There is something truly magical about the holiday season, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like the Candy Cane Fudge Recipe. This rich, creamy fudge blends the smooth sweetness of white chocolate with the crisp, refreshing zing of peppermint, creating a treat that instantly brightens any celebration. Whether you’re gifting it to friends or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of cocoa, this dessert is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe, it will become your go-to festive favorite year after year!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candy Cane Fudge Recipe comes together with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the white chocolate chips provide silky sweetness, the sweetened condensed milk adds creamy richness, the peppermint extract and crushed candy canes bring that unmistakable minty sparkle, and vanilla extract ties everything together with warmth.
- White chocolate chips: Use good-quality chips for a smooth, creamy base that melts perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This thick, sweet liquid gives the fudge its luxuriously dense texture and natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out the flavors deliciously.
- Peppermint extract: Just a little packs a refreshing, cool punch that sings of winter holidays.
- Crushed candy canes: They add crunchy texture and colorful festive flecks throughout the fudge.
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the fudge later. Having everything ready before you melt the chocolate makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the white chocolate chips together with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture is silky smooth and to prevent scorching. The key here is patience — slow and steady melting creates the perfect texture for your Candy Cane Fudge Recipe.
Step 3: Add Flavors and Candy Canes
Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Then fold in one cup of crushed candy canes, distributing those colorful bits evenly throughout the fudge for bursts of peppermint joy in every bite.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top for a festive, crunchy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours until firm. This step is crucial to ensure clean slices and that signature fudge texture that makes this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top adds both color and a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you could drizzle melted dark chocolate for a contrasting touch that complements the peppermint perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this fudge alongside peppermint hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk to enhance its creamy sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with gingerbread cookies or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual squares in festive cellophane and tie with red and white twine for charming gifts. For a party, arrange fudge pieces on a decorative platter with small holiday-themed picks to make grabbing bites easy and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it away from heat or sunlight to maintain the perfect creamy texture and peppermint crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze Candy Cane Fudge Recipe pieces by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months without any loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If it becomes too firm after refrigeration or freezing, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
While this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe is designed for white chocolate to highlight the peppermint flavor, you can certainly experiment with dark or milk chocolate for a richer or more intense chocolate taste, though the overall flavor profile will change.
How finely should I crush the candy canes?
Crush the candy canes into small pieces roughly the size of coarse sand. This ensures a nice crunch and colorful specks throughout the fudge without being too hard to bite into.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate contain dairy, but you can look for plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind that these may alter the texture and flavor, so some trial and error might be needed.
Is it possible to add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries can add nice texture and flavor contrasts to the fudge. Just fold them in along with the crushed candy canes.
How long does the fudge stay fresh?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature, or up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Candy Cane Fudge Recipe truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season with its luscious creaminess and festive peppermint crunch. It’s simple to make yet impressively delicious, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even enjoying as a personal treat. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it part of your cherished celebrations!
Print
Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Candy Cane Fudge recipe delivers a creamy white chocolate treat with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for holiday celebrations. Easy to make in just 15 minutes and yields 24 delightful servings, it combines smooth sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips with crushed candy canes for a minty crunch.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Toppings
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge.
- Melt White Chocolate and Milk: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, making sure not to burn the chocolate.
- Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract thoroughly to infuse the fudge with minty and vanilla flavors.
- Mix in Candy Canes: Fold in 1 cup of crushed candy canes gently to distribute the peppermint pieces evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top as decorative garnish.
- Set the Fudge: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until it is firm enough to cut into squares.
- Serve: Remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 24 squares and enjoy your festive candy cane fudge.
Notes
- Ensure you melt the white chocolate slowly over low heat to avoid scorching.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best texture and flavor.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- You can customize the intensity of the peppermint flavor by adjusting the peppermint extract quantity.
- Crushing candy canes finely allows for a better distribution and softer bite in the fudge.
