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This playful Christmas coal candy started as a joke in my family. When my kids were little I'd tuck these sparkly black treats into their stockings and watch their faces change from confusion to delight when they realized it was actually sweet creamy fudge. Now it's become our most requested holiday tradition and everyone wants to be on the naughty list!
The Magic Behind Coal Candy
The secret to making this fudge look like real coal lies in getting that perfect deep black color and sparkly finish. I discovered that starting with white chocolate creates the smoothest creamiest texture while letting us achieve that dramatic black shade. Don't worry about using the food coloring it's worth it for the reactions you'll get.
What You'll Need
- For the Fudge Base:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Black gel food coloring (about 2 teaspoons)
- For Decorating:
- Black or silver edible sprinkles
- Optional flavor extracts
- Equipment:
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Rubber spatula
Let's Make Coal Candy
- Set Up Your Space
- Line that pan with parchment paper first leaving some hanging over the edges. Trust me this makes removing the fudge so much easier later.
- Create the Base
- Combine white chocolate sweetened condensed milk butter vanilla and salt in your saucepan. Keep that heat low and stir constantly. You're looking for smooth and creamy about 5-7 minutes.
- Turn It Black
- Here's where the magic happens. Take the pan off heat add black food coloring gradually until you get that perfect coal color. Mix really well no streaks allowed.
- The Final Touch
- Pour into your pan smooth the top and sprinkle with those sparkly sprinkles. Pop it in the fridge overnight this is not a time to rush things.
My Best Tips
Always use gel food coloring its more concentrated and won't mess with the texture. Keep stirring while heating even when your arm gets tired lumpy fudge is not what we're after. Want to make it extra fun? After it's set slightly warm your hands and shape pieces into rough lumps like real coal before adding more sprinkles.
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Make It Your Own
We've tried all sorts of variations over the years. A drop of peppermint extract makes it taste like a fancy chocolate mint. Almond extract gives it a sophisticated twist. My personal favorite? Adding a tiny bit of licorice flavor it adds to that coal illusion. Some years I make a variety pack with different flavors and let people guess which is which.
Gifting and Storage
Package these little gems in clear bags tied with red ribbon for maximum impact. I love tucking them into stockings or adding them to cookie plates. They'll stay fresh in the fridge for two weeks but honestly they never last that long in my house. You can even freeze them for up to six months perfect for planning ahead during the busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why won't my fudge get hard?
You probably need to cook it longer. The water needs time to cook off. Keep stirring over low heat until it's really smooth and thick.
- → Can I fix soft fudge?
Put it back in the pan with a splash of water and cook it again. Keep stirring until it's thick - this time it should set right.
- → How black should it be?
Add food coloring until it looks like coal. Using dark chocolate instead of white means you'll need less black coloring.
- → Why's it taking so long to melt?
Keep the heat low and be patient. Higher heat might burn the chocolate. It'll melt eventually, just keep stirring.
- → How long does it really need to chill?
Give it the full 8 hours. Overnight is even better. Rush it and you'll have soft fudge instead of nice firm pieces.
Conclusion
Turn white chocolate into funny coal-looking fudge with just a few ingredients. Perfect as a joke gift or party treat - it looks like coal but tastes sweet and creamy.