If you have a craving for something sweet, creamy, and bursting with festive flavors, this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe is exactly what you need. This fudge captures the essence of the holidays with its smooth white chocolate base enhanced by peppermint extract and sprinkled with crushed candy canes that add the perfect crunch and a pop of color. It’s rich yet light, simple to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it yourself. Let me walk you through this delightful treat that brings joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candy Cane Fudge Recipe stands out because of its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role in the final texture and flavor. From creamy white chocolate that gives the fudge its silky smoothness to crushed candy canes that add those festive peppermint notes and delightful crunch, every component is essential.
- White chocolate chips: These create the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth base for the fudge.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps bind everything together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that balances the peppermint’s brightness.
- Peppermint extract: Brings that signature holiday minty freshness that defines this fudge.
- Crushed candy canes: Gives texture, crunch, and a burst of festive red and white beauty.
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper to ensure your fudge lifts out easily once set. Measure and crush your candy canes into small pieces, but leave some slightly larger for sprinkling on top later. This step sets you up for smooth, easy assembly.
Step 2: Melt White Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a heatproof bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Warm the mixture gently over a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often until completely melted and smooth. This glossy mixture is the heart of your fudge’s creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Extracts and Candy Cane
Remove your melted chocolate mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts for that classic holiday flavor. Next, fold in most of your crushed candy cane pieces, saving some to sprinkle on top. This distributes the peppermint crunch throughout every bite.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Transfer the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top for a festive, eye-catching finish. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and slice it into squares. Now you have perfectly portioned pieces that are ready to be devoured or shared with friends and family!
How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Candy Cane Fudge Recipe, consider topping the squares with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Fresh mint leaves or mini candy canes as accents on the serving platter add a charming, festive touch that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or a simple cup of coffee, making it an ideal holiday dessert companion. Offer alongside a cheese platter with mild cheeses and fresh fruit for an unexpected yet delicious holiday snack board.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your fudge in clear cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon for delightful holiday gifts, or arrange the pieces on a decorative platter layered with festive napkins when serving at parties. For extra fun, turn pieces into cute holiday fudge pops by inserting sticks before chilling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Candy Cane Fudge Recipe stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, perfect for nibbling on whenever you want a festive treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fudge in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. It holds well for up to three months and will thaw beautifully in the refrigerator overnight without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. If you prefer a softer bite, allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
While you can use regular peppermint candies, candy canes are ideal because their texture and size add the perfect crunch and visual appeal. Crushing candies too finely may cause the fudge to lose its delightful texture contrast.
Is it possible to make this fudge dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, which usually contain dairy. However, you can experiment with dairy-free white chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk to create a vegan alternative with similar creamy results.
How long does the Candy Cane Fudge Recipe take to set?
Generally, the fudge needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to fully set and firm up, but for the best texture, chilling overnight is recommended.
Can I add nuts to this fudge?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can add a nice crunch and complement the peppermint flavor. Just fold them in with the crushed candy canes before pouring the mixture into the pan.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes evenly?
Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them. This allows you to control the size of the pieces so you get both powdery bits and larger crunchy chunks.
Final Thoughts
Making this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe truly brings the warmth and joy of the holidays right into your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare but feels special enough to impress anyone you share it with. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night by yourself, this fudge delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and peppermint sparkle. I encourage you to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Candy Cane Fudge is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract, it’s infused with the crunchy sweetness of crushed candy canes both inside and on top for a delightful texture and flavor contrast. Easy to prepare with no baking required, this fudge makes a perfect holiday gift or party dessert.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Mix-ins and Topping
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and crush the candy canes into small pieces. Set aside one portion for mixing into the fudge and keep some to sprinkle on top later.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, being careful not to overheat and scorch the chocolate.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract evenly into the chocolate mixture for that signature holiday flavor.
- Mix in Candy Canes: Fold in 1 cup of crushed candy canes gently, spreading them throughout the fudge mixture to distribute texture and peppermint crunch.
- Transfer to Pan: Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pour the fudge mixture into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crushed candy canes evenly over the top, pressing lightly to help them stick to the fudge surface.
- Chill the Fudge: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm and set.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, cut into 24 squares using a sharp knife, and serve or package as gifts.
Notes
- Ensure the heat is low when melting the chocolate to prevent burning.
- Use fresh candy canes for the best texture and flavor.
- For easier slicing, let the fudge chill overnight.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Can be customized by adding crushed nuts or drizzled dark chocolate if desired.
