The Story & Intro
The first time I made Pistachio Holiday Fudge, I was in my little kitchen in Crete, surrounded by twinkling holiday lights and the warm smell of roasted nuts. I wanted to create a treat that felt festive but still simple enough to make on a busy winter afternoon. Pistachio Holiday Fudge quickly became a favorite not just for its creamy texture and nutty flavor, but for the way it brings people together.
I remember gifting it to neighbors and friends during Christmas, watching their faces light up as they took the first bite. That perfect balance of sweet, creamy fudge and slightly salty, crunchy pistachios made everyone smile. Pistachio Holiday Fudge is one of those recipes that’s easy to make yet feels incredibly special, perfect for sharing love and happiness in the kitchen.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, this Pistachio Holiday Fudge will make your kitchen smell divine and your gatherings memorable. Its soft, rich texture and festive green pistachios make it ideal for holiday celebrations, gift-giving, or even an indulgent treat just for yourself.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: Green and red sprinkles for a festive touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides to lift the fudge easily. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Avoid high heat it can make the chocolate grainy.
3. Flavor & Mix
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add most of the chopped pistachios, saving some to sprinkle on top. The nuts add a delicious crunch that balances the creamy fudge perfectly.
4. Pour Into Pan
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top and, if desired, add green and red sprinkles for a festive holiday look.
5. Chill & Slice
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Use the parchment handles to lift the fudge from the pan, then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Pistachio Holiday Fudge is a versatile treat. Try these serving ideas:
- Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy winter snack.
- Wrap pieces in parchment paper as thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Add to dessert boards for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Crumble over ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent twist.
This fudge is festive, fun, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Recipe Card 📇
⏰ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Chill: 2 hours
- Total: ~2 hours 10 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pistachios, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt (+ extra for topping)
- Optional: festive green & red sprinkles
👩🍳 Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate, condensed milk, and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, and most pistachios.
- Pour mixture into pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle remaining pistachios and optional sprinkles.
- Chill 2 hours, slice, and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- Use high-quality white chocolate for best flavor.
- Toast pistachios lightly for an extra nutty aroma.
- Fudge can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container up to one week.
🍽️ Nutrition (per piece)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 20g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Pistachio Holiday Fudge is creamy, festive, and incredibly easy to make. Its nutty pistachios, sweet white chocolate, and touch of salt make it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or quiet nights at home. Every bite feels indulgent yet comforting, reminding us that the best recipes are the ones made with love and shared with others. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting to neighbors, or enjoying a personal treat, this fudge is sure to become a cherished holiday favorite.
100-Word Version of Marilyn’s Story for This Recipe
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and Pistachio Holiday Fudge is one of my favorite festive treats. Growing up, my grandmother taught me that food is about love and sharing, and this fudge embodies that spirit. The creamy white chocolate paired with crunchy pistachios creates a rich yet balanced flavor perfect for holidays. It’s simple to make, visually festive, and ideal for gifting or enjoying at home. Even on busy baking days, creating Pistachio Holiday Fudge brings warmth, joy, and a little holiday magic to your kitchen.