Vanilla often gets a bad wrap in terms of flavoring, with some considering it a “boring” or “bland” flavor that neither tickles nor excites the tastebuds.
This is particularly the case when it comes to fudge, with vanilla being a classic fudge flavoring that doesn’t have the same excitement factor as some of the bolder flavors.
We are here to prove that stereotype wrong as we look at ten of the best recipes when it comes to making the most delicious and mouthwatering vanilla fudge. Get ready to spice up your vanilla fudge with some of these tempting and exciting recipes. Let’s begin!
1. Vanilla Fudge Swirls from Cooking is Messy
If you are thinking about doing something different with vanilla fudge, then consider these vanilla fudge swirls from Cooking is Messy.
Whilst the majority of this fudge is of the vanilla variety, this particular recipe also features scrumptious chocolate peanut butter spread for the creamy swirled center. You could easily experiment with the filling though and find a swirl that works best for you!
For this recipe, you will need (see Amazon prices via links) 4 teaspoons/ 50 grams of butter, a cup and a half-or 275 grams- of sugar, 175 ml of heavy cream, 3 to 4 teaspoons of peanut butter chocolate spread (or 40 to 50 grams but the amount for this ingredient is more dependant on how much you want to use rather than as a set measurement), and 5 teaspoons-or 100 grams- of golden syrup.
The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, vanilla, and fudge is the major selling point of this recipe but the swirls of fudge are also pretty to look at too! These vanilla fudge swirls are a great way to put a simple yet stylish and delicious spin on the classic vanilla fudge recipe.
2. Cashew Vanilla Fudge from Paleo Grubs
Paleo Grubs offers this interesting take on the usual vanilla fudge recipe, with the inclusion of cashews being a major difference. As long as there are no nut allergies to be had, this is a great way to make vanilla a little more interesting whilst adding a nutty bite to the traditional recipe styles.
As well as being a different take on the traditional recipe, this Cashew Vanilla Fudge is actually a healthier alternative. The recipe utilizes (see Amazon prices via links) honey rather than processed sugar and it replaces sugar, butter, and dairy products with coconut oil and raw cashews.
Fudge is never going to be a super healthy option when it comes to food in general but this switch up of ingredients could be more convincing to the health-conscious or for those who can’t eat dairy or sugar.
The cashews and coconut oil within the recipe have their benefits, such as containing magnesium, fiber, potassium, protein, iron and healthy fats, so whilst it is still very much a dessert treat, it has certain benefits that you might not find with other vanilla fudge recipes.
3. Milko Flavoured Thermomix Vanilla Fudge by ThermoKitchen
As the name suggests, this vanilla fudge recipe is made with the multipurpose kitchen appliance known as the Thermomix. The nature of its creation isn’t the only part of this recipe that makes it unique.
The flavor is also an interesting twist on the classical vanilla fudge taste, replicating the flavor of the Australian candy known as “Milko” lollipops.
For this recipe, you will need (see Amazon prices via links) 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 220 grams of caster sugar, 125 grams of butter, 200 grams of white chocolate, 395 grams of condensed milk, 4 teaspoons of Queen Vanilla Bean Paste, and 40 ml of glucose.
Using a Thermomix is a different way to cook fudge and so if you have one in your possession, why not give it a try with this recipe and see the results for yourself?
4. Scottish Tablet Vanilla Fudge from Delicious Everyday
One of Scotland’s oldest kinds of confectionary, Scottish Tablet is a historical and delicious way to jazz up your vanilla fudge recipe! Scottish Tablet is known as a melt in the mouth, sugary type of fudge with a medium-hard consistency that is made up of butter, condensed milk, and- of course- sugar.
It is made by being boiled until it reaches a soft-ball stage before it is then left to crystallize. This kind of fudge was first noted back in the early 18th century in Scotland (although back then, the only ingredients were cream and sugar!).
Scottish Tablet Vanilla Fudge is a fantastic option but due to the medium-hard nature of the treat, you might want to consider it only if know that your teeth can handle it! It is relatively easy to make, although it might end up giving your arms a workout during the stirring process.
This is because the mixture needs to be watched carefully when it is bubbling in the pan as it can easily stick to the bottom and hand stirring in a useful way to make sure that doesn’t happen.
All you will need to make proper Scottish Tablet Vanilla Fudge is sugar, water, butter, condensed milk, and vanilla seeds which will be stirred together and made into a mixture before it is then brought to a boil. It is one of the simpler vanilla fudge recipes here so why not give it a try!
5. Cherry Vanilla Bean Fudge by Simple Joy
If you want to add a little bit of another flavor to your vanilla fudge, consider this simple yet scrumptious Cherry Vanilla Bean Fudge recipe.
There are two options when it comes to making Cherry Vanilla fudge. You can either opt for maraschino cherries or candied cherries. Candied cherries are going to be the easier option here, not that maraschinos are impossible.
If you do go for a maraschino cherry fudge recipe, you will have to keep the finished product refrigerated where it can stay cold to avoid it turning into mush. With candied cherries, you don’t have to worry about this.
