Name: Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 12 squares (1 ounce each) white baking chocolate, chopped; 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 5 drops green food coloring; 1-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened (for greasing); 1/4 cup heart sprinkles

There's something about the festive charm of this Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe that instantly puts me in a holiday mood. The creamy white chocolate paired with a fun green swirl and peppermint punch makes every bite feel like a celebration you can savor any time of the season.

The image shows small square pieces of a two-layer dessert on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a bottom layer that is smooth and white, topped with a bright green layer that looks soft and slightly textured. On top of the green layer, there are colorful sprinkles in red, blue, white, and green, as well as red heart-shaped decorations scattered around. The pieces are arranged close together in a somewhat random order. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe because it’s a fun twist on classic fudge that’s just as delicious as it is festive. The bright green marbled swirl is bound to get everyone smiling, and trust me—people keep coming back for more!

Bright and Festive: The green swirls and heart sprinkles make it perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Rich and Creamy Texture: Sour cream and marshmallow cream create an ultra-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge experience.
Simple to Make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps—just straightforward candy making with a fun twist.
Customizable Peppermint Flavor: The peppermint extract adds a refreshing holiday zing you can adjust to your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe comes down to choosing ingredients that blend creamy and festive perfectly. White chocolate and marshmallow cream give fudge that luscious texture, sour cream adds the right tang to balance the sweetness, and peppermint brings that unmistakable holiday spirit.

Flat lay of a few small cubes of white baking chocolate, a small mound of granulated sugar, a small dollop of sour cream on a white ceramic plate, a small lump of softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth marshmallow cream, a few whole uncracked brown eggs resting nearby, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright green liquid food coloring, a small white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract, and a small handful of colorful heart-shaped sprinkles scattered elegantly, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps keep the fudge smooth and creamy.
Sugar: Essential for sweetness and texture, it’s the main ingredient for forming that perfect fudge base.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, which prevents the fudge from being too cloyingly sweet.
White Baking Chocolate: Provides the classic creamy melt of fudge and lovely color contrast with the green swirl.
Marshmallow Cream: Gives wonderful softness and helps achieve the fudge’s signature fluffy texture.
Peppermint Extract: Just a touch adds a refreshing holiday flavor that complements the sweetness.
Green Food Coloring: Brings that iconic Grinch green swirl—fun and festive!
Heart Sprinkles: For cheerful decoration that makes this fudge extra special and holiday-ready.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe is a blast to personalize. I’ve tried it with crushed candy canes swirled in for an extra peppermint crunch and other times with a handful of chopped nuts for texture. You can totally make it your own!

Allergy-Friendly: I swapped marshmallow cream for a homemade vegan marshmallow fluff once, and it worked beautifully for a dairy-free version.
Mint Intensity: You can add more peppermint extract for a bold flavor or tone it down if you prefer something subtler, depending on your crowd.
Festive Colors: Beyond green, try red or swirl both for a candy cane look—that always brightens up the holiday dessert table.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe

A close-up view of a silver, foil-lined square pan filled with a smooth, bright green batter spread evenly on the top layer. The batter is decorated with red heart-shaped sprinkles and long thin sprinkles in white, red, and green scattered all over the surface. A woman's hand is seen gently placing some sprinkles on the top right side. The pan is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Like a Pro

I line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. Then I grease it with 1-½ teaspoons of softened butter. This little trick saves me from any cracking or sticking when it’s time to slice the fudge later. Set this aside while you tackle the stove.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture to Soft-Ball Stage

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, I combine sugar, sour cream, and the remaining ¼ cup butter. Stirring frequently over medium heat, I wait for the sugar to completely dissolve—no grainy textures here! Then I crank it up a bit, boiling for about five minutes, aiming for a precise 234°F on my candy thermometer, what’s known as the soft-ball stage.

If you don’t have a thermometer handy, I like to drop a small spoonful into cold water; if it forms a soft, pliable ball you can pick up, you’re golden. This stage is key to getting that perfect fudge texture without being too hard or too gooey.

Step 3: Add the Magic Ingredients Off the Heat

Once that’s done, I remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the chopped white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and peppermint extract. I keep stirring gently until everything melts into a dreamy, smooth batter that smells like Christmas mornings.

Step 4: Create the Iconic Green Swirl

I pour half of this luscious white fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Then, back in the saucepan, I add 5 drops of green food coloring to the remaining fudge and mix. I spoon this green fudge over the white layer, then take a knife to swirl the two colors together for that classic marbled effect that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Before putting the fudge in the fridge, I sprinkle heart-shaped sprinkles across the top—festive and whimsical. Then it’s all about patience as you refrigerate it until firm, usually a couple of hours.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy!

Using the foil overhang, I lift the entire fudge slab out of the pan, carefully peel back the foil, and cut it into perfect 1-inch squares. It’s always such a satisfying moment!

Top Tip

From my experience making this fudge for years, a few tricks can really help you nail that texture and festive look.

Soft-Ball Stage Testing: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, the cold water test is your best friend—don’t skip it!
Swirling Technique: Use a gentle hand when swirling the green and white fudge; too much stirring and the colors will just blend into a boring green.
Butter Your Foil Thoroughly: This small step makes cutting and removing fudge so much easier without sticking or breaking apart.
Cooling Time Is Key: Let the fudge chill completely before slicing to keep your squares clean and neat.

How to Serve Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe

Grinch Holiday Fudge - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping the fudge with heart sprinkles because they bring a charming holiday vibe, but you could also use crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or even tiny red and white nonpareils for extra sparkle and texture.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or a peppermint latte for that full winter-cozy combo. I also serve it alongside a spread of Christmas cookies and fruitcake to balance the sweetness with some chew and tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifts or parties, I like to wrap fudge squares in festive parchment paper tied with twine or arrange them in clear cellophane bags sprinkled with holiday confetti. A festive plate lined with pine sprigs also adds a special seasonal touch that guests appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to two weeks, maintaining that perfect creamy texture without drying out.

Freezing

If I want to keep fudge longer, I wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Generally, fudge doesn’t need reheating—it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If it’s too firm from the fridge, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this fudge without marshmallow cream?

Marshmallow cream adds softness and helps achieve that classic fudge texture, but you can substitute it with homemade marshmallow fluff or whipped cream if needed. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How important is the soft-ball stage for this recipe?

The soft-ball stage is crucial because it ensures the fudge sets with the right creamy texture. Boiling too little or too long can lead to fudge that's either too soft or too hard. Using a candy thermometer or cold water test is highly recommended.

Can I make this fudge ahead of time for holiday parties?

Yes! In fact, making this fudge a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld, and it’s easier to slice and serve. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

What if I want to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting the butter with vegan butter and find a vegan marshmallow cream alternative. Using full-fat coconut cream instead of sour cream can help maintain creaminess. The texture might change slightly, but it can still taste great!

Final Thoughts

This Grinch Holiday Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s easy, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whenever the holidays roll around. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to bring a little whimsy and a lot of joy to your festive dessert table. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your holiday rotation for years to come!