite. Don’t overmix at this stage.
- Spread and Decorate: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. For an extra touch, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern. You can also sprinkle a few extra freeze-dried strawberry pieces for garnish.
- Chill and Set: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set. For quicker setting, you can place it in the freezer for about an hour.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge:
You’ll adore this No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge for its incredibly rich, velvety texture and the perfect marriage of sweet chocolate and tangy strawberries. Unlike traditional fudge that requires careful temperature monitoring, this recipe is foolproof and comes together in minutes, saving you time and effort while delivering a gourmet dessert. The bright burst of freeze-dried strawberries provides a delightful textural contrast and an intense fruit flavor that elevates it beyond a simple chocolate fudge, making it a truly special treat.
Forget expensive bakery treats; this homemade fudge is an economical way to bring a smile to your face and impress guests. The vibrant, natural flavor of the strawberries, amplified by the freeze-dried process, cuts through the richness of the chocolate beautifully, reminiscent of the classic chocolate-covered strawberry experience but in a more delightful, fudgy form. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
This delightful No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge stores beautifully, making it perfect for making ahead. For optimal freshness, store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 10-14 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces or the entire block tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fudge will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To enjoy frozen fudge, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw completely for a few hours. Reheating is not generally recommended for this fudge, as its texture is best enjoyed chilled and firm. However, if it becomes too hard at room temperature, you can let it sit out for a few minutes until it reaches your desired softness.
Final Thoughts:
This No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It’s the perfect sweet escape for any day, offering guaranteed deliciousness with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed by its delightful flavor and ease!
No-Bake Chocolate Covered Strawberry Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the fudge out once it’s set. Lightly grease the parchment paper if desired to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Ensure the butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best texture.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and sifted cocoa powder to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important to sift these ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth fudge. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated, start adding the milk (or heavy cream), one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the fudge reaches a thick, pourable consistency. You might not need all 4 tablespoons; aim for a consistency that holds its shape but is still smooth enough to spread.3-4 tablespoons milk
- Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the fudge mixture, ensuring you get those delightful pops of strawberry flavor in every bite. Don’t overmix at this stage.1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. For an extra touch, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top in a decorative pattern. You can also sprinkle a few extra freeze-dried strawberry pieces for garnish.1/4 cup dark chocolate, freeze-dried strawberry pieces
- Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set. For quicker setting, you can place it in the freezer for about an hour.