So- if it is candied cherries that you want to go for- you will need the following ingredients (see Amazon prices via links) to make this fruity take on vanilla fudge become a reality: 3 cups of white chocolate chips, half a cup of candied cherries, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one and a half teaspoons of vanilla bean paste and 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
6. Irish Butter Vanilla Fudge from Judith the Irish Foodie
From Scotland to Ireland with this next vanilla fudge recipe! Irish Butter Fudge is a particularly indulgent kind of vanilla fudge that would be perfect to make for the holidays or for a special occasion.
For this fudge recipe, you will need (see Amazon prices via links) around 396 grams of sweetened condensed milk (approximately the same amount as one large can), 40 ounces of sugar (around five cups), one teaspoon of vanilla extract, seven fluid ounces of whole milk (200 grams) and of course, lots of butter! About 10 ounces of the unsalted kind of butter to be exact.
This is definitely one of the sweeter options when it comes to vanilla fudge, so if you have any birthdays parties, special events, or celebrations coming up then this is definitely a recipe that you might be interested in trying. Just make sure that you don’t overindulge in this one or you might end up with a seriously bad stomach ache!
7. Creamy Vanilla Fudge from It Bakes Me Happy
This particular vanilla fudge has a melt in your mouth texture that is- according to the It Bakes Me Happy blog- is comparable to ice cream. This might seem like a basic vanilla fudge recipe but this creamy texture gives it a nice twist that is sure to get anyone’s mouth-watering.
Not only does this recipe have a velvety smooth texture and a rich taste, but it is also incredibly easy and quick to make! Preparation only takes five minutes.
The ingredients that you will need are also relatively simple and easy to get hold of. You will need (see Amazon prices via links) 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence, 2 tablespoons of butter,1 teaspoon of corn syrup, 4 tablespoons of white chocolate chips, a dash of salt, 2cups of sugar, and three-quarters of a cup of milk.
If you want to add a little something on the top, you can also include 1 or 2 tablespoons of sprinkles to add as a topping.
Vanilla Fudge might be a run-of-the-mill fudge flavor but experimenting with different kinds of textures is a fantastic way to mix things up a bit without needing to do much in terms of adding additional ingredients.
8. Vegan Coconut Vanilla Fudge by Bless Her Heart Y’all
Another somewhat healthier option of vanilla fudge recipes (or as healthy as you can get when it comes to fudge), this vegan fudge is not only delicious but also another really quick option that only has a five-minute prep time.
This is a great option if you or a family member are vegan- or if you’re entertaining and know that you are going to be having vegan guests- as they are quick, easy, and just as tasty as regular vanilla fudge.
You’ll only need a few ingredients to create this tasty treat (see Amazon prices via links): vanilla extract, coconut oil, unsweetened coconut flakes, maple syrup, and coconut butter. You can also add in a sprinkle of sea salt to make this recipe a little more exciting!
If you can think of it, you can be sure that in this day and age there is a vegan alternative and vanilla fudge is no exception.
9. Vintage Vanilla Fudge by BBC Good Food
Sometimes, the classics just can’t be beaten and that is certainly the case with this vintage vanilla fudge recipe which takes the classical fudge recipes and adds an extra dash of decadence for an even sweeter and delicious taste.
The ingredients are pretty simple for this classic, vintage vanilla fudge (see Amazon prices via links): 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, 1 tablespoon of glucose syrup, 50 grams of butter, 400 grams of double cream, and 450 grams of golden caster sugar.
These are a simple yet delicious kind of vanilla fudge, that would be a great starter recipe if you are making the sweet treat for the first time.
10. Coke Vanilla Float Fudge from Sweet Recipeas
We’re finishing off this list with a super sweet take on the classic vanilla fudge recipe that is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults who have a particularly sweet tooth: Coke Vanilla Float Fudge.
This recipe incorporates candy cola bottles to give off the flavor that you might find with an ice cream float. This adds another layer of sweetness and to the traditional vanilla fudge recipe.
Although there is a candy cola bottle used for garnish, this isn’t the only reason the only ingredient that makes the fudge recipe more focused on that sweet and buzzing cola soda taste.
The recipe includes a small amount of cola lollipop flavoring to emphasize that cola taste and combine it with traditional vanilla to create a fudge flavor that is not only reminiscent of an ice cream cola float but is also likely to be a great option for fans of the vanilla flavored coke soda!
For this vanilla fudge recipe, you will only need (see Amazon prices via links) one-eighth of a teaspoon of cola lollipop flavoring alongside 2 cups of granulated sugar, a 7-ounce jar of marshmallow creme, 2 cups of white chocolate chips, a teaspoon and a half of vanilla bean paste, 4 ounces of unsalted butter and those gummy colas for a tasty garnish.
in summary
The classic vanilla fudge recipes stands the test of times. Some of these recipes more simple than others, some with a unique twist to them. A basic fudge flavour that can be taken and elevated with additional flavouring and the base to your fudge repertoire.
