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Bubblegum Cloud Fudge is pure whimsy in a pan and captures the fun of sweet nostalgia with every bite. I whipped this up for a birthday party once when I could not find a bubblegum-flavored treat anywhere and now it is a let’s-make-it-again favorite for holidays and celebrations. This fudge has a creamy white chocolate base with fluffy clouds of marshmallow and a confetti finish that makes everyone smile.
My niece declared this the best after-school treat ever and watching everyone gather around the tin to pick their first piece is just as much fun as making it.
Ingredients
- White chocolate: Choose a high-quality white chocolate bar or melting wafers for the smoothest melt and best vanilla notes
- Sweetened condensed milk: This gives the fudge its thick chewy texture and helps keep it from being too sweet
- Unsalted butter: Use European style for rich dairy flavor and a softer bite
- Bubblegum flavoring: A concentrated extract to create that sweet nostalgic taste I recommend a brand-free of artificial aftertaste
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth Look for pure vanilla for best results
- White food gel: Allows for an opaque pastel base which helps the pink swirl pop
- Pink food gel: Adds the signature bubblegum color for visual appeal Use gel not liquid as it intensifies the hue without thinning the fudge
- Mini marshmallows: They melt into puffy clouds in each square giving a pillowy bite
- Confetti rainbow sprinkles: Pick the long jimmies for crunch and color with no weird aftertaste Choose brands that do not bleed color
Instructions
- Line the Pan:
- Prepare your pan by lining a nine-inch square baking dish with nonstick parchment paper Press the paper into all corners and let excess hang over sides for easy lifting later
- Melt the Base:
- Place white chocolate sweetened condensed milk and unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl Heat for forty seconds on high and stir well Repeat heating in forty second bursts stirring in between until all chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth with no lumps This usually takes two or three cycles
- Add Color and Flavor:
- Once the chocolate mixture is smooth add the bubblegum flavoring vanilla extract and drops of white and pink gel food coloring Stir well to fully blend until you see a soft pastel base with pink swirls Taste to make sure you love the level of bubblegum flavor
- Fold in Marshmallows:
- Quickly fold in the mini marshmallows so they stay pillowy and do not melt too much Use a flexible spatula so the marshmallow pockets stay intact
- Spread and Decorate:
- Scrape the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula Scatter rainbow sprinkles evenly over the surface and press lightly so they stick
- Chill and Set:
- Cover the pan and place in the fridge for at least three hours or until completely set For neater cuts chill overnight for a firmer slab
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift out the fudge using parchment handles and cut into squares with a sharp knife Wipe the blade between slices for clean edges Serve chilled or keep in a cool spot so the fudge holds its shape
I have always loved using bubblegum flavor because it fills the kitchen with the best candy shop scent. One Christmas my cousin and I sneaked an extra handful of marshmallows which made the fudge extra squishy and even better than planned.
Storage Tips
Keep the fudge in an airtight container layered between sheets of parchment to avoid sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week and let stand at room temperature five minutes before serving for the best creamy bite. If you are gifting it wrap squares individually in wax paper.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap white chocolate chips for a chopped white chocolate bar if that is what you have. If you cannot find bubblegum extract use a cotton candy flavor which gives a similar sweet fun result. Replace rainbow sprinkles with pastel nonpareils for a different look or with freeze-dried raspberries for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into tiny squares for a party dessert platter or serve larger pieces with ice cream for a decadent sundae topping. Stack a few pieces and tie with a ribbon as a lunchbox treat. My family loves this fudge as a colorful addition to birthday tables beside the cake.
Cultural and Historical Context
While bubblegum flavor is iconic for American childhood sweets and has been around since the nineteen twenties, turning it into fudge gives a contemporary twist to a retro flavor. Fudge itself originated as a coastal New England treat over a century ago, but today’s versions play with new textures and playful colors.
Seasonal Adaptations
For spring use pastel gel colors and bunny-shaped sprinkles. In summer decorate with edible flowers or blue jimmies for a carnival look. During holidays shape into stars or hearts with a cookie cutter.
Success Stories
When I first made this fudge for a neighborhood bake sale it sold out before anything else at the table. Friends still ask for the pink marshmallow fudge every time there is a family get-together. The bright colors and cloudlike texture make it almost magical for celebrations.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Yes you can freeze fudge for up to three months. Pack squares in a single layer in a hard-sided container lined with parchment and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This is a lifesaver when prepping party treats ahead of time.
This fudge is sure to brighten any celebration and is always a conversation starter. You will find yourself making it again and again for the nostalgia and the smiles.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What adds the bubblegum flavor?
This fudge uses a teaspoon of bubblegum flavoring, which infuses the candy with bright, nostalgic aroma and taste.
- → Can I use regular pink food coloring?
Yes, any pink food coloring or gel can be used to create swirled cloud-like visuals in the confection.
- → How do mini marshmallows affect texture?
Mini marshmallows create pockets of chewiness throughout the creamy fudge, adding a playful texture contrast.
- → How long does this fudge take to set?
Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for a few hours until fully firm, or speed up setting in the refrigerator.
- → Are rainbow sprinkles necessary?
Rainbow sprinkles add a festive look and extra sweetness, but you can skip or swap them for other toppings.