17 Unexpected Ingredients You Should Be Adding To Homemade Fudge

The sweetest and creamiest of treats, fudge is a classic candy made with just a few simple ingredients like chocolate, condensed milk, and butter. It's a surprisingly easy dessert to make at home and offers plenty of room for customization, too. By adding a few unconventional ingredients, you can create surprising new flavor profiles and textures that will make fudge even more mouth-watering.

This list of unexpected ingredients ranges from fruity and nutty add-ins to savory surprises and festive twists, and many of these may already be in your pantry. Go for a subtle enhancement, or get creative with some bold twists. There's something for everyone here, from the tangy burst of freeze-dried raspberries, the salty crunch of pretzels, or even the smoky indulgence of bacon incorporated into the luscious fudge base. Let's take a look at the very best ways to transform your next batch of homemade fudge into something spectacular.

A vibrant baking staple, candied cherries deserve a place in any fudge recipe. Their moreish sweetness and chewy texture add plenty of visual appeal and make a wonderful contrast against the smoothness of fudge. Candied cherries complement rich chocolate or vanilla bases especially well. To incorporate them into your fudge, chop them roughly and fold them into the mixture just before pouring it into the pan to set. 

You could pair them with complementary ingredients, like a handful of crushed nuts or cookie pieces. Whip up a cherry Bakewell-inspired fudge by adding a few drops of almond extract to the mixture, or pair the cherries with dried pineapple pieces to go all out with the tropical vibes. If you're looking for a more sophisticated flavor twist, soak the cherries in a splash of rum or brandy before adding them to the fudge. This will create a deliciously boozy treat perfect for special occasions or gifting to friends and family.

Freeze-dried raspberries are a fantastic tool for giving homemade fudge a burst of sweet-tart flavor. Unlike fresh or frozen berries, which can release moisture and affect the fudge's texture, freeze-dried raspberries maintain their crispness. They also offer an intense fruity flavor when added to the rich, creamy base. 

For a classic dark chocolate raspberry fudge, crush the freeze-dried raspberries into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top of the chocolate, butter, and condensed milk mixture. Do this immediately after transferring the blend to the pan. It will add a gorgeous pop of color to the top of the fudge.

For an even more sweet berry flavor, swirl the raspberry jam through the fudge mixture in the pan before adding the freeze-dried berries. This will work beautifully with white chocolate fudge, too. If you'd like to add some extra crunch to the fudge, enhance the raspberry topping even further with crushed pistachios or chocolate chips.

When enhancing brownies and cookies, walnuts are a go-to, but they're often overlooked in fudge. These hearty nuts bring a fantastic crunch and a subtle earthy flavor, balancing the fudge's sweetness for a more sophisticated taste. To give your fudge a nutty boost, it's as simple as chopping walnuts into small pieces and folding them into your mixture before leaving everything to set. You can also lightly toast the walnuts beforehand to deepen their flavor and add a layer of nuttiness.

For a decorative finish, sprinkle a few whole walnut halves on top of the fudge before it hardens. Walnuts are also a key component in fantasy fudge, a recipe that originated from the back of the Kraft marshmallow creme jar. Here, the nuts are combined with vanilla and almond extracts, chocolate, evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and the marshmallow creme, of course. The result is silky, decadent slabs of chocolatey goodness with a delicious nutty crunch.

If you're looking to add a zesty, aromatic kick to your homemade fudge, orange extract is the perfect ingredient. Its bright citrus notes balance the richness of the other ingredients wonderfully, creating a refreshing flavor that still tastes indulgent. A little goes a long way with orange extract, and just a couple of teaspoons is enough to transform your entire batch. 

In our easy orange cream fudge recipe, we create an eye-catching two-tone effect by tinting a portion of the fudge mixture with orange food coloring. The first step is whipping a white chocolate fudge base with sugar, butter, heavy cream, marshmallow creme, and white chocolate chips. Then, reserve a cupful of the mixture and set this aside. Add orange extract and food coloring to the remaining batch to give the sweet base a zesty transformation. Once this has been spread into the pan, swirl the uncolored reserved mixture over the top for a beautiful marbled look before chilling until set.

Crushed Oreos are a fun and indulgent way to add texture and flavor to fudge. These universally loved cookies offer a pleasing crunch and that signature vanilla-chocolate flavor that'll complement a range of fudge bases. Amazingly, you'll only need three simple ingredients to make Oreo fudge. 

First, break or chop the Oreos into smaller pieces. Don't pulverize them completely; you'll want to retain some chunks for texture. Then, melt white chocolate and condensed milk into a saucepan. Once smooth and thick, fold through the Oreo chunks and transfer to a lined pan. Feel free to sprinkle extra crushed Oreos for a decorative finish before chilling the fudge.

Another option here is to experiment with flavored Oreos, such as mint, peanut butter, or lemon varieties, to create unique combinations. If a deeper chocolate flavor is more your thing, switch the white chocolate for dark or semi-sweet. These cookies will also work fantastically when added to a traditional vanilla fudge base.

