Candy Cane Fudge
Are you looking for a simple yet delicious holiday treat that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or sharing at holiday parties? Candy Cane Fudge might just be the answer. This festive fudge combines creamy white chocolate with the refreshing crunch of candy canes—bringing together the best flavors of the season in just minutes.
Why do I love this recipe? It’s so easy to make (literally takes 10 minutes to mix up!) and uses just four simple ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Let’s talk about how to make this festive fudge and a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the simple ingredient list:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 (12 oz) bags of white chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups crushed candy canes (about 12 candy canes)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removing the fudge easier later.
Step 2: Crush the Candy Canes
Crush your candy canes. Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to break them into small pieces. Don’t worry about getting them perfectly even—the mix of fine dust and larger pieces adds great texture.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round. Typically, it takes about three intervals, but you’ll want to stop once the chocolate is just starting to melt. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, so take your time.
Step 4: Mix It Together
Once the chocolate is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract and 1 cup of crushed candy canes. The extract gives the fudge that classic minty flavor, while the candy canes add crunch. Pour the mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly. Press the remaining ½ cup of crushed candy canes on top for that festive finish.
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
Place the pan in the fridge for several hours or in the freezer if you’re in a rush. Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.
Storing and Freezing Candy Cane Fudge
Have you ever wondered how to store fudge to keep it fresh? Candy Cane Fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, freezing is a fantastic option! Simply wrap individual pieces of fudge in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fudge keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes—it’s just as delicious as the day it was made!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Melting it slowly in intervals is key to getting a smooth consistency.
- Use Parchment Paper: This makes removing and slicing the fudge much easier.
- Add Peppermint with Care: A little goes a long way, so stick to the 1 tsp measurement unless you love a super minty flavor.
Why This Candy Cane Fudge is a Holiday Favorite
This recipe brings a little bit of joy to everyone who tries it. The creamy white chocolate pairs perfectly with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, making each bite irresistible. It’s also an ideal recipe for gifting—just wrap a few pieces in a festive bag or tin, and you’ve got a homemade present that anyone will love. And it only take about 10 minutes to mix up!!
Fun Add-Ins and Substitutions for Candy Cane Fudge
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it can be. While the classic combination of white chocolate and candy canes is festive and delicious, there are so many ways to customize Candy Cane Fudge to suit your taste or get creative with what you have on hand.
Add-Ins to Elevate Your Fudge
- Mini Marshmallows: Stir in a handful of mini marshmallows before pouring the fudge into the pan for a fun, chewy texture.
- Sprinkles: Add red, green, or silver sprinkles on top for an extra festive look—perfect for parties or gifting.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Swirl in a small handful of melted dark chocolate for a marbled effect that balances the sweetness.
- Crushed Oreos: Mix in some crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream twist.
- Nuts: Finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios can add a satisfying crunch and complement the peppermint flavor.
Substitutions to Fit Your Preferences
- White Chocolate Chips: Can’t find white chocolate chips? White almond bark or white candy melts work as great substitutes. Just adjust the melting process as needed.
- Peppermint Extract: If you’re out of peppermint extract, vanilla extract can be used, though the fudge will lose its minty flavor. Alternatively, try adding a drop or two of mint-flavored oil.
- Candy Canes: Don’t have candy canes? Crushed peppermint candies or even red-and-white starlight mints work just as well.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips to make this fudge vegan-friendly.
- Smaller Batch: If you’d like to make a smaller batch, simply halve the recipe and use a loaf pan instead of an 8×8 pan.
- Larger Batch: Double the ingredients and use a 9 x 13 dish.
Get Creative with Flavors
- Chocolate Mint Combo: Swap out some of the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips to create a chocolate mint fudge.
- Fruit-Flavored : Use fruit-flavored candy canes (like cherry or raspberry) for a unique twist. Omit the peppermint extract.
With these fun add-ins and substitutions, you can make Candy Cane Fudge your own. Have you tried adding anything unique to your fudge? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’ve customized this holiday favorite!
So, what do you think? Will Candy Cane Fudge be on your holiday treat list this year? Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments!
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Candy Cane Fudge
Ingredients
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 24 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups crushed candy canes about 12 candy canes
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper
- Crush your candy canes. Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to break them into small pieces. Don’t worry about getting them perfectly even—the mix of fine dust and larger pieces adds great texture.
- Combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round. Typically, it takes about three intervals, but you’ll want to stop once the chocolate is just starting to melt. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, so take your time.
- Once the chocolate is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract and 1 cup of crushed candy canes. The extract gives the fudge that classic minty flavor, while the candy canes add crunch. Pour the mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly. Press the remaining ½ cup of crushed candy canes on top.
- Place the pan in the fridge for several hours or in the freezer if you’re in a rush. Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.