Pina Colada Fudge is a decadent pineapple fudge full of tropical flavor. White chocolate fudge with nuts, pineapple, coconut and rum extract.
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!
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 to the Piña Colada Fudge Recipe. 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.
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.
Not only does this Pina Colada Fudge make a great party treat, it’s great for gifting too! This is the kind of luscious, special fudge that tastes like you picked it up at a fancy chocolate shop. 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!
So, whether you’re planning a tropical-themed gift or simply want to bring a touch of the tropics to your dessert table, Pina Colada Fudge is a recipe that will surely impress. Indulge in the creamy sweetness and the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut, enhanced by the subtle hint of rum extract. Get ready to savor a homemade treat that captures the essence of a beachside vacation, in one delicious bite!
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. Fudge 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. Fudge is often associated with holidays and gift-giving and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.
How to Make Pina Colada Fudge
- Prep: To make sure that the Piña Colada Fudge comes out of the pan easily, start by lining it with tin foil. Then Spray the foil with cooking spray. This way the finished fudge will slide right out.
- Melt: Use a microwave-safe bowl to microwave the condensed milk and white chocolate together. Microwave the chocolate in 30-increments, and make sure to stir between each session. You can stop once the mixture is smooth.
- Combine: Add the rum extract to the white chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Mix in the nuts, pineapple, and coconut, until they are distributed evenly throughout.
- Set: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Make sure to cover it before refrigerating. Give the fudge at least 4 hours in the fridge before slicing into small squares and serving.
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FAQs for Pina Colada Fudge
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.
The key to creamy fudge is achieving the right consistency during the cooking process. Properly monitoring the temperature and timing is crucial to prevent the fudge from becoming grainy or too firm. Additionally, incorporating ingredients such as condensed milk can contribute to the creamy texture, while continuous stirring and careful cooling help create a smooth and velvety mouthfeel in the finished 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.
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Key Ingredients
- White Chocolate: White chocolate adds a creamy and sweet flavor to the fudge. 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 to the fudge. They add a contrasting texture and enhance the overall taste with their nutty notes.
- Pineapple: Dried pineapple intensifies the tropical flavor profile of the fudge. It adds a burst of sweet and tangy taste, reminiscent of fresh pineapples, and adds chewiness to the fudge.
- Coconut: Shredded sweetened coconut imparts a tropical essence to the fudge. 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 to the fudge. 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 Pina Colada Fudge be made in advance?
Yes, Pina Colada Fudge 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.
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.
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How to Store
- 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.
- Store: Keep the fudge fresher longer by storing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an 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 longterm, it’s best to wrap large pieces in plastic wrap then store in a freezer safe bag.
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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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.