If you're making fudge during the holiday season, homemade eggnog is a fantastic creation worth trying. Its creamy, spiced flavor adds warmth and depth. It also serves as a simple yet effective way to give traditional fudge a festive twist.

To make eggnog fudge, combine butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and eggnog in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until everything melts. If desired, enhance the flavor further by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. Once smoothed into a pan, chill the fudge until firm before slicing and enjoying.

You could also go for a white chocolate base here, pairing the chocolate chips with marshmallow creme, butter, sugar, and the all-important eggnog for a slightly sweeter and softer result. Many recipes incorporate rum extract to give the fudge a concentrated boozy hit that complements the eggnog perfectly. If you're in the mood to get creative with decorating, top the fudge with crushed candy canes, a dusting of nutmeg, or some holiday-themed sprinkles before refrigerating.

Biscoff (also known as speculoos) is a top-tier fudge ingredient with its unmistakable spiced, caramelized flavor. Whether incorporating it in pieces, in a crunchy cookie form, or in a velvety cookie butter spread, Biscoff will take your fudge recipe to new heights of deliciousness.

For an easy five-ingredient Biscoff fudge, start by preparing a classic white chocolate and condensed milk base. Once it's smooth and thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in some Biscoff spread. Then, for added texture and even more sweet and spicy deliciousness, fold in crushed Biscoff cookies. Spread everything into a lined pan, sprinkle on extra cookie bits if desired, and the mixture is ready for chilling. 

If you're looking to create a marbled effect, you could swirl Biscoff spread into the fudge mixture once it's in the pan, right before chilling. The cookies make a fitting accompaniment to other fudge flavors, too, such as salted caramel, peanut butter, or cinnamon. Just chop them roughly and fold them into the mixture as the final step.

Pretzels are incredibly versatile, fitting into just about any fudge recipe. So, give your fudge the pretzel upgrade for the ultimate sweet and salty combo. The satisfying crunch of this creation makes for an irresistible treat characterized by a real contrast of textures. When incorporating pretzels, chop them into bite-sized pieces and fold them into your fudge mixture just before pouring it into the pan to set. For an eye-catching finish, press a few whole pretzels on top of the fudge before it hardens.

Pretzels pair particularly well with dark or milk chocolate fudge bases, with their saltiness enhancing the chocolate flavor and adding depth to every bite. They'll also work fantastically alongside other crunchy ingredients, such as chopped peanuts, pecans, cookie pieces, or your favorite baking chips (think butterscotch or peanut butter). For an extra layer of indulgence, top your pretzel fudge with a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt before setting.

Incorporate coconut to your next batch of fudge for a tropical vibe. Shredded coconut can be mixed directly into the fudge for a chewy bite, whilst coconut milk or extract are great for maintaining a smooth finish. If using shredded coconut, combine this with butter and condensed milk over low heat, stirring for about 15 minutes. Spoon the mixture into a pan, sprinkle it with extra toasted coconut, and pop it in the fridge to set. 

Another option is to use coconut milk, which is especially effective if you're looking to make a dairy-free treat. First, combine the coconut milk with honey or another sweetener of your choice, and simmer this mixture in a saucepan for about 30 minutes until it reduces significantly. Then, add chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring until smooth and thickened. Coconut extract works brilliantly, too, with only a few drops needed to impart tropical flavor. Add this to chocolate, caramel, or even fruit-flavored fudge.

If you love the richness of fudge and the zesty sweetness of a lemon meringue pie, you have to try this epic hybrid. The airy, melt-in-your-mouth lightness of meringue fits seamlessly into fudge, particularly when paired with the citrusy tang of lemon. You can either opt for the convenience of store-bought meringues or make your own at home with a simple mixture of egg whites, sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar. Once baked and dried, crush them into small pieces, ready to add to your fudge.

Prepare a classic fudge base with condensed milk and white chocolate, adding a few drops of lemon extract. You could also mix through some fresh lemon zest for a deeper citrus hit. Then, fold in the crushed meringue, smooth everything into a prepared pan, and top with more meringue to decorate. If you're not a fan of lemon, there are plenty of other flavor options to consider here, such as orange, almond, raspberry, or vanilla.

You can indeed make fudge with cheese. It's a seemingly wacky combo that works remarkably well, creating the perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and saltiness. Your best bet here is to go for a sharp-aged cheddar, as such cheese has a good boldness to it, cutting through the sweetness of the sugar. Grate and combine it with butter and vanilla extract, whisking everything with an electric mixer until smooth. Add milk powder, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and pour into a prepared pan. Once chilled, slice the fudge, take a bite, and marvel at this unexpectedly delicious creation. 

