Need a last-minute dessert for your 4th of July cookout? This red, white, and blue fudge comes together fast and looks like fireworks on a plate.
Looking for a festive treat that’s as eye-catching as it is easy to make? This red, white, and blue fudge is a show-stopping dessert perfect for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any patriotic celebration.
With just two base ingredients and a few drops of food coloring, this no-bake fudge comes together in minutes and delivers creamy, colorful squares that are perfect for parties, BBQs, and potlucks. Top it with star-shaped sprinkles for an extra pop of holiday cheer—no oven required.
Ingredients for Patriotic Fudge
This section is meant to provide an overview of the ingredients required for the recipe. For specific amounts and instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- white chocolate chips — These melt easily, give it a rich, white chocolate flavor, and are super creamy!
- sweetened condensed milk — This adds sweetness and helps set the fudge.
- red and blue food coloring — Just a few drops of each color swirled into the fudge create a beautiful patriotic dessert.
- star sprinkles — They add a little extra pizzazz and make the fudge look like fireworks. But if you don’t have them, you can leave them off. We used these sprinkles, which you can find on Amazon.
Equipment Needed
- Double Boiler – Melting white chocolate can be a little tricky, and a double boiler helps prevent scorching.
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Parchment Paper – Lining your pan with parchment makes it so much easier to lift the fudge out cleanly and cut it into neat squares.
- 8×8 Baking Dish – This size gives you the perfect thickness for bite-sized fudge pieces. A metal or glass pan works just fine.
- Sharp Knife – A good, sharp knife will help you cut clean, even squares after the fudge has set.
How to Make Red, White, and Blue Fudge
This section provides a brief overview of the instructions but the steps are not detailed. For exact step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Line your 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the fudge out later without any sticking.
Step 2: Use a double boiler to slowly melt the white chocolate chips until smooth. White chocolate is finicky, so this method helps avoid overheating or clumping. However, if you don’t have a double boiler, and your chocolate chips include microwave instructions for melting, use those.
Step 3: Once the chocolate is fully melted, pour in the condensed milk and mix until everything is silky and well combined.
Step 4: Drop in a couple drops of red and blue food coloring—no need to stir! Just pour the mixture straight into the pan and the colors will naturally swirl as it spreads. If this makes you nervous, though, just pour the fudge and then add the drops of food coloring, and swirl with a toothpick.
Step 5: Before the fudge sets, sprinkle the star decorations over the top. Press them in gently so they stick as the fudge firms up.
Step 6: Pop the pan into the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once it’s firm, use the parchment to lift the whole block out in one piece.
Step 7: Cut the red white and blue fudge into 36 squares using a sharp knife. Or cut it into bigger squares if you want. You do you.
Storage and Freezing
This fudge keeps well, making it a great make-ahead treat for parties and cookouts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to keep the pieces from sticking together.
It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or you can freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
4th of July Fudge Tips and Tricks
- Use high-quality white chocolate. Cheaper brands don’t always melt smoothly and can seize up easily.
- White chocolate is extra sensitive to heat. Using a double boiler instead of the microwave helps prevent overheating and keeps your fudge smooth and creamy.
- Work quickly once everything is combined. The fudge starts to set fast, so have your pan lined and sprinkles ready before you mix in the food coloring.
Additions and Variations
Add a crunchy element. Mix in a handful of crushed pretzels or chopped nuts for added texture and a salty-sweet twist.
Try different colors for other holidays. Swap the red and blue for green and red at Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. The base recipe stays the same—just change the color palette!
Flavor it up. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the melted mixture before pouring for an extra layer of flavor. Peppermint would be yummy for Christmas, or maple for Thanksgiving.
Patriotic Fudge Recipe FAQ
Can I use the microwave instead of a double boiler?
You can, but it’s a bit riskier with white chocolate since it burns easily. If you try it, heat in short 15–20 second bursts and stir well between each one.
Does the fudge have to be frozen to set?
No, freezing just speeds up the setting process. You can also chill it in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours instead.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can make it up to a week in advance if you’re storing it in the fridge.
Whether you’re prepping for a Fourth of July bash or just want a fun treat to brighten up a summer day, this red, white, and blue fudge is as simple as it is festive. If you give it a try, let us know how it turned out in the comments below—or snap a pic and tag us on social media. Don’t forget to pin this recipe so you’ll have it handy for your next celebration!
More 4th of July Recipes
Red White and Blue Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 4 drops red and blue food coloring
- 1-2 tbsp star sprinkles
Instructions
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper to make it easier to take out and cut the fudge.
- Melt the chocolate chips using the double boiler method.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the melted chocolate chips.
- Add two drops each of the red and blue food coloring. Pour the fudge directly into the pan. The colors will swirl as you're pouring.
- Top with star sprinkles and gently press them into the fudge.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the fridge for 2-3 hours to let the fudge set. Take it out, lift up the parchment paper or wax paper, and the fudge will come right out.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into 36 bite-sized squares.