Shamrock Fudge Recipe

Magical Shamrock Fudge Recipe: A Sweet Irish Treat

St.

Patrick’s Day brings magic to this delightful shamrock fudge that sparkles with festive charm.

Green-tinted chocolate melts into a smooth, creamy delight that captures Irish spirit.

You’ll adore how simple ingredients create something spectacular.

Mint and white chocolate combine for a treat that feels like celebration.

Pastel green colors dance across each delectable square, promising sweet memories.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this playful dessert.

Grab your mixing bowl and let deliciousness begin!

What You Need For Shamrock Fudge Fun

Base Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Creamy base for the fudge that provides smooth texture and sweet flavor. Choose high-quality white chocolate for best results.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and helps create smooth, creamy consistency. Full-fat version recommended for best texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Enhances richness and helps bind ingredients together. Room temperature butter blends more easily.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic background flavor. Pure vanilla extract provides deeper taste.
  • Peppermint Extract: Optional ingredient that gives cool, minty note. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming flavor.
  • Green Food Coloring: Creates festive shamrock-themed green color. Gel food coloring provides more vibrant results.
Texture and Decoration:
  • Mini Marshmallows, Sprinkles: Add fun texture and visual interest. Colorful sprinkles enhance festive appearance. Use festive green or St. Patrick's Day themed sprinkles for extra charm.

How To Make Easy Shamrock Fudge At Home

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base

  • Grab a square baking pan
  • Line the pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over
  • Gather white chocolate chips
  • Collect sweetened condensed milk
  • Select unsalted butter
  • Place ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl
  • Melt ingredients in short bursts, stirring between each interval
  • Ensure mixture becomes silky smooth and completely combined

Step 2: Transform into Festive Treat

  • Pour vanilla extract into melted chocolate mixture
  • Add peppermint extract for extra zing
  • Drop green food coloring to create vibrant shamrock hue
  • Mix until color is consistent and bright
  • Fold mini marshmallows into the mixture
  • Sprinkle half of decorative sparkles into fudge

Step 3: Create Magical Fudge Slab

  • Carefully pour mixture into prepared pan
  • Spread evenly with a spatula
  • Scatter remaining sparkles across the top
  • Gently press sprinkles into surface
  • Place pan in refrigerator
  • Chill for several hours until completely firm

Step 4: Slice and Celebrate

  • Remove fudge from refrigerator
  • Lift out using parchment paper edges
  • Place on cutting board
  • Slice into small, bite-sized squares
  • Arrange on serving plate
  • Share with friends and family
  • Enjoy your delightful green treat!

Tips For Smooth, Festive Shamrock Fudge

  • Prevent Chocolate Burning: Microwave chocolate in short bursts, stirring thoroughly between each interval to ensure smooth melting without scorching.
  • Customize Color Intensity: Add green food coloring gradually, mixing well to achieve your desired shade of festive green without overwhelming the fudge's delicate flavor.
  • Enhance Texture Variation: Fold marshmallows gently to create pockets of softness throughout the fudge, providing delightful textural contrast.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it perfect for advance party preparation or gifting.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy-free white chocolate chips and condensed milk alternatives for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's creamy consistency.

Best Way To Store Shamrock Fudge Pieces

  • Preserve your delightful Shamrock Fudge by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual pieces in wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Keep the fudge chilled for up to one week, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
  • When you're ready to enjoy, let the fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, allowing those creamy marshmallow bits to become perfectly smooth and tempting.

What Goes Great With Shamrock Fudge Squares

  • Boost Beverage Pairing: Serve this sweet shamrock fudge alongside an icy cold irish coffee or creamy mint hot chocolate for a delightful flavor complement that enhances the peppermint notes.
  • Complementary Dessert Match: Pair the fudge with light vanilla bean ice cream or a small slice of classic cheesecake to balance the rich, sweet texture and add elegant variety to your treat.
  • Festive Drink Option: Enjoy with chilled bailey's irish cream or a smooth green apple martini that echoes the fun color and playful spirit of the shamrock fudge.
  • Textural Contrast Companion: Combine with crisp shortbread cookies or crunchy almond biscotti to create an exciting mouthfeel that contrasts the smooth, creamy fudge consistency.