To make a softer set, more spreadable chocolate cheddar fudge, you can also use a cheddar cheese spread in place of the grated cheese. This version is ideal for shaping into a log before chilling and rolling in toasted nuts. You can serve this delicious treat as part of a cheese board of fruit, bread, and crackers.

Peanut butter and fudge are an irresistible combo, creating a sweet, nutty treat that's delightfully creamy and dense. This timeless fudge flavor is easy to whip up and great for customizing with extra ingredients. To make peanut butter fudge, you'll start by combining melted white chocolate and peanut butter, stirring the two until smooth. Next, add condensed milk, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and mix thoroughly. Before chilling everything in the pan, top the fudge with crushed peanuts or peanut butter to heighten the nutty flavor.

There are plenty of complementary pairings for peanut butter, so don't hesitate to add some extras to the fudge base. Peanut butter M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, or chopped peanut butter cups would all make excellent additions. For balancing sweetness, add toffee bits or butterscotch chips to the mixture or drizzle caramel sauce onto the fudge before chilling.

Bacon often makes an appearance in sweet recipes, from pancakes and waffles to jams and even cakes. Its distinctive salty, savory taste makes it an excellent accompaniment to sweeter ingredients, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It works brilliantly in fudge, too. For optimal texture, use crispy bacon, finely chopped into small pieces so it can blend into the fudge mixture evenly. Candying the bacon first is a great idea. You can do this by sprinkling bacon strips with brown sugar and baking them in the oven.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could mix some mashed banana into the fudge base for a unique yet surprisingly tasty flavor pairing. Or, for the classic maple bacon combo, incorporate maple syrup into the fudge mixture, perhaps alongside some chopped pecans. Bacon also pairs particularly well with dark chocolate fudge, with the bitterness contrasting rather nicely with the salty-sweet combination. Check out our easy bacon jam recipe.

For a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on classic fudge, you can't go wrong with Maltesers. Add these crunchy, airy morsels into the mix, and they'll give your dessert a distinctive malty flavor and a moreish crunch. To incorporate Maltesers, gently fold them into your fudge mixture just before you spread into the pan. This way, their crispy centers will be preserved, creating amazing pockets of crunch. You can use a classic vanilla fudge base here or go for milk or white chocolate and condensed mixture if you want to amp up the chocolatey richness.

Once the fudge is prepped and in the pan, take the presentation up a notch by scattering a handful of chopped or crushed Maltesers over the top before chilling, gently pressing them down to secure them in place. A drizzle of melted white chocolate wouldn't go amiss here, either. After a few hours in the fridge, you'll have a nostalgic treat that will impress kids and adults alike.

Have no fear — there's no need to choose between cookies and fudge because you can have both! The texture of these two indulgent treats is quite similar. The fudge's dense, creamy characteristics are an incredibly good match for the buttery, sweet taste of cookie dough. If whipping up homemade cookie dough, make sure it's an edible version without raw eggs or untreated flour. You can ensure the flour is safe for consumption by spreading it out onto a baking sheet and popping it into a preheated oven for five minutes or so before cooling and adding to your mixture.

Alternatively, use a flour that doesn't require heat treatment, such as almond or coconut flour, or grab a pre-prepared edible dough at the store. To add the cookie dough to your fudge base, simply chill and roll it into bite-sized balls and gently fold these through. Once everything's in the pan, you can top the fudge with extra cookie dough pieces or even crumbled cookies.

What better way to give your fudge a touch of sophistication and welcome a boozy kick than with a glug of smooth Irish cream? This creamy liqueur's subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla and the warmth of the whiskey base can transform fudge into a truly indulgent, grown-up treat.

With this ingredient, it's a simple case of stirring a generous splash into your fudge mixture during the cooking process. Just be mindful not to add too much; you want to maintain the right texture for the fudge to set properly. If you're using the popular chocolate and condensed milk combo for your fudge base, about ½ cup of liqueur per 14 ounces of condensed milk and 21 ounces of chocolate is a good ratio to stick to.

For a show-stopping finish, make an Irish cream glaze by combining the liqueur with powdered sugar and drizzling this over the top. Or sprinkle the fudge with cocoa powder for an elegant final touch. Check out our delicious homemade recipe.

Pumpkin puree isn't just for pies and lattes. There are endless ways to use pumpkin puree, including in homemade fudge. This convenient canned goodness is an amazing add-in if you love comforting, fall-inspired flavors. It also pairs beautifully with a range of other ingredients.

To make a batch of delicious pumpkin fudge, combine white chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. When the chocolate has melted completely, stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and transfer to a baking pan to set. The warm spices complement the sweet, earthy pumpkin beautifully, creating a cozy dessert packed with autumnal flavor.

When it comes to toppings for your pumpkin fudge, there are plenty of ideas to experiment with. To continue with the fall vibes, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, pressing them lightly on top of the fudge before chilling. For a pumpkin pie-esque finish, add some crushed graham crackers. Or, sweeten things up with a drizzle of caramel sauce.