This Italian Amaretto Pistachio Fudge is a decadent treat, offering the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness. Infused with the distinct flavor of amaretto and studded with crunchy pistachios, it makes for an indulgent dessert or a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the ideal combination of flavors. The smooth and creamy white chocolate melts perfectly with the hint of amaretto liqueur, creating a melt-in-your-mouth fudge. The added pistachios bring a delightful crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture. The best part? It’s so easy to prepare, and the results are always impressive. Whether I’m making it for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just because, it’s a treat that never fails to please.
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan, I combine the sweetened condensed milk, amaretto liqueur, and almond extract over medium-low heat.
I stir the mixture occasionally until it’s heated through and starts to simmer gently.
Next, I add the white chocolate chips to the saucepan, stirring until they’re completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth.
I stir in the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until fully combined.
Once the mixture is smooth, I add the chopped pistachios and fold them gently into the fudge mixture.
I pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
I refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it has fully set.
After it’s set, I remove it from the fridge and cut it into small squares to enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
While this fudge is perfect as is, there are some fun variations I enjoy experimenting with:
Nut Variations: Instead of pistachios, I sometimes swap in other nuts, like hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts, for a different crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Fudge: For a more intense chocolate flavor, I might use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate, or a mix of both.
Flavor Boost: If I want a little more depth, I add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to the mixture.
Storage/Reheating
To store my fudge, I simply keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday gifting. If I need to soften it, I leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This fudge doesn’t require reheating, but if I want a warm indulgence, I occasionally microwave a square for a few seconds for a melty treat.
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FAQs
How do I get the fudge to set properly?
The key is to let the fudge chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully set. If it’s too soft after chilling, I place it back in the fridge for longer to ensure it firms up properly.
Can I make this fudge without amaretto?
Yes! If you prefer not to use amaretto, I’ve replaced it with a splash of almond extract for the flavor or even a little more vanilla extract for a different twist.
How do I make the fudge smoother?
For the smoothest fudge, I ensure the white chocolate is fully melted before adding the powdered sugar and pistachios. Stirring continuously while melting prevents clumps.
Can I freeze this fudge?
Yes, I can freeze it! To freeze, I cut the fudge into squares, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers, and store them in the freezer. When ready to eat, I thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the creamy texture of white chocolate, I’ve used both milk chocolate and dark chocolate, which all work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that dark chocolate will give a richer, less sweet flavor.
Conclusion
This Italian Amaretto Pistachio Fudge is truly a treat that checks all the boxes: rich, creamy, and just the right amount of crunch. With its delightful amaretto flavor and crunchy pistachios, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday gifting. I can always count on it to impress friends and family, and it’s so simple to make.
📖 Recipe:
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Italian Amaretto Pistachio Fudge
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Amaretto Pistachio Fudge combines the smooth creaminess of white chocolate with the distinct flavor of amaretto liqueur and crunchy pistachios. It’s the perfect treat for holidays, special occasions, or just a delicious homemade gift. This easy-to-make fudge is sure to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent taste.
Ingredients
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, amaretto liqueur, and almond extract over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add the white chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix in powdered sugar and salt until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios gently.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Once set, cut into 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes
For variations, consider swapping pistachios with hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts.
You can use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor.
To store, keep the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats, Fudge
- Method: Stovetop, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 squares
- Calories: 200 kcal