Fun Twists On Classic Shamrock Fudge

  • Chocolate Mint Marble: Swirl dark chocolate and white chocolate with green food coloring for a marbled effect, creating a visually stunning and rich flavor combination.
  • Nutty Green Delight: Fold chopped pistachios or toasted almonds into the fudge for added crunch and subtle nutty undertones that complement the mint flavor.
  • Irish Cream Infusion: Replace peppermint extract with a splash of Irish cream liqueur to give the fudge a sophisticated adult twist that celebrates Irish heritage.
  • Rainbow Sprinkle Explosion: Use multi-colored sprinkles instead of green ones, transforming the fudge into a playful, festive treat that appeals to kids and adults alike.

All The FAQs About Making Shamrock Fudge

  • What makes this fudge different from traditional fudge?

This Shamrock Fudge is a festive, green-colored treat that combines white chocolate with peppermint and fun sprinkles, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s super easy to make and brings a playful twist to classic fudge.

  • Can I make this fudge without peppermint extract?

Absolutely! The peppermint extract is optional. You can still create delicious white chocolate fudge by simply omitting the extract. The vanilla extract will still provide a lovely flavor base.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids will love helping to make this colorful fudge. They can help mix the ingredients, add food coloring, and sprinkle the toppings. It’s a fun and simple recipe that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.

  • How long will the fudge stay fresh?

The Shamrock Fudge will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its perfect texture and prevent melting.

Why Shamrock Fudge Brings Luck And Sweetness

  • Quickest St. Patrick's Day Treat: This shamrock fudge transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert in just minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday celebrations.
  • Zero Baking Skills Required: Microwave melting and easy mixing mean anyone can create this festive treat without complicated cooking techniques or professional baking experience.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Children will love adding sprinkles, stirring colorful mixture, and creating their own green dessert with minimal adult supervision and maximum fun.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few pantry staples like white chocolate chips, condensed milk, and food coloring, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and shopping.
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Shamrock Fudge Recipe

Shamrock Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Vibrant green Shamrock Fudge celebrates Irish heritage with sweet Irish charm. Creamy white chocolate and festive emerald hues create a delightful St. Patrick’s Day treat you’ll savor and share with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Flavor and Color Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint or mint extract (optional, for a Shamrock Shake flavor!)
  • A few drops of green food coloring

Decorative Ingredients:

  • ½ cup green and white sprinkles (or St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles!)
  • ¼ cup mini marshmallows (optional, for extra texture!)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundation by lining a rectangular baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the base and sides for effortless removal.
  2. Create a luxurious melting station using a microwave-safe container, combining white chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter into a silky blend.
  3. Apply gentle heat through microwave intervals, stirring thoroughly between each 30-second cycle to achieve a perfectly smooth, glossy consistency without scorching.
  4. Infuse the molten mixture with vibrant flavor profiles by incorporating vanilla extract, peppermint essence, and emerald green food coloring, whisking until uniformly integrated.
  5. Introduce playful texture by gently folding mini marshmallows and half the decorative sprinkles throughout the creamy concoction.
  6. Transfer the verdant fudge mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a pristine surface.
  7. Embellish the top with remaining festive sprinkles, creating a whimsical visual appeal.
  8. Refrigerate the confection for a minimum of two to three hours, allowing it to solidify completely into a firm, sliceable treat.
  9. Once thoroughly chilled, lift the fudge from the pan using parchment edges and slice into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife.
  10. Present your St. Patrick’s Day inspired dessert, ready to delight and surprise guests with its vibrant color and creamy texture.

Notes

  • Prevent chocolate from burning by microwaving in short intervals and stirring frequently to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Ensure even melting by chopping white chocolate chips into smaller, uniform pieces before heating.
  • Use gel food coloring for more vibrant green color without diluting the fudge’s creamy texture.
  • Customize the fudge by experimenting with different extract flavors like almond or coconut for unique variations.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 167
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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