This Grinch fudge is the kind of seasonal sweet that sparks instant smiles. I first made it one December afternoon when I needed a last-minute neighbor gift that looked festive but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. The bright, electric-green color paired with oversized red heart sprinkles felt delightfully silly — exactly the kind of contrast the Grinch character evokes — and every bite delivers a buttery, creamy white-chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

I discovered this combination while rooting through the pantry for white chocolate and a can of sweetened condensed milk I had left over from another holiday project. The mixture melted together in minutes, and the texture reminded me of the fudges my grandmother used to make, only kinder and far more cheerful. The hearts on top turn each square into an individual, gift-ready portion, and the simplicity of the process means you can involve kids in the stirring and decorating for an extra dose of holiday magic.

Ingredients

• White chocolate chips (3 cups / approx. 22 ounces): I recommend Ghirardelli brand as specified — two 11-ounce bags melt smoothly and have a reliably creamy flavor. Avoid lower-quality chips that can seize when overheated.
• Sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can): This provides both sweetness and structure. Look for a full-fat version for best mouthfeel; it binds with the melted chips to create the classic fudgy texture.
• Salted butter (4 tablespoons, chilled and cubed): Using chilled butter helps regulate the temperature as you melt everything, preventing the white chocolate from scorching and adding a touch of richness and gloss.
• Clear vanilla extract (3/4 teaspoon): Clear extract preserves the bright green color; a good-quality extract rounds the flavor without adding color or cloudiness.
• Gel green food coloring (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon): Use a concentrated gel such as Americolor Electric Green #162 — start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to reach the shade you want; gels won't thin the mixture.
• Extra-large red heart candy sprinkles (25 JUMBO hearts): Wilton brand jumbo hearts are perfect for centering each square; space them so every piece has one heart for a tidy presentation.

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Line an 8x8-inch pan with aluminum foil, allowing the foil to overhang two sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick spray so the fudge lifts out cleanly when set. Chilling the pan briefly is optional but not necessary. Melt the base: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, the entire 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, and the cubed, chilled butter. Stir constantly with a heatproof spatula and scrape the pan bottom and sides to avoid hot spots. This should take about 5–6 minutes; remove from heat as soon as the mixture is completely smooth. Flavor and color: Off the heat, stir in 3/4 teaspoon clear vanilla extract. Add 1/4 teaspoon gel green food coloring and stir vigorously until the color is uniform. If the shade is still pale, add up to an additional 1/4 teaspoon in small increments, mixing thoroughly to eliminate streaks. Spread the mixture: Working quickly while the mixture is still fluid, pour the hot fudge into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer about 3/4-inch thick. Smooth the surface to prepare for decorating; this helps keep the hearts level when sliced. Decorate with hearts: Arrange 25 red jumbo heart sprinkles in five rows of five, spaced approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch apart so that each eventual square contains one heart. Press each heart gently into the surface — don’t push too deep or the heart will sink as the fudge settles. Cool and set: Allow the pan to cool on the counter for about 30–45 minutes to come to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill fully, at least 2 hours. Use the foil overhang to lift the fudge from the pan and slice into 25 equal squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container, layering parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For freezing, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, move squares to the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature for 15–30 minutes before serving so the texture softens slightly without sweating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find white chocolate chips, finely chop a white chocolate baking bar and melt gently with the condensed milk. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan white chocolate and a coconut condensed milk alternative, though texture and flavor will differ. If jumbo hearts aren’t available, use red M&Ms or candied cherries positioned similarly; reduce the number to 16 for a 4x4 grid if your decorations are larger. Avoid substituting liquid food coloring for gel — it will change the consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these squares on a simple white platter to let the color pop, or insert each square into a small cupcake liner for gifting. They pair well with black coffee or a lightly spiced hot chocolate to cut through the sweetness. For a dessert board, combine with tart shortbread and salted nuts to balance textures and flavors. Garnish with a dusting of edible shimmer or finely grated lime zest for an unexpected citrus note.

Cultural Background

While fudge itself has roots in late-19th-century America, this playful variation borrows its identity from Dr. Seuss’s Grinch, a modern pop-cultural figure rather than a traditional culinary one. Holiday confections often employ color and thematic decoration to elevate simple sweets into festive treats — think red-and-green cookies or candy cane accents. This square, with its vivid green and red hearts, is a contemporary take that blends classic American candy-making technique with seasonal whimsy.

Seasonal Adaptations

For winter holidays, swap the hearts for tiny snowflake sprinkles or silver dragees. For Valentine’s Day, keep the hearts and consider adding a touch of raspberry powder to the surface before it sets for a subtle tartness. In spring, tone down the green and use pastel gel coloring with floral sugar decorations. Summer gatherings call for citrus notes: stir in 1 teaspoon of grated lime zest and reduce the vanilla slightly to brighten the flavor profile.

Meal Prep Tips

To prepare in batches, double the recipe and use a 9x13-inch pan; increase spacing between decorations accordingly. Portion into individual bags with a ribbon for easy gifting. Make the fudge up to three days ahead for parties — it stores well refrigerated — and slice just before serving for the cleanest appearance. If you need perfectly even squares, chill until just firm and use a ruler and a warm, wet knife to score and slice.

There’s something unabashedly cheerful about this green fudge: it’s quick, forgiving, and guaranteed to elicit comments. Whether you’re passing plates at a holiday open house or wrapping squares for neighbors, this simple, bright treat is one I return to year after year.