Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Say hello to your new holiday obsession! Candy Cane Fudge is that magical treat that seems to make the season sparkle just a little brighter. Each bite blends the creamy decadence of white chocolate with the zingy freshness of peppermint and the irresistible crunch from candy cane pieces—all crowned with a beautiful swirl of festive color if you like. Whether you’re a fudge fanatic or just looking for an impressive (but secretly simple) dessert to wow your friends, this recipe delivers joy in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can create Candy Cane Fudge that’s rich, flavorful, and full of holiday charm. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing together sweetness, texture, and that unmistakable peppermint cheer.
- White chocolate chips: The creamy, sweet base for the fudge, they melt into silky smoothness and are the backbone of every bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and the perfect fudgy texture, keeping everything soft but sliceable.
- Peppermint extract: The dreamy ingredient that gives your Candy Cane Fudge its signature bright and refreshing holiday flavor.
- Crushed candy canes: These bring color, irresistible crunch, and an extra hit of fresh mint—don’t forget a little extra for the perfect finish!
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and deepen the chocolatey notes.
- Red food coloring (optional): A few drops swirled through the top make your fudge super festive and oh-so-pretty.
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overhang on two sides—the fudge will be much easier to lift out when it’s set. This little trick is a total game changer when you’re ready to slice and serve.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently and continuously, letting the chocolate melt fully until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and irresistibly glossy. Patience is key here—low and slow will keep things from scorching or seizing up.
Step 3: Infuse with Peppermint and Color
Remove your pan from the heat and quickly stir in the peppermint extract, salt, and 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a few drops of red food coloring and use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it through the fudge for a beautiful marbled effect. Try not to overmix the color—those streaks are what make it truly eye-catching!
Step 4: Pour, Top, and Chill
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle a generous handful of extra crushed candy canes all over the surface, gently pressing them in so every bite has a bit of crunch. Pop the pan in the fridge and let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until it’s perfectly firm.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your Candy Cane Fudge is set, grab the parchment overhang and lift the whole slab out of the pan. For picture-perfect squares, warm a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. Slice into bite-sized pieces and get ready for everyone to swoon.
How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Dust the tops with extra crushed candy canes for that signature sparkle and color, or add a dainty drizzle of melted dark chocolate if you want to amp up the drama. You could also scatter a touch of edible glitter for a snowy touch that makes your fudge look straight out of a winter wonderland.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to enjoy Candy Cane Fudge, but pairing it with a mug of hot cocoa or a creamy latte creates the ultimate cozy combo. For holiday parties, add the fudge to a dessert board with fresh berries, shortbread, and spiced nuts to balance all the sweetness with a little crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to spread the cheer, package squares in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for adorable edible gifts. Layer them between sheets of parchment in a festive tin, or stack them on a pretty platter for your next holiday gathering. You can even cut the fudge into shapes using small cookie cutters for an extra-special presentation that’s almost too cute to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once sliced, keep your Candy Cane Fudge in an airtight container in the fridge—this keeps it fresh and prevents the candy canes from getting sticky. Lay parchment or wax paper between layers to preserve those clean, beautiful edges and stop everything from sticking together. Properly stored, your fudge will stay delicious for up to two weeks (but it rarely lasts that long!).
Freezing
Need to make your fudge even further in advance? No problem! Pop your squares in a freezer-safe container, again separating layers with parchment. Your Candy Cane Fudge will keep perfectly in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge—no need to rush.
Reheating
Fudge is best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you love an extra-soft texture, let your squares sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, since it can melt the fudge and make the candy canes mushy. Just a bit of patience and your fudge will be the perfect consistency every time.
Candy Cane Fudge FAQs
Can I use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
You absolutely can! White chocolate keeps the flavor classic and sweet, but if you’re a milk or dark chocolate lover, feel free to swap them in—the result will be just as creamy, but with a richer base that pairs beautifully with peppermint. Just note that the fudge will be darker, and the peppermint color contrast won’t be as striking.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Leave those stress balls aside and grab a zip-top bag! Place your candy canes inside, seal the bag, and then gently tap them with a rolling pin or heavy pan. Go for a mix of fine bits and chunky pieces—this gives the fudge fun bursts of crunch and color without making it too crumbly.
My fudge turned out too soft. What did I do wrong?
A too-soft texture usually means the fudge didn’t chill long enough, or the ratio of chocolate to condensed milk was off. Make sure to use exactly three cups of white chocolate chips, and let the fudge chill until completely firm. If your kitchen is warm, you might need a bit of extra chill time to get those perfect slices.
Can I make Candy Cane Fudge vegan?
Definitely! Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and swap the sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based substitute (look for coconut or soy versions at most grocery stores). The texture and flavor will still wow your crowd, and everyone can enjoy a taste of winter magic.
Does Candy Cane Fudge need to be refrigerated?
Yes, to keep the fudge fresh and the candy cane pieces nice and crisp, store everything in the fridge. The cold helps the fudge maintain its smooth, just-firm-enough texture, so it slices like a dream and stays perfectly delicious for days.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen (and your holiday memories) with smiles, make this Candy Cane Fudge at least once this season. It comes together in minutes, tastes like the holidays in fudge form, and is guaranteed to make you the most popular person at any gathering. Go ahead—treat yourself and share the magic!
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Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 small squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with this delightful Candy Cane Fudge. Creamy white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of peppermint come together in this easy-to-make no-bake treat. Topped with crushed candy canes for a pop of color and crunch, this fudge is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Main Fudge:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: red food coloring for a swirl effect
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract, salt, and crushed candy canes. Swirl in food coloring for a marbled effect if desired.
- Set Fudge: Pour mixture into the pan, top with extra crushed candy canes, and refrigerate until firm.
- Serve: Lift fudge out with parchment, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- For cleaner cuts, warm the knife between slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
