Sweet Holiday Magic: Festive Candy Cane Fudge Recipe

Decadent chocolate swirls dance with peppermint candy cane fudge in this irresistible holiday treat.

Sweet pockets of crushed candy canes peek through rich chocolate layers, creating a festive dessert that sparks joy.

Winter gatherings deserve something special and memorable.

This simple recipe brings magical moments to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Creamy chocolate blends seamlessly with cool mint notes, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Each bite transports you to cozy winter celebrations.

Prepare to melt hearts and create delicious memories with this crowd-pleasing confection.

FAQs

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

White chocolate works best for this recipe as it provides a smooth, creamy base that complements the peppermint flavor. Milk chocolate might alter the texture and taste of the fudge.

• How finely should I crush the candy canes?

Crush the candy canes into small, uneven pieces about the size of rock salt. This creates a nice crunch and allows the peppermint flavor to distribute evenly across the fudge.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping crush the candy canes and sprinkling them on top. The recipe is simple and doesn’t require complex cooking techniques, making it a fun holiday activity.

• How long will the fudge stay fresh?

The fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep it chilled to maintain its firm texture and prevent melting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 182 kcal

Servings: 16

Candy Cane Fudge Ingredient Lineup

• White Chocolate Chips: Provides creamy foundation, select high-quality chips for smooth texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates rich sweetness and helps chocolate melt smoothly, choose full-fat version for best results.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm background flavor, use pure extract for deeper taste.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers signature holiday zest, select food-grade extract for intense minty punch.
• Salt: Balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Candy Canes: Brings delightful crunch and peppermint burst, choose bright red and white striped traditional canes for classic look.

Tools That Help Make Candy Cane Fudge Festive

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect fudge size.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.
• Medium saucepan: Necessary for melting chocolate and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading fudge evenly and pressing candy canes into surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Knife: Needed for cutting fudge into clean, even squares.
• Grater or food processor: Helpful for crushing candy canes into small pieces.

How to Make Candy Cane Fudge with a Crunchy Swirl

• Prep Your Workspace

Create a cozy baking station with a square pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring easy fudge removal later.

• Craft the Chocolate Base

Gently melt white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan, stirring constantly until silky smooth and dreamy.

• Infuseal Flavors

Pull the saucepan off the heat and swirl in vanilla and peppermint extracts with a pinch of salt, blending until perfectly combined.

• Spread the Sweet Delight

Pour the glossy mixture into your prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, tempting surface.

• Sprinkle Festive Crunch

Scatter crushed candy canes across the fudge, pressing them lightly to create a sparkling, festive topping.

• Cool and Set

Tuck the fudge into the refrigerator for a couple of hours until it becomes firm and irresistible.

• Slice and Celebrate

Lift the fudge from the pan using parchment paper, slice into delectable squares, and enjoy your winter treat.

Tips for Smooth and Minty Candy Cane Fudge

• Quick tips to elevate your candy cane fudge game.
• Experiment with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor profile that complements the peppermint wonderfully.
• Swap white chocolate for dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut condensed milk to create a vegan-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
• Keep fudge fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• For extra crunch, reserve some larger candy cane pieces to sprinkle on top just before serving, adding a delightful textural contrast to the smooth fudge.

Serve Candy Cane Fudge During the Holidays

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap individual fudge pieces in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, creating charming homemade presents for friends and family during Christmas season.
• Dessert Platter Delight: Arrange fudge squares on a decorative holiday plate alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and chocolate truffles for stunning presentation.
• Warm Beverage Companion: Serve small fudge squares alongside hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or chai tea for a delightful winter afternoon sweet pairing that enhances the cozy flavor experience.
• Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the fudge squares to create an elegant and visually appealing dessert that looks professionally crafted.

Store Candy Cane Fudge to Keep It Firm

• Refrigerate the fudge in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping it cold to maintain its smooth texture and prevent melting.
• Separate fudge squares with wax paper or parchment sheets when stacking to prevent sticking and preserve individual pieces' quality.
• Store the fudge in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, allowing longer-term enjoyment of this festive treat. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Keep the fudge chilled at 40°F or below to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent potential bacterial growth. Consume within 1 week for optimal taste and texture.

Festive Candy Cane Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Creamy Candy Cane Fudge brings holiday cheer with its peppermint-infused chocolate base. Rich swirls of white and dark chocolate create a festive treat perfect for winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (340 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (50 g) crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges for easy removal of the fudge.
2. Melting: Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan, heating gently and stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
3. Flavoring: Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Setting: Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a uniform surface.
5. Decorating: Sprinkle crushed candy canes across the top, lightly pressing them into the fudge to ensure they stick securely.
6. Chilling: Refrigerate for approximately two hours, or until the fudge becomes completely firm and can be cleanly sliced.
7. Serving: Extract the fudge using parchment paper handles, then cut into precise, bite-sized pieces ready for enjoyment.

Notes

• Mind Melting Temperature: Slowly melt white chocolate and condensed milk over low heat to prevent burning or separating, which can ruin the smooth fudge texture.
• Balance Peppermint Intensity: Start with small amounts of peppermint extract and taste gradually to avoid overwhelming the delicate white chocolate flavor, ensuring a balanced minty experience.
• Crush Candy Canes Strategically: Use a rolling pin or food processor to create varied candy cane chunk sizes – some fine dust for color, some larger pieces for crunch, enhancing visual and textural appeal.
• Storage Secret: Store fudge in an airtight container between parchment layers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, preventing moisture absorption and maintaining its creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg