Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge is one of the most irresistible holiday treats you can make—creamy, festive, and packed with sweet peppermint crunch. This melt-in-your-mouth fudge blends silky white chocolate with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes, creating a dessert that tastes just like Christmas. It’s beautifully swirled with red streaks, topped with crunchy peppermint pieces, and sets perfectly every single time. Since it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s incredibly simple and ideal for last-minute gifting, cookie trays, dessert bars, or holiday parties. If you want a show-stopping treat with minimal effort, this Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge is the perfect holiday dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge
You’ll love this fudge because it’s incredibly easy, even for beginners. With just a handful of ingredients and no candy thermometer, the recipe guarantees smooth, creamy results every time. The combination of silky fudge and crunchy peppermint offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It stores beautifully, travels well, and looks impressive on holiday dessert tables. Moreover, it’s one of those recipes that always tastes homemade and festive without requiring much time in the kitchen.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This fudge is ideal if you’re searching for a quick, fail-proof holiday dessert. Since it uses pantry staples and simple steps, it works perfectly for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with hot cocoa on a cozy winter night. The candy cane topping adds color and crunch, making each piece look beautifully decorated without extra work. Because the fudge sets quickly, you can prepare it ahead of time and keep it chilled until serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 3 cups white chocolate chips
● 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
● ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
● 1 cup crushed candy canes
● ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
● A pinch of salt
● Optional: red food coloring for swirling
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough overhang to lift the fudge out easily.
2. Melt the Base
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.
3. Add Flavor
Once the mixture is silky, remove it from the heat. Stir in peppermint extract, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
4. Add Candy Canes
Fold in about half of the crushed candy canes. They will soften slightly, flavoring the fudge without losing all their crunch.
5. Swirl the Red Color (Optional)
If you want festive color, drop a few streaks of red gel food coloring into the mixture and gently swirl using a toothpick.
6. Pour and Top
Spread the fudge evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes across the top.
7. Chill to Set
Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
8. Slice and Serve
Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment and cut into even squares.
Nutritional Information (Per Piece, approx.)
Calories: 145
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 22g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 1g
10 Tips for the Best Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge
- Use high-quality white chocolate for a smoother finish.
- Melt slowly on low heat to avoid graininess.
- Add peppermint extract sparingly; it’s strong.
- Crush candy canes gently—not too fine.
- Line the pan well to avoid sticking.
- Let it chill completely before slicing.
- Use a warm knife for perfect cuts.
- Add red swirls for a festive look.
- Don’t overmix after adding extract.
- Store cold to maintain texture.
8 Variations & Substitutions
● Chocolate Peppermint Fudge: Swap white chocolate for semi-sweet.
● Swirled Fudge: Add alternating layers of white and dark chocolate fudge.
● Mint Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips.
● Oreo Peppermint: Add crushed holiday Oreos.
● Almond Peppermint: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract.
● Pink Peppermint Fudge: Tint the entire base pale pink.
● Extra Marshmallow: Add 1 cup mini marshmallows for fluff.
● Marble Fudge: Blend with a chocolate layer for contrast.
What to Serve with Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge
Serve this fudge with hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, Christmas coffee, or warm chai. It pairs beautifully with holiday cookies—like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookie bites, snowball cookies, or chocolate peppermint bark. Additionally, it works perfectly in dessert tins, edible gift baskets, and Christmas snack trays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Overheating the chocolate (causes it to seize).
● Adding too much peppermint extract.
● Not lining the pan properly.
● Using low-quality chocolate chips.
● Slicing before the fudge is fully chilled.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
● Room Temperature: Store layered with parchment up to 4 days.
● Refrigerator: Keep airtight for 7–10 days.
● Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
● Serving Tip: Let sit at room temp 10 minutes for softer texture.
Conclusion
Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge is a festive, creamy, and irresistibly sweet holiday treat that delivers a perfect balance of peppermint crunch and smooth white chocolate. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and ideal for gifting. Whether you’re preparing cookie trays, dessert boxes, or holiday treats for family gatherings, this fudge brings the perfect touch of Christmas magic to every bite.
10 Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract? Yes, but use only a few drops—it’s stronger.
- Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate? Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Why is my fudge grainy? It may have overheated. Melt chocolate slowly.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—use a 9×13 pan.
- Can I make it without peppermint? Yes, substitute vanilla or almond.
- Will the candy canes stay crunchy? Partially—they soften slightly but still add texture.
- Can I microwave the chocolate mixture? Yes, melt in 20-second intervals.
- How long does it need to chill? At least 2–3 hours.
- Can I add marshmallows? Yes, fold in 1 cup mini marshmallows.
- Is it good for gifting? Absolutely—this fudge packs beautifully and stays fresh for days.