Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade strawberry cake mix recipe you love, you can definitely use it. Just make sure to heat-treat the flour component as directed in the recipe to make it safe for consumption without baking.

Why do I need to heat-treat the cake mix?

Raw flour in cake mix can potentially contain harmful bacteria like E. coli. Heat-treating brings the temperature high enough to kill any bacteria, making it safe to eat in a no-bake recipe.

My fudge didn't set properly. What went wrong?

If your fudge is too soft, it likely needs more time in the refrigerator. If it's still not setting after several hours, you may have added too much condensed milk or not enough white chocolate. Try returning it to a pot, adding a bit more melted white chocolate, and rechill.

Can I make this recipe with milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind it will change both the color and flavor profile of the fudge. The strawberry flavor will be less prominent when combined with milk chocolate's stronger flavor.

Strawberry Fudge Recipe

Name: Strawberry Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup strawberry cake mix (90 grams); 2 cups white chocolate chips (340 grams); 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (396 grams / 1 can); Sprinkles

This incredibly simple Strawberry Fudge is a sweet treat that will brighten any day! With just three main ingredients and less than 10 minutes of active preparation time, you can create a delightful, pretty-in-pink dessert that tastes like summer. The combination of strawberry cake mix and white chocolate creates a creamy, fruity confection that’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or just satisfying your sweet tooth on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish, you’ll only spend about 10 minutes actively making this fudge—the rest is just chilling time!
Minimal Ingredients: Just three main ingredients plus optional sprinkles, making this incredibly easy to throw together when a sweet craving strikes.
No Baking Required: No need to heat up your kitchen with the oven—this recipe uses just your microwave for quick preparation.
Perfect for Gifting: The pretty pink color and sweet flavor make this fudge ideal for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any time you need a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberry Cake Mix: The star ingredient that gives this fudge its distinctive strawberry flavor and pretty pink color. Make sure to heat-treat it first for food safety.
White Chocolate Chips: These create the creamy, smooth base for the fudge. They melt beautifully and complement the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magic ingredient helps bind everything together while adding the perfect amount of sweetness and a silky texture.
Sprinkles: Completely optional, but they add a fun pop of color and festive touch to the finished fudge. Choose sprinkles that complement the pink color for maximum visual appeal.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Holiday Themes

Switch up the sprinkles to match different holidays—heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day, pastel colors for Easter, or red and green for Christmas.

Flavor Twists

Try using different cake mix flavors like lemon, funfetti, or chocolate for completely different fudge varieties using the same technique.

Add-Ins

Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra burst of natural strawberry flavor and slight texture.

Chocolate Swirl

Create a marbled effect by swirling in some melted dark or milk chocolate before the fudge sets.

How to Make Strawberry Fudge

Step 1: Heat-Treat the Cake Mix

Place the strawberry cake mix in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the center registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. This important step eliminates any potential bacteria in the raw flour.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the heat-treated strawberry cake mix and the sweetened condensed milk to the melted white chocolate. Stir until fully combined and no streaks remain.

Step 4: Set the Fudge

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Chill

If using, sprinkle your chosen decorations over the top of the fudge while it’s still warm. Press them in gently to make sure they stick. Refrigerate the fudge for at least 1 hour or until completely firm.

Step 6: Cut and Enjoy

Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares (or your preferred size).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

White Chocolate Quality Matters: Use good quality white chocolate chips for the best melting results and flavor.
Low Power Microwave: When melting the white chocolate, consider using a lower power setting on your microwave to prevent scorching.
Smooth Operation: For ultra-smooth fudge, make sure to sift the cake mix before adding it to remove any lumps.
Clean Cuts: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for professional-looking fudge squares.
Precise Measurement: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for the white chocolate and cake mix.

How to Serve

Sweet Pairings

Serve squares of this strawberry fudge with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, or alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Gift Presentation

For gifting, place fudge pieces in decorative mini cupcake liners and arrange in a pretty box tied with ribbon.

Dessert Platters

Include these bright pink squares on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, cookies, or chocolate-covered strawberries for a beautiful contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your strawberry fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. The fudge stays perfectly delicious without refrigeration, making it convenient for candy dishes or countertop storage.

Refrigerating

For longer freshness, keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks. The cold temperature will make the fudge slightly firmer, so you might want to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Freezing

This fudge freezes beautifully! Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade strawberry cake mix recipe you love, you can definitely use it. Just make sure to heat-treat the flour component as directed in the recipe to make it safe for consumption without baking.
Why do I need to heat-treat the cake mix?

Raw flour in cake mix can potentially contain harmful bacteria like E. coli. Heat-treating brings the temperature high enough to kill any bacteria, making it safe to eat in a no-bake recipe.
My fudge didn’t set properly. What went wrong?

If your fudge is too soft, it likely needs more time in the refrigerator. If it’s still not setting after several hours, you may have added too much condensed milk or not enough white chocolate. Try returning it to a pot, adding a bit more melted white chocolate, and rechill.
Can I make this recipe with milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind it will change both the color and flavor profile of the fudge. The strawberry flavor will be less prominent when combined with milk chocolate’s stronger flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Fudge recipe brings together simplicity and sweetness in the most delightful way. With its pretty pink color and delicious strawberry flavor, it’s sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s quick enough for even the busiest days and special enough to feel like a true treat. Give it a try—I bet it becomes one of your go-to easy dessert recipes!