Have you ever thought about how fruit can turn a classic dessert into something extraordinary? Imagine rich, creamy fudge mingling with the sweet-tart freshness of blueberries. This is exactly what you can expect from Blueberry Fudge. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s a masterpiece that blends flavors in a way that takes your taste buds on an adventure.
If you’re intrigued by the possibility of indulging in this unique confection while still enjoying the health benefits of blueberries, you’ve landed in the right spot! Below, we’ll walk through the ingredients, preparation steps, and everything else you need to craft the perfect Blueberry Fudge.
Ingredients Needed
To create your delicious Blueberry Fudge, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries: These add natural sweetness and vibrant color. Fresh blueberries can work too, but frozen ones are often more convenient.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps with thickening the fruit mixture.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with a hint of tartness that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- 2½ teaspoons cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the blueberry mixture, ensuring the fudge sets perfectly.
- 3 cups good quality white baking chips: The base of our fudge. Opt for high-quality chips for the richest flavor.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient brings creaminess and sweetness, ensuring your fudge is decadently smooth.
Timing
This Blueberry Fudge recipe requires approximately 90 minutes total, which is 20% less time than an average fudge recipe that often takes longer to prepare and set. The breakdown is as follows:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 3-4 hours
How to Make Blueberry Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure to leave overhang on two sides for easy removal later on.
Step 2: Cook the Blueberry Mixture
In a 1 to 2-quart saucepan, combine the frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Heat this mixture over a low simmer, stirring continuously for about 10 minutes. You want it to thicken, absorbing all those vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Strain and Chill
After cooking, strain the blueberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding any solids. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Melt the White Baking Chips
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white baking chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in the microwave at one-minute intervals, stirring in between until completely smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Fold in the chilled blueberry mixture into the melted fudge until you achieve a beautiful marbled effect that truly entices.
Step 6: Chill the Fudge
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top out with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours until set. Once set, slice into 36 pieces for serving.
Nutritional Information
A serving size of Blueberry Fudge (1 piece) contains approximately:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
This fudge is a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess with a modest caloric count considering its indulgent ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives For Blueberry Fudge
If you’re looking to make your Blueberry Fudge a bit healthier, consider these alternative ingredients:
- Use a sugar substitute: Options like stevia or erythritol can reduce calories while maintaining sweetness.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips: They not only add a richer flavor but come with antioxidants.
- Try coconut milk: Instead of sweetened condensed milk, use full-fat coconut milk to cut down on sugar while adding a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Blueberry Fudge experience with these serving suggestions:
- Plate with fresh blueberries and mint leaves: This adds freshness and a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream: A warm piece of fudge drizzled with melted chocolate and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience.
- Packaging for gifts: Wrap pieces in decorative parchment and tie with twine for a homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not properly measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in fudge to ensure it sets appropriately.
- Skipping the chill time: Patience is key; don’t rush this step, or your fudge may not firm up correctly.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Since this recipe highlights a few key components, prioritizing quality will significantly affect the final flavor.
Storing Tips For Blueberry Fudge
To keep your Blueberry Fudge fresh longer, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, cut into pieces and wrap each individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This will last up to 2 months.
Conclusion
In summary, Blueberry Fudge combines the best of both worlds—decadent dessert and a hint of healthiness through blueberries. It’s creamy, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Don’t miss out on the chance to try your hand at this delightful treat. Share your results and feel free to explore our blog for more exciting recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What other fruits can I use in fudge recipes?
You can experiment with strawberries, raspberries, or even mashed bananas for a twist on classic fudge.
Can I veganize this recipe?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut milk to create a plant-based version.
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge will harden a bit but still be slightly soft to the touch when cut. It should hold its shape when sliced.
Now, dive into making this delightful Blueberry Fudge and enjoy a treat that’s as satisfying to create as it is to eat!
Print
Delightful Blueberry Fudge
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy fudge infused with the sweet-tart freshness of blueberries.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 cups good quality white baking chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cook the Blueberry Mixture: In a saucepan, combine frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Strain and Chill: Strain the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Melt the White Baking Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat white baking chips and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Combine the Mixtures: Fold the chilled blueberry mixture into the melted fudge.
- Chill the Fudge: Pour into prepared dish and chill for 3-4 hours until set.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider using a sugar substitute, dark chocolate chips, or coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: blueberry fudge, dessert, sweet treat, chocolate, healthy dessert