If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, this Cheesecake Fudge Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a luscious, creamy fudge that combines the rich tanginess of cheesecake with the smooth sweetness of white chocolate and marshmallow fluff, all resting on a crisp graham cracker base. It’s a simple treat that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make, perfect for sharing at family gatherings, holiday parties, or anytime you want a delightful indulgence that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesecake Fudge Recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials work together to give you a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy fudge that feels truly special.
- Graham Cracker squares: Provides a crunchy, buttery base that complements the creamy fudge beautifully.
- White chocolate chips: Adds smoothness and a sweet, velvety flavor that’s essential for that classic fudge texture.
- Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavors.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note for depth and complexity.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings sweetness and creaminess, binding all ingredients perfectly.
- Marshmallow fluff: Adds lightness and a fluffy texture that lifts the fudge from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Instant cheesecake pudding mix: The secret ingredient that delivers the unmistakable cheesecake flavor that makes this fudge unique.
How to Make Cheesecake Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Begin by lining either an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, then grease it lightly with cooking spray. This ensures your fudge will come out cleanly. Next, arrange the graham cracker squares to cover the bottom of the pan, trimming them if needed so they fit snugly. This base will give your fudge that irresistible crunch beneath the creamy topping.
Step 2: Melt the Ingredients
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir frequently as the ingredients melt, blending them into one smooth, glossy mixture. This step is crucial to achieve that decadent, silky texture that defines the fudge.
Step 3: Add Pudding Mix
Turn the heat down to medium-low and whisk in the instant cheesecake pudding mix. Continue stirring until it dissolves completely, transforming the mixture with a subtle tang and thickening it just enough to hold the fudge together without losing creaminess.
Step 4: Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff
Turn off the heat and carefully fold in the marshmallow fluff. Stir until it melts into the mixture, adding a light, airy texture that perfectly contrasts the richness of the white chocolate and cheesecake flavors.
Step 5: Combine and Set
Pour the luscious cheesecake fudge mixture evenly over the graham cracker base in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure every corner is covered. Refrigerate the pan for about 3 hours, allowing the fudge to firm up for that perfect sliceability and melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once firmly set, carefully lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges as handles. Cut into small, bite-sized squares and get ready to impress your friends and family with this spectacular cheesecake fudge treat.
How to Serve Cheesecake Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or a dusting of powdered sugar over the fudge before serving. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries can add a fresh burst of color and flavor that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake fudge is a dessert all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a light fruit salad to balance the richness. It’s the perfect way to end a meal or brighten an afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering fudge squares in a clear glass jar with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a divine dessert parfait. Or place individual fudge squares in decorative cupcake liners and arrange them on a festive platter to create an inviting display at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover cheesecake fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping it chilled maintains its creamy texture and prevents it from becoming too soft or sticky.
Freezing
If you want to savor this treat for longer, freeze the fudge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
This fudge is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it softer, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the fudge to become grainy or lose its signature creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular pudding mix instead of cheesecake pudding mix?
While regular pudding mix works, using instant cheesecake pudding mix is key to achieving that authentic cheesecake flavor that sets this fudge apart. It’s worth hunting down or ordering online for the best results.
Can I make this fudge dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients like white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, so substituting them can be tricky. However, you might experiment with vegan white chocolate and coconut condensed milk, but the texture and flavor may vary.
How long does the fudge need to chill?
Chill the fudge for a minimum of three hours in the refrigerator so it sets properly. For an even firmer texture, feel free to leave it overnight.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruits can add fun texture and flavor twists to the cheesecake fudge. Just sprinkle them over the graham cracker base before pouring the fudge mixture on top.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
Using parchment paper makes removing the fudge effortless and keeps the pieces intact. It also saves cleanup, so it’s a handy step you don’t want to skip.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesecake Fudge Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. Its creamy, dreamy texture and irresistible flavor combo make it a standout sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—your friends and family will be begging you to share your secret!
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Cheesecake Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and creamy Cheesecake Fudge combines the smooth flavors of white chocolate and instant cheesecake pudding mix, layered over a crispy graham cracker crust. Topped with marshmallow fluff for extra sweetness and texture, this no-bake treat is perfect for any dessert table and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes plus chilling time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 9 Graham Cracker squares
Fudge Mixture
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4-oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-x-8 or 9-x-9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the graham cracker squares on the bottom of the pan, trimming as necessary to ensure full coverage of the pan base.
- Melt the Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Pudding Mix: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the instant cheesecake pudding mix, stirring continuously until the mix is completely dissolved into the white chocolate base.
- Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff: Turn off the heat and fold in the marshmallow fluff, stirring until fully melted and well incorporated, forming a creamy fudge mixture.
- Combine and Set: Pour the fudge mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the prepared pan. Spread it evenly to cover all crackers. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the fudge sets completely, about 3 hours.
- Cut and Serve: Once chilled and firm, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into small squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits if preferred.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife slightly before slicing the fudge squares.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Ensure the marshmallow fluff is fully incorporated for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
