Pina Colada Fudge is a creamy white fudge with coconut and pineapple flavors, inspired by the classic tropical cocktail. Make this soon!
When we think of fudge, we usually think of classic holiday recipes like Chocolate Fudge and Peppermint Fudge. But, Piña Colada Fudge is the perfect Candy to make for the Summer. Just one bite of this homemade candy will have you transported to a tropical paradise!
Sabrina’s Pina Colada Fudge Recipe
This sweet white chocolate fudge makes a perfect recipe for a party or small gathering during the summer time. Plus this delightful and tropical twist on traditional fudge is made with pantry staples, so you can transport everyone’s taste buds to a sunny beach getaway any time of year. Put them out on a tray at your next get-together to wow your guests with the sweet tropical flavor.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 24 ounces white chocolate disks
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup macadamia nuts , chopped
- 1/2 cup dried pineapple , chopped
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 teaspoons rum extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with foil and spray with vegetable oil spray.
- Add the white chocolate disks to one bowl with the condensed milk and stir.
- Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each time until it's both melted and smooth.
- Add rum extract and stir.
- Add the macadamia nuts, pineapple, and coconut to the bowl.
- Pour the white chocolate fudge evenly into the baking dish.
- Refrigerate, covered, for 4 hours before slicing.
Nutrition
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Table of contents
About this Recipe
Piña Colada Fudge is the perfect combination of creamy, soft fudge, and crunchy add-ins. The coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, and dried pineapple add plenty of texture and a variety of flavors. If you’ve ever tried a Pina Colada cocktail, or even Pina Colada Bars, then you know how perfectly these flavors come together and blend into a dessert.
What is Fudge?
Fudge is a type of sweet confectionery that is made by combining sugar, butter, milk, and flavorings such as chocolate, vanilla, or nuts. The mixture is heated to a soft-ball stage, and then beaten while it cools and thickens, which creates a smooth and creamy texture. It can be made in a variety of flavors and textures, such as soft, chewy, or crumbly, and can include ingredients such as caramel, marshmallows, or fruit. This treat is often associated with holidays and gift-giving and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- White Chocolate: White chocolate adds a creamy and sweet flavor. It also provides a smooth texture and complements the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut.
- Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk contributes to the richness and sweetness, plus it helps bind the white chocolate together for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts provide a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor. They add a contrasting texture and enhance the overall taste with their nutty notes.
- Pineapple: Dried pineapple intensifies the tropical flavor profile. It adds a burst of sweet and tangy taste, reminiscent of fresh pineapples, and adds chewiness.
- Coconut: Shredded sweetened coconut imparts a tropical essence. It adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor, a pleasant chewy texture, and visually enhances the appearance of the fudge.
- Rum Extract: Rum extract brings the authentic flavor of a Pina Colada cocktail. It provides a distinct rum taste without the alcohol content, complementing the pineapple and coconut flavors and adding a touch of sophistication to the overall taste.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, this can be made in advance. In fact, making it ahead of time is often recommended to allow the flavors to meld and the fudge to fully set. After preparing the fudge, you can refrigerate it in the pan, tightly covered with plastic wrap for up to several days before cutting and serving. You can also wrap large bricks of fudge to freeze and cut later.
How to Store
- Serve: Let the the fudge set in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. This fudge can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep it in an sealed container with the layers of fudge separated by parchment paper and store in a cool, dry place.
- Store: Keep the fudge fresher longer by storing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Use parchment or wax paper to separate layers if stacking.
- Freeze: This white chocolate fudge can be frozen for up to 6 months. If freezing long term, it’s best to wrap large pieces in plastic wrap then store in a freezer safe bag.
Ideas to Serve
- You can wrap them up as party favors or give them as gifts year round.
- A box of this tropical fudge is the perfect end of the year gift for teachers, especially with some pineapple and coconut themed stickers, and packed into a cute cup with an island design!
- Serve on a platter at your tropical-themed summer party!
Frequent Questions
The secret to good fudge lies in achieving the perfect balance between creaminess and firmness. Properly monitoring the temperature during the cooking process is crucial to prevent the fudge from being too soft or too hard.
Condensed milk is generally preferred for making fudge due to its higher sugar content and thicker consistency compared to evaporated milk. The sweetness and richness of condensed milk contribute to the smooth and creamy texture of fudge, while also providing a longer shelf life. Evaporated milk, while still suitable for fudge, may result in a slightly less sweet, less creamy fudge.
Inspired by the Piña Colada cocktail, this fudge is sweet, tangy, and uses rum extract to make it taste like the drink. Most rum extracts have some alcohol in them, but it is negligible unless you drink the whole bottle at once, so technically yes this is a kid-friendly fudge since it doesn’t use actual rum. However, if you don’t want any alcohol at all, you will want to use alcohol-free rum flavoring, not extract.
Variations
- Nuts: Try out different nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans instead of the macadamia nuts. To give the nuts even more flavor while making them slightly softer, meaning easier to chew, try toasting the nuts before chopping and adding them to the fudge. Candied Pecans or Candied Walnuts would make these extra sweet and special!
- Fruit: Instead of the dried pineapple, try other dried fruits like apricots, mangoes, cranberries, or cherries, or make a combination for a fruit mix. Maraschino or candied cherries would add a pop of bright color and burst of fruity sweetness.
- Chocolate: If you don’t have white chocolate melting disks, just use white chocolate chips or a white chocolate bar. You could also melt some milk or semisweet chocolate chips to swirl into the white fudge, or try this combination with dark chocolate fudge.
Related Recipes
More Homemade Fudge Recipes
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Can’t wait to try this recipe! One question can this fudge be left out of refrigeration like chocolate fudge ?
Serve: Let the Piña Colada Fudge set in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. This fudge can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep it in an sealed container with the layers of fudge separated by parchment paper and store in a cool, dry place.