This easy Strawberry Fudge recipe has just 2 ingredients and 3 minutes prep time, thanks to a couple of shortcuts! No marshmallow fluff and no candy thermometer needed! The microwave and store-bought frosting makes this pretty pink fudge simple to make for spring parties and showers, Valentines Day, Mothers Day and Easter baskets.
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I love the taste and texture of freeze dried strawberries in this fudge but that does make it a 3 ingredient strawberry fudge, so it's optional.
During peak strawberry season, you can make it with real fresh strawberries but it doesn't store as long. That's ok! It doesn't last long at my house!
Scroll down for more of my variation ideas.
If you're looking for pink food ideas or more specifically pink dessert recipes, Strawberry Fudge is the answer. Although it's perfect for Valentines Day treats, it can be enjoyed all year round.
This version is made with pink candy melts and Aldi brand Vanilla frosting with a little strawberry extract stirred in.
Let's say you have a Barbie party theme and want all pink food items. It will be a hit with everyone of all ages. Pillsbury makes a Funfetti Hot Pink vanilla frosting that comes with sprinkles included on top that would be perfect for a Barbie dessert recipe.
This version is made with Pillsbury Strawberry Creamy Supreme frosting and Nestle Premier White Morsels, both found at Walmart with freeze-dried strawberries.
Shortcuts
- A tub or can of ready-made strawberry (pink vanilla) frosting is a real time saver. It allows you to skip the cooking and hand-beating process of homemade fudge.
- Melting the vanilla chips or morsels (or candy melts) in the microwave is much faster than in a double boiler on the stovetop.
If you are a super fan of easy fudge recipes try my 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge and Cookies and Cream (Oreo) Fudge.
Ingredients
What you will need to make this recipe for strawberry fudge.
Scroll down to printable recipe for exact ingredient quantities.
- Ready made frosting - The best store bought frosting (icing in a can) for this recipe is Pillsbury creamy supreme strawberry or Duncan Hines creamy strawberries n cream. You can also buy white vanilla frosting and stir in red food coloring to turn it pink. I also saw a can of bright pink frosting at Walmart that would be good for a Barbie party.
- Vanilla baking chips or Candy melts- Most 12-ounce bags of "white chocolate" are really just vanilla flavored chips but they still have a better texture than cubes of almond bark. You can also chop up bars of white chocolate or use white or pink candy melts. Some pink candy melts are strawberry-flavored! Almond bark can also be used.
- Freeze dried strawberries- (Optional) I have found freeze-dried strawberries in the produce section of our Publix store for less than $3 when on sale. Amazon also carries Crunchies but only in a 6-pack. Walmart and Trader Joe's have their own brand. I've even seen a small bag at the Dollar Tree!
Freeze dried strawberries are optional in this strawberry frosting fudge, but they add extra strawberry flavor and a crunch!
What are freeze dried strawberries?
Freeze-dried strawberries are real strawberries where the moisture is removed but the flavor remains and have a long shelf life.
Here are three brands from Dollar Tree, Publix, and Aldi. My favorite was the package from Aldi because they were beautiful slices, the biggest bag for the buck.
🍓How to make Shortcut Strawberry Fudge
Scroll down to the bottom for the printable recipe with detailed instructions.
- Microwave the vanilla chips according to the printable recipe below. The heat from the bowl will help melt the chips completely after the last 15 seconds of microwaving.
- Stir in the strawberry frosting into the melted chips until smooth. If you are using freeze-dried or fresh strawberries, stir them in now.
Tip: If the mixture gets too thick to combine the two ingredients smoothly while stirring, microwave the mixture for another 10 seconds and stir well.
- Pour or spoon the fudge mixture into an 8x8-inch pan lined with parchment paper for easy lifting.
- Let the fudge stand at room temperature for at least an hour or to speed things up a bit, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
For thicker fudge use a 9x5-inch loaf pan or a pan smaller than 8x8 dish.
Pro Tips
Make sure the tub of frosting is room temperature. If it is cold when stirred into the melted vanilla chips, the mixture may "seize" and become hard to spread.
Substitutions & Variations
More ideas for halfway homemade strawberry fudge recipes.
- Chocolate Strawberry Fudge - Trade out either one or both of the vanilla icing and chips for chocolate. You can even sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the top before it firms up.
- Strawberry Pecan Fudge - Stir in ½ cup toasted, cooled chopped pecans.
- Berry Fudge recipe- Use vanilla frosting and stir in a combination of freeze-dried berries such as blueberries and strawberries.
- Strawberry Shortcake Fudge- Simply crumble vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies into the fudge before spreading it into the pan.
Helpful Information
Publix
Aldi
Walmart
Dollar Tree
Amazon
Trader Joe's
Can I make this fudge with fresh strawberries?
I made this strawberry fudge recipe with chopped ½ cup fresh strawberries and it was delicious! Just be aware that you'll need to pat dry the chopped strawberries, first.
NOTE: This version does not store well and needs to be eaten within 36 hours because the berry juice seeps out after that time.
Pink Fudge. You can also make it with no strawberries at all! The frosting is pink and some candy melts are strawberry flavored.
How to store
- To Store: Store any leftovers made with fresh strawberries in the refrigerator, covered or in an air tight container for up to 3 days. Strawberry fudge made with freeze-dried strawberries can be stored, covered, at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To Freeze: I do not recommend freezing the fudge made with fresh strawberries. Fudge made with freeze-dried strawberries can be frozen in a freezer bag or container for up to 1 month.
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Want more shortcut candy recipes?
Shortcut Strawberry Fudge
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Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) package white vanilla chips/morsels or pink candy melts (or 12 ounces chopped white chocolate)
- 1 (16-ounce) can strawberry-flavored ready made frosting
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (Optional) (or chopped fresh strawberries, patted dry with paper towels)
- Sprinkles (Optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch pan or dish with parchment paper or foil so the edges overhang the sides.
- Place the vanilla chips in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 45 seconds, then stir well. Microwave an additional 15 seconds and stir until smooth. The heat from the bowl will help continue to melt the chips as you stir.
- Stir in the tub of frosting until combined. Gently stir in the strawberries, if including them.
- Spoon the fudge into the lined pan and spread to the edges. If adding sprinkles to the top, now is the time to sprinkle away! Gently press them into the immediately.
- Store the fudge made with freeze dried strawberries (and fudge made without any strawberries) at room temperature up to 1 week. Store the fudge made with fresh strawberries in the refrigerator for up to 36 hours.
- For the fastest way to set up the fudge to a firm texture, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. The fudge will set up at room temperature in about 1 hour but will remain fairly soft.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition analysis on GritsAndGouda.com recipes are mostly calculated on an online nutrition calculator. I am not a dietitian and nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on products used.
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