Easy Candy Cane Fudge Recipe for Sweet Holiday Cheer

Sweet dreams come alive with this dreamy candy cane fudge that melts smoothly across your taste buds.

Winter’s magical essence captures hearts through rich chocolate swirled with peppermint’s cool touch.

Festive celebrations deserve something spectacular like this simple yet elegant dessert.

Chocolate lovers understand how a single bite can transport memories of holiday cheer.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crushed mint pieces creating an irresistible treat.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum enjoyment for anyone craving a delightful seasonal indulgence.

Craft this decadent delight and watch eyes light up with pure delight.

Candy Cane Fudge That Brings Holiday Joy

• Simple recipe requiring only basic kitchen tools and ingredients, perfect for novice bakers seeking delicious results.
• Kid-friendly cooking process where children can help crush candy canes and sprinkle toppings, creating fun holiday memories together.
• Elegant dessert that looks professionally made but takes minimal time, ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or winter celebrations.

What You’ll Need for Candy Cane Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy base for fudge, melts smoothly and provides rich texture. Best to use high-quality chocolate for best results.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth, creamy consistency. Key to achieving perfect fudge texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweet flavor with warm, classic note. Pure vanilla provides the best taste.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers classic candy cane flavor and festive holiday spirit. Use pure peppermint extract for strongest flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors. Fine sea salt works best.

• Candy Canes: Classic peppermint decoration that adds crunch and visual appeal. Traditional red and white striped candy canes work perfectly. Crush into small pieces for even distribution.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy fudge removal and clean cutting. Choose non-stick, unbleached parchment for best results.

Making Candy Cane Fudge in Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the sides have extra paper hanging out for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

• White chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• Salt

Stir until ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the luxurious fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly and create a perfectly smooth surface.

Step 5: Decorate with Festive Crunch

Sprinkle crushed candy canes across the fudge surface. Gently press the pieces to ensure they stick to the creamy base.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for at least two hours, allowing it to firm up completely.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into elegant squares and enjoy the holiday treat.

Handy Hints for Candy Cane Fudge Lovers

• Choose Premium Chocolate: Select high-quality white chocolate chips that melt smoothly and provide rich, creamy texture for the best fudge results.
• Crush Candy Canes Carefully: Smash candy canes inside a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin to create consistent, fine pieces that distribute evenly across the fudge surface.
• Control Mint Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract quantity based on personal preference- start with less and taste before adding more to prevent overwhelming flavor.
• Prevent Sticking Tricks: Spray spatula with non-stick cooking spray when spreading fudge mixture to ensure smooth, clean surface and easier handling during preparation.
• Store Smartly: Keep fudge refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture and prevent pieces from sticking together.

Keep Candy Cane Fudge Fresh and Festive

• Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore its creamy texture.
• For best taste and texture, enjoy the fudge cold directly from the refrigerator. The cool temperature keeps the candy cane pieces crisp and the fudge firm.

Best Treats to Serve with Candy Cane Fudge

• Bold Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Swirl rich, creamy hot chocolate with a dash of peppermint schnapps to complement the fudge's cool mint flavor. The warm drink balances the rich chocolate and provides a cozy holiday contrast.
• Chilled Peppermint Mocha
• Blend cold brew coffee with a splash of peppermint syrup and milk for a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet fudge. The coffee's slight bitterness cuts through the fudge's sweetness perfectly.
• Moscato d'Asti
• Pour a light, sparkling Moscato d'Asti with gentle sweet notes that dance alongside the candy cane fudge. Its delicate bubbles and soft sweetness enhance the dessert's peppermint and chocolate profile.
• Candy Cane Martini
• Mix vodka, white crème de menthe, and a candy cane rim for a playful drink that mirrors the fudge's festive spirit. The cocktail's minty kick echoes the fudge's peppermint undertones.

Candy Cane Fudge Flavors to Explore

• Chocolate Lover's Edition: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a rich, intense flavor profile that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• No-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free white chocolate chips and sugar-free candy canes to create a low-carb, diabetic-friendly fudge variation.
• Gluten-Free Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking candy canes and chocolate chips to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

Candy Cane Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic sparkles in this candy cane fudge, blending smooth chocolate with peppermint’s cool crunch. Creamy layers of rich chocolate and crushed candy canes create a delightful winter treat you’ll savor with pure seasonal joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (340 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Garnish and Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (50 g) crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Protect your work surface by lining a square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over edges for convenient extraction.
2. Create a velvety base by gently melting white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan, stirring consistently until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by removing the saucepan from heat and incorporating vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt, blending thoroughly to distribute aromatics evenly.
4. Transfer the luxurious mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread the fudge smoothly and create an even surface.
5. Decorate the fudge by generously scattering crushed candy canes across the top, delicately pressing them to ensure they adhere to the creamy foundation.
6. Allow the confection to solidify by chilling in the refrigerator for approximately two hours, or until the fudge reaches a firm, sliceable consistency.
7. Carefully lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper handles, then slice into elegant, bite-sized squares ready for serving.

Notes

• Prep the pan with a parchment paper sling to guarantee effortless fudge removal and clean cutting.
• Melt chocolate slowly and gently to prevent scorching, which can create a grainy texture and ruin the smooth consistency.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and creamy texture, avoiding brands with excessive stabilizers.
• Crush candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain their vibrant color and prevent moisture absorption that can make them sticky.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for unique flavor variations while keeping the peppermint base.
• Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• For a gluten-free version, verify all ingredient labels and use certified gluten-free white chocolate chips.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg