Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge (3-Ingredient No-Bake)
Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge is the delightful treat that brings a sweet, creamy texture combined with crunchy pistachios, all without the need for baking. This luscious fudge is perfect for those who appreciate a no-fuss dessert that packs a flavor punch. It’s the kind of indulgent delight that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing, perfect for sharing or simply savoring in solitude. You’ll find that the creamy white chocolate mingles perfectly with rich Irish cream, creating a flavor profile that’s just heavenly.
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I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a fun holiday treat, and it quickly became a staple in my household. It’s such a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up in no time, providing the perfect excuse to enjoy something sweet and festive. Plus, with just three main ingredients, it’s hard not to fall in love with the simplicity and taste of Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without this delicious fudge on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes only 10 minutes of prep and a few hours to chill — perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sweetness from the white chocolate combined with a kick of Irish cream is simply delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its beautiful green pistachio topping, this fudge is not just tasty but a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Whether for parties, holidays, or just a treat for movie night, it fits perfectly into any setting.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by selecting compliant ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ½ cups white chocolate chips: These chips dissolve beautifully into a creamy base and provide the dessert’s main sweetness. Choose high-quality chips for a richer flavor.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This is essential for creating that creamy, fudgy texture. Remember, it’s rich, so no alternatives here!
- ¼ cup Irish cream: Adds depth and a luscious taste; you can also explore non-alcoholic Irish cream alternatives if you want a kid-friendly version.
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped: They provide crunch and a lovely color contrast. Feel free to use salted or unsalted, depending on your preference.
How to Make Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge (3-Ingredient No-Bake)
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring it hangs over the sides slightly; this will help you lift the fudge out later.
Heat the Condensed Milk: Pour the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute, just enough to warm it slightly.
Melt the White Chocolate: In a large glass bowl, add the 3 ½ cups of white chocolate chips and pour the warm condensed milk over them. Allow the mixture to sit for 1 to 2 minutes before stirring; this will help the chocolate chips melt more easily. If needed, microwave for an additional 15 seconds and stir again until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Mix in Irish Cream: Pour ¼ cup of Irish cream into the melted chocolate mixture and stir until fully incorporated. This may take a couple of minutes to achieve a silky consistency.
Add Pistachios: Fold in ¾ of the roughly chopped pistachios into the chocolate fudge, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture for that perfect crunch in every bite.
Transfer to Pan: Spoon the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top and gently press them into the fudge for a lovely finish.
Chill Until Firm: Place the fudge in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours until it’s firm. After it has set, lift the fudge out from the pan using the overhanging paper or foil, peel off the liner, and cut it into 25 equal pieces.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to extend its life, freeze it for a maximum of 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To refresh its texture, you might want to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, which softens the fudge slightly while maintaining its delicious flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the white chocolate; melted chocolate should be smooth but not overheated, which can cause it to seize up.
- Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures even distribution of flavors—take your time with this step.
- If you find the fudge too soft after chilling, you can return it to the fridge for a little longer to firm up.
- Want to add a little twist? Consider mixing in some dried fruit or a sprinkle of sea salt for unexpected flavor combinations.
Rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, this Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The beautiful colors make it perfect for celebrations, while its simple structure keeps it satisfying. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or add-ins; after all, cooking is all about making it your own! Enjoy each smooth bite, knowing you’ve created something special.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While milk chocolate will alter the flavor profile slightly, it will still create a delicious fudge. Just keep an eye on your melting process since milk chocolate can seize more easily than white chocolate.
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge should feel firm to the touch and hold its shape when you press down lightly. It’s best to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, which typically leads to the best texture.
Can I make this fudge vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by substituting the white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips and using a vegan Irish cream alternative. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure all components fit your dietary needs.
What else can I add to the fudge?
Feel free to mix in other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or even dried fruit, like cranberries. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful new combinations!
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📖 Recipe Card
Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge (3-Ingredient No-Bake)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 250 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge is a simple yet delightful treat made with just three ingredients. Rich white chocolate, creamy Irish cream, and crunchy pistachios come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth fudge that’s perfect for any gathering or sweet craving.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups white chocolate chips (22–24 ounces)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup irish cream
- 1 cup shelled pistachios roughly chopped
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch × 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, allowing the liner to hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the sweetened condensed milk for 1 minute.
- Place the white chocolate chips in a large bowl and pour the warm condensed milk over them. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and mixed with the milk. If necessary, microwave for an additional 15 seconds, then stir again.
- Mix in the Irish cream until fully combined. Add three-quarters of the chopped pistachios and stir.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the reserved pistachios on top, pressing them gently into the fudge.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours until the fudge is firm. Once set, lift it from the pan, remove the liner, and cut into 25 equal pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Ensure the chocolate is fully melted before combining with the milk for a smooth texture.
For a different flavor, you can substitute the Irish cream with another liqueur or an extract.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Piece
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
