Fudge is one of my favorite sweet treats, but it doesn’t have to only be enjoyed during the holidays! This pistachio fudge is one of my favorite Spring flavors, though you could enjoy it anytime. With just 4 ingredients and only the microwave needed, it’s a breeze to make!
Fudge is a great choice when you’re looking for something different from all the cookie and cake options out there, plus it is naturally gluten free as well!
This pistachio fudge is perfect for St Patrick’s Day or Easter because of the soft green coloring thanks to the white chocolate base and pistachio pudding mix.
However, it’s equally good for the holidays if you’re looking for a new flavor to try! There are lots of ways to customize it beyond the basic 4 ingredient recipe as well, so feel free to make it your own!
While fudge can be notoriously tricky to make (I should have a medal for the number of batches I’ve screwed up), the microwave makes it a little bit easier. In fact, you can whip up a batch in under 10 minutes and then just let it chill while you work on other things!
You can use other kinds of chocolate besides white chocolate but you’ll lose the green color due to the darker base. Chips melt easily, but you can also use chopped up baking bars
Feel free to add other mix-ins along with the pistachios. Sweetened dried cranberries are another great choice (and perfect for making it red and green for the holidays), mini marshmallows, or orange zest can add texture and color as well
Step By Step Instructions
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil
Add the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a microwave safe bowl
Cook on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until everything is smooth and the mixture reaches 235°F (about 5 minutes total for me). Note: I’ve had trouble getting fudge to set if I don’t cook to this temperature, but you can try your luck with just melting the mixture (about 1 – 1 ½ minutes) if you’d like
Fold in the pistachio pudding mix and the pistachios, stirring until well combined
Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top if needed
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until completely set
Pistachio fudge is a delicious and creamy confectionery treat made with a combination of sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate or vanilla chips, pistachio pudding mix, and chopped pistachios.
To make pistachio fudge, the ingredients are melted together, poured into a pan, chilled until set, and then cut into squares for serving.
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts in Pistachio Fudge?
While pistachios are the traditional choice for pistachio fudge, you can certainly experiment with other types of nuts if desired.
Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be used as substitutes or added alongside pistachios for a nutty variation of the fudge.
What Is the Difference Between Pistachio Fudge and Regular Chocolate Fudge?
The primary difference between pistachio fudge and regular chocolate fudge lies in the flavor and ingredients used.
Pistachio fudge incorporates pistachio pudding mix and chopped pistachios, resulting in a distinct nutty flavor and green hue, whereas regular chocolate fudge is made with cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a rich chocolatey taste.
Can I Make Pistachio Fudge Without Using a Candy Thermometer?
Yes, pistachio fudge can be made without using a candy thermometer. Unlike some candy recipes that require precise temperature control, pistachio fudge relies on melting the ingredients together until smooth and creamy, making it a simpler and more forgiving recipe to prepare.
That said, it never hurts to check your temperature with a thermometer if you have one, as sometimes fudge is still finicky.
How Long Does Pistachio Fudge Last?
Pistachio fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
To maintain freshness and prevent drying out, be sure to wrap the fudge tightly with plastic wrap or seal it in a container before storing.
Can I Add Additional Flavorings or Mix-Ins to Pistachio Fudge?
Absolutely! While pistachio fudge is delicious on its own, you can customize it with additional flavorings or mix-ins to suit your taste preferences.
Try adding a splash of almond extract for extra nuttiness or mixing in dried fruit such as cherries or cranberries for a fruity twist.
Is Pistachio Fudge Gluten Free?
Yes, pistachio fudge is generally considered gluten free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
However, it’s essential to double-check the ingredients in any pre-packaged products or pudding mixes used to ensure they are gluten free if you have dietary restrictions.
Recipe Pro Tips
I made this recipe in a 1000W microwave. If you have a higher or lower wattage, you will likely need to adjust your cooking times slightly to compensate
A lot of “quick” fudge recipes just call for you to melt (which only takes about 1 minute), mix, and pour. However, I’ve had a lot of trouble with getting fudge to set using that method, which is why I always recommend cooking to a higher temperature which makes the setting a lot more consistent. However, feel free to try it using the faster option!
To monitor the temperature, you can use a candy thermometer, meat thermometer, or any sort of kitchen thermometer that goes up to at least 250°F
Storage and Serving Tips
Cut the fudge into 1” or 2” cubes, depending on your preference. Tip: run your knife under hot water before cutting to make cleaner edges
Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or in the refrigerator to extend its life
Pistachio fudge presents well on a cookie tray, but can also be packed in a tin or cello bags for gifting
This pistachio fudge recipe is a sweet, nutty, green variant of the classic chocolate candy. With just 4 ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up a batch in under 10 minutes.
Then, it’s just a rest in the refrigerator and it’s ready by the time you want dessert! This is one of my favorite recipes to make in the morning and then go about my day, and then I don’t have to stress about baking later.
The soft green color of this fudge is perfect for St Patrick’s Day or Easter. However, I also love to add some cranberries into the mix and serve it around the holidays as well! It’s so quick and convenient to make, you’ll want to enjoy it all year round.
This easy pistachio fudge recipe uses just 4 ingredients plus your microwave to make a sweet, nutty dessert. The green color is perfect for Easter or St Patrick’s Day, as well as the holidays!
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil
Add the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a microwave safe bowl
3 Cups white chocolate chips, 14 Ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Cook on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until everything is smooth and the mixture reaches 235°F (about 5 minutes total for me). Note: I’ve had trouble getting fudge to set if I don’t cook to this temperature, but you can try your luck with just melting the mixture (about 1 – 1 ½ minutes) if you’d like
Fold in the pistachio pudding mix and the pistachios, stirring until well combined
3.4 Ounce package pistachio flavored instant pudding mix, ½ Cup shelled pistachios
Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top if needed
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until completely set
Cut into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
You can use other kinds of chocolate besides white chocolate but you’ll lose the green color due to the darker base. Chips melt easily, but you can also use chopped up baking bars
Feel free to add other mix-ins along with the pistachios. Sweetened dried cranberries or cherries are another great choice (and perfect for making it red and green for the holidays), or mini marshmallows, or orange zest can add texture and color as well
I made this recipe in a 1000W microwave. If you have a higher or lower wattage, you will likely need to adjust your cooking times slightly to compensate
A lot of “quick” fudge recipes just call for you to melt (which only takes about 1 minute), mix, and pour. However, I’ve had a lot of trouble with getting fudge to set using that method, which is why I always recommend cooking to a higher temperature which makes the setting a lot more consistent. However, feel free to try it using the faster option!
To monitor the temperature, you can use a candy thermometer, meat thermometer, or any sort of kitchen thermometer that goes up to at least 250°F (or just let it boil for about 3 minutes total as a best guess without a thermometer)
Cut the fudge into 1” or 2” cubes, depending on your preference (how big you slice it affects the number of servings you’ll get). Tip: run your knife under hot water before cutting to make cleaner edges
Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or in the refrigerator to extend its life
Pistachio fudge presents well on a cookie tray, but can also be packed in a tin or cello bags for gifting
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any add-ins or toppings added, size of squares, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
