If you’ve ever wished you could combine the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the utter delight of fudge, you’re in for a treat! Creamy Cheesecake Fudge is an irresistible, no-bake confection that brings together smooth white chocolate, luscious cheesecake flavor, and a buttery graham cracker crust—all in one bite-sized square. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or just a sweet indulgence to stash in your fridge. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this on hand for moments when only the most blissful dessert will do!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Creamy Cheesecake Fudge is how a few familiar ingredients come together to create something magical. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving that rich flavor, velvety texture, and signature cheesecake nostalgia. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for ultimate success:
- Graham cracker squares: These serve as the foundation, giving that classic cheesecake crunch and buttery finish.
- White chocolate chips: They melt down to form the sweet, creamy backbone of the fudge—splurge on a quality brand for best results.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the chocolate blend smoothly.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and lifts the flavors beautifully.
- Pure vanilla extract: Don’t skip this—real vanilla deepens the cheesecake vibes and rounds out the flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This magic ingredient keeps everything luxuriously creamy and chewy.
- Marshmallow Fluff: For that signature fudge texture and a little extra sweetness; it also makes the mixture easy to spread.
- Instant cheesecake pudding mix: This secret weapon gives the fudge its unmistakable tang and beloved cheesecake flavor with zero fuss.
How to Make Creamy Cheesecake Fudge
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a nice overhang on the edges. This trick will make it a breeze to lift the fudge out later (no digging or peeling needed). Crush your graham cracker squares into fine crumbs, either using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and giving them a good roll with a rolling pin. Press the crumbs into an even layer in the base of the pan—this is your crunchy, buttery crust foundation!
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate Mixture
Set a large saucepan over low heat and pour in your white chocolate chips, butter, kosher salt, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together constantly; white chocolate can be finicky, so gentle heat and patience are key! When the mixture is completely melted, smooth, and glossy, you’re good to move on.
Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Flavors
Remove your saucepan from the heat and quickly add in the vanilla extract, entire package of instant cheesecake pudding mix, and the marshmallow Fluff. Stir with gusto—this is when it all comes together! The mixture should turn thick, creamy, and perfectly luscious, exactly the texture Creamy Cheesecake Fudge deserves.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour your cheesecake fudge mixture right over the prepared graham cracker crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. If you’re feeling extra fancy, go ahead and sprinkle more crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the patience!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your fudge is firm, grasp the edges of the parchment paper and lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares of whatever size your heart desires. Whether you serve them chilled or at room temperature, each bite is pure dessert bliss!
How to Serve Creamy Cheesecake Fudge
Garnishes
Topping these sweet squares is half the fun! Try a light dusting of extra crushed graham crackers for that quintessential cheesecake look, or a delicate white chocolate drizzle to dress things up for a party. A few fresh berries or a sprig of mint instantly adds color and a bit of tang to balance the creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
If you’re building a dessert table, Creamy Cheesecake Fudge pairs wonderfully with tart fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even a little bowl of citrusy curd. For a decadent afternoon tea, serve alongside coffee or a lightly steeped green tea—to cut the sweetness and refresh your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate this classic treat by cutting it with a cookie cutter for fun shapes, or stacking squares with parchment between for a “cheesecake fudge tower.” You can even pop pieces into mini cupcake liners for an adorable, giftable treat. For parties, consider labeling them with handwritten tags for a charming homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Cheesecake Fudge stores beautifully. Simply place the squares in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week with zero loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch farther in advance, this fudge is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual squares tightly or layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each piece. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months—and are a lifesaver when last-minute cravings or guests strike.
Reheating
No reheating required—Creamy Cheesecake Fudge is all about that chilled, creamy bite. If you’d like a softer texture, just let your serving sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to preserve the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use flavored pudding mix instead of cheesecake?
Absolutely! While the cheesecake pudding mix brings that classic tang, you can try white chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon pudding mix for a fun twist. Just keep in mind, the flavor profile will shift, so it won’t taste exactly like Creamy Cheesecake Fudge, but it will still be delicious.
Do I have to use parchment paper in the pan?
Yes, parchment paper is highly recommended. It makes removing the fudge so much easier and keeps everything looking neat (and you looking like a kitchen pro). If you substitute with foil, lightly grease it first to avoid sticking.
Is there a substitute for marshmallow Fluff?
If you don’t have marshmallow Fluff, you can substitute with an equal amount of melted mini marshmallows. Just melt them gently with a splash more of sweetened condensed milk before adding to the mix for a comparable texture and sweetness.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a big batch—perfect for parties and potlucks. Just give it extra chilling time so it sets firmly all the way through.
What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?
The fastest way is to pulse them in a food processor. No processor? Toss them in a zip-top bag, seal tightly, and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. Kids love helping with this step too!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a treat that’s equal parts dreamy and easy, Creamy Cheesecake Fudge deserves a spot on your dessert table. With rich, cheesecake-inspired flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed just how quickly these irresistible squares disappear!