Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge (3-Ingredient No-Bake)
Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge is an absolute treasure of a dessert that brings the rich flavors of Irish cream right to your kitchen without the fuss of baking. This decadent fudge is creamy, sweet, and studded with crunchy pistachios that offer a delightful contrast to the smooth white chocolate base. Perfect for celebrations or simply as a sweet indulgence after dinner, this treat gets an A+ for taste while being deceptively easy to prepare.
Table of Contents
I first discovered Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge during a family gathering when I was tasked with bringing a dessert. Seeing the green flecks from the pistachios, I knew it would be a festive addition to our table. The looks on my family members’ faces when they took their first bites spoke volumes; flavorful and rich, they couldn’t believe how simple it was to make. This fudge isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s something you’ll be proud to share and enjoy again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes of prep time, plus chilling for a few hours.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy white chocolate and Irish cream is simply divine.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green pistachios pop against the creamy fudge, making it a showstopper.
- Flexible Serving: Great for parties, snacks, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 ½ cups white chocolate chips (22-24 ounces): This forms the luscious base of the fudge. Look for high-quality chips for the best melting and flavor.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess, making the fudge rich and decadent. You can use low-fat options, but regular is preferred for texture.
- ¼ cup Irish cream: Infuses the fudge with a delightful flavor. If you need an alternative, you could choose coffee cream or even a non-alcoholic cream substitute.
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped: These add a wonderful crunch and complement the creamy fudge. Feel free to substitute with other nuts if desired.
How to Make Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge (3-Ingredient No-Bake)
Prepare Your Dish: Line an 8-inch × 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or tin foil, allowing the liner to hang over the sides. This makes it super easy to lift out the fudge once set.
Microwave Condensed Milk: Pour 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute. You want it warm but not bubbling to help melt the chocolate later.
Melt Chocolate Chips: Place 3 ½ cups of white chocolate chips in a large glass bowl and pour the warm condensed milk over them. Let this sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften, making it easier to stir. If the chocolate isn’t fully melted, give it an additional 15 seconds in the microwave, then stir until smooth.
Add Irish Cream: Pour in ¼ cup of Irish cream, stirring until it’s fully combined with the melted chocolate mixture. This may take a minute or two, as you want a consistent mixture without any lumps.
Incorporate Pistachios: Stir in ¾ of your chopped pistachios to the fudge mixture, combining until well-mixed. This gives each bite a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Finish and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top and gently press them into the surface. Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill for about 3 to 4 hours until firm.
Cut and Enjoy: Once set, remove the fudge from the dish using the parchment paper or foil overhang. Cut it into 25 even pieces and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storing & Reheating
Store Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. Use an airtight container to keep it sealed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap pieces individually in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw at room temperature; note that texture may slightly change, but the flavors remain delicious.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overheating: When melting the white chocolate, be cautious not to overheat it, which can cause it to seize.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your condensed milk is at room temperature before microwaving.
- Chill Thoroughly: Enabling sufficient chill time is crucial; leaving it overnight yields a better texture.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a splash of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist or some sea salt on top for contrast.
- Make Ahead: This fudge can be made days in advance, making it perfect for party planning.
Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge is a wonderful dessert that promises satisfaction in every bite. Its creamy texture combined with that delightful crunch makes it irresistible for everyone who tries it. I encourage you to experiment with different nuts or flavors, and make it your own. This treat promises joy all around, so gather your ingredients and whip up a batch!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer flavor and a slightly different appearance, but it will still be delightful. Just keep an eye on the melting time.
How long does the fudge need to chill?
You should let it chill for about 3 to 4 hours until firm. However, for an even better texture, consider letting it sit in the fridge overnight.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer! Walnuts or pecans could work wonderfully. Just remember to chop them roughly for that perfect texture.
How should I store any leftover fudge?
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or at room temperature for a week. If freezing, make sure to wrap it tightly to retain freshness!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- No-bake Cookies No Oatmeal
- No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups with Vanilla Cookie Crust
- Moist Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Swirl
- Easy Dr. Seuss Snacks for Kids
- Grinch Oreos
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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 pieces 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Leprechaun Pistachio Fudge combines rich white chocolate, creamy Irish cream, and crunchy pistachios for a delightful treat. Perfect for celebrations, this no-bake recipe is quick and simply delicious, making it an ideal sweet finish to any meal.
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 tin foil, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal later.
- Heat the sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute.
- In a large glass bowl, place the white chocolate chips and pour the warm condensed milk over them. Let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted. If necessary, microwave for an additional 15 seconds and stir again.
- Stir in the Irish cream until fully incorporated. Add 3/4 of the chopped pistachios and mix well.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved pistachios on top and gently press them into the fudge.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or until firm. Once set, lift the fudge out, remove the lining, and cut into 25 pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Ensure the white chocolate and condensed milk are well combined for a smooth texture.
For a fun variation, add a bit of festive food coloring or flavoring to the fudge.
Keep the fudge refrigerated to maintain its shape and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
