There are a few sweet treats that immediately make you think of the holidays, and fudge is one of them. There are so many ways to make fudge. You can make chocolate fudge, white chocolate fudge, fudge with all sorts of toppings, etc. This fudge recipe, though, is a little bit different, kind of like our favorite Christmas villain. This is Swirled Grinch Fudge. Complete with that Grinchy-green coloring and hearts that are 3 sizes too small. Until you eat it, that is, and then your heart will beam!
This easy, kid-friendly holiday treat recipe makes 20 pieces, which is great for our large and busy family. The kids love when I make a big batch of it. Sometimes, I make two and freeze the second batch. If you want to make less, simply cut the recipe in half and use an 8×8 pan to make your Grinch Fudge.
Easy Swirled Grinch Fudge
I’m sure you’re all aware of how the Grinch tried to steal Christmas. But did you know that he also stole fudge? Well, not really, but this easy kids-friendly holiday treat is very much like his green swirled fudge! This recipe is perfect for busy moms who want to make something special for family and friends during the holidays without stressing themselves out too much. It’s delicious and simple enough our kiddos can help make it. Plus it’s a super cool edible gift.
Ingredients:
- 4- 12 oz. bags white chocolate chips
- 2- 14 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups red candy melts
- 4 drops neon green food gel color
- Red heart sprinkles
Directions:
- In a saucepan, pour in the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Cook on low heat and stir often until the chips are all melted.
- Separate the melted white chocolate in half and place it into two bowls. Mix green food gel into one of the halves until mixed well. Depending on the brand of food coloring you use, you may need a little more or a little less than 4 drops. Put the other half to the side.
- Pour the green mixture evenly into a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper is important, so don’t skip this part! It makes it super easy to just lift out and cut when it’s cool. Using parchment paper also makes cleanup so much easier. Making Grinch Fudge shouldn’t put you in a grinchy mood!
- Swirl the rest of the white chocolate chip mixture on top of the green. I like to do a little bit at a time so I can get a nice swirl going. Too much at a time will make big blobs of white.
- Melt the red candy melts as directed on the package. I do have the Wilton candy melter, but a glass bowl in the microwave will do the trick if you don’t have one.
- Swirl the red candy melts on top of the green and white fudge the same way you swirled in the white – a little bit at a time. You don’t want to lose that signature green color.
- Place red heart sprinkles on top in random places. Sometimes I am more meticulous about the hearts than others and I perfectly place them everywhere. Other times, if I’m in a hurry to make Grinch Fudge, I just shake the candy hearts out of my hand and they fall wherever they fall. Freeze for an hour.
- Cut into desired size pieces and serve!
That’s really all there is to it! This kid-friendly holiday treat is perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, and simply when you want a sweet snack!
There are lots of ways you can vary this kid-friendly holiday recipe:
- Mix a little bit of sanding sugar in with the last swirl for a more sparkly fudge.
- Use white or green candy hearts instead of red.
- Garnish with some crushed candy canes.
- Switch the heart candies for some Cinnamon Red Hots for a little extra kick.
- Grinch fudge can be changed up for any holiday – just use different colored food gel! Think Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, winter themes, Halloween…the possibilities are endless!
I hope you have a great time making this recipe with your kids or grandkids. It is really simple, and if it’s not the perfect amount of swirl you are looking for on the first try, just adjust as needed until you get your desired result. If you want to know more about how to make swirled grinch fudge, then please read on for some frequently asked questions that may help. Happy grinching!
FAQs about Grinch Fudge and Fudge
Does fudge need to be refrigerated?
Regular fudge can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature. You may want to keep Swirled Grinch Fudge in the refrigerator as swirls of white chocolate protect the green interior from discoloration, but over time the exterior could darken. This shouldn’t affect taste or quality, but it may not look the same festive look if it is kept out for too long.
What else can I do with Swirled Grinch Fudge?
Swirled Grinch Fudge is fantastic on its own, but you could also use it to turn them into truffles and they make perfect holiday edible gifts.
Can you freeze fudge made with condensed milk?
Yes, Swirled Grinch Fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
How long does it take fudge to set?
Fudge should be allowed to sit for at least an hour or 2 before serving.
What makes fudge grainy?
Fudge is smooth and creamy, but if you notice lumps of sugar forming you may need to cook it longer or may have been stirring it too much causing crystals to form.
Can you substitute condensed milk for evaporated milk in fudge?
Yes, Fudge can be made with either evaporated milk or condensed milk. Just make sure that the mixture is brought to a full rolling boil for at least three minutes. You may also want to add sugar as it won’t be as sweet.
Is Swirled Grinch Fudge Gluten-Free?
Swirled Grinch Fudge is naturally gluten-free.
Storing Grinch Fudge
Usually, I keep mine in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for easy access. It lets the kids in and keeps the air out. If I plan to freeze a batch for later, I sometimes store it in FoodSaver bags to keep it extra fresh. If you do use the vacuum sealer, I suggest freezing the fudge for a few hours first, so that it’s nice and solid and doesn’t get squished when the air comes out. I’ve kept it in the freezer for about a month. Usually, the kids find it by then!
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” ~ Narrator, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Swirled Grinch Fudge: Easy Kid-Friendly Holiday Treats
Ingredients
- 4- 12 oz. bags white chocolate chips
- 2- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups red candy melts
- 4 drops neon green food gel color
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions
In a saucepan, pour in the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Cook on low heat and stir often until the chips are all melted.
Separate the melted white chocolate in half and place it into two bowls. Mix green food gel into one of the halves until mixed well. Depending on the brand of food coloring you use, you may need a little more or a little less than 4 drops. Put the other half to the side.
Pour the green mixture evenly into a 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper is important, so don't skip this part! It makes it super easy to just lift out and cut when it's cool. Using parchment paper also makes cleanup so much easier. Making Grinch Fudge shouldn't put you in a grinchy mood!
Swirl the rest of the white chocolate chip mixture on top of the green. I like to do a little bit at a time so I can get a nice swirl going. Too much at a time will make big blobs of white.
Melt the red candy melts as directed on the package. I do have the Wilton candy melter, but a glass bowl in the microwave will do the trick if you don't have one.
Swirl the red candy melts on top of the green and white fudge the same way you swirled in the white - a little bit at a time. You don't want to lose that signature green color.
Place red heart sprinkles on top in random places. Sometimes I am more meticulous about the hearts than others and I perfectly place them everywhere. Other times, if I'm in a hurry to make Grinch Fudge, I just shake the candy hearts out of my hand and they fall wherever they fall. Freeze for an hour.
Cut into desired size pieces and serve!
Notes
Be sure to keep an eye on the chocolate as you are melting it - you want it to melt, but not boil because chocolate burns pretty easily.
If you want to make a smaller batch, simply cut the recipe in half and use an 8x8 pan to make your Grinch Fudge.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size 20Amount Per Serving Calories 0Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 0mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g
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