There’s just something magical about candy canes, isn’t there? The crisp peppermint, the festive red and white swirls… they instantly transport me back to childhood holidays, stringing them on the tree and sneaking a taste (or five!). This time of year calls for treats that are not only delicious but also bring that warm, fuzzy feeling. And let me tell you, this Candy Cane Fudge recipe does just that! It’s unbelievably easy to make, comes together in a flash, and tastes like a little bite of holiday heaven. Seriously, if you’re looking for a memorable, fuss-free dessert that everyone will adore, you’ve found your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love Candy Cane Fudge
- Fast: Ready in about 15 minutes of active prep time!
- Easy: No baking, no candy thermometers, just pure simple deliciousness.
- Giftable: Perfect for holiday treat boxes or hostess gifts.
- Crowd-pleasing: That classic peppermint and chocolate combo is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this festive delight:
- 20 ounces White Chocolate Chips: I usually go for a good quality brand here, as the white chocolate is the star of the show! It gives our fudge that creamy, sweet base.
- 14 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the secret to our fudge’s incredible texture and sweetness. Make sure it’s sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, for the right consistency.
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way to give us that perfect candy cane flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste!
- 1½ cups Candy Canes, chopped: The festive crunch and iconic peppermint flavor. You can buy pre-crushed ones or have fun crushing them yourself!
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge
Alright, let’s get this holiday party started! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together.
- First things first, let’s get your dish ready. Line an 8×8 casserole dish or a baking sheet with foil. I always recommend spraying the foil lightly with a nonstick spray too; it makes lifting the fudge out so much easier later on!
- Now for the fun part: candy cane crushing! Place your candy canes in a sturdy plastic bag. Seal it up, and then grab a rolling pin. Channel your inner stress-buster and crush those candy canes until you have nice, chunky pieces.
- Next, grab a medium pan. Over low heat, you’re going to melt your white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Keep stirring frequently, and don’t worry if a few small chips remain. Once it’s mostly melted, take it off the heat and keep stirring until those last few chips disappear completely and you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This no-bake method is truly magical, much like whipping up other quick and easy treats such as our Funfetti Cookies & Cream Fudge.
- Time for flavor! Stir in the peppermint extract and about 1 cup of your freshly chopped candy canes into the melted chocolate mixture. The aroma alone is enough to get you in the holiday spirit!
- Immediately pour this glorious peppermint mixture into your prepared dish. Work quickly, as fudge sets fast!
- Take the remaining ½ cup of chopped candy canes and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the fudge. Gently press them into the surface a bit; this helps them stick and makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Pop your dish into the refrigerator and let it chill until it’s perfectly set, which usually takes about 2-3 hours. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to delicious treats! If you’re a fan of desserts that don’t require an oven, you might also enjoy our collection of no-bake desserts, like our No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake, which are perfect for any occasion.
- Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the foil, peel it away, and then cut your festive fudge into small squares. Serve it up and watch it disappear! This makes a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert platter alongside other easy homemade peanut butter balls.
Substitutions & Additions
This Candy Cane Fudge is fantastic as is, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Chocolate Swap: Not a white chocolate fan? You can try milk or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, though the color won’t be as festive! You might also want to reduce the peppermint extract slightly if using dark chocolate to let the chocolate flavor shine.
- Extract Variations: Instead of peppermint, try a tiny bit of almond extract or even a splash of vanilla bean paste for a different twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add some crushed Oreos, pretzels, or even mini marshmallows along with the candy canes for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the fudge is set, melt a little extra white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an elegant touch.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overheat: When melting the white chocolate and condensed milk, keep the heat low and stir constantly. White chocolate can seize easily if it gets too hot. Removing it from the heat when a few small chips remain helps prevent this!
- Work Quickly: Fudge sets fast! Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start melting the chocolate.
- Fresh Candy Canes: Using fresh, crisp candy canes makes a difference in both flavor and texture. Stale ones can be sticky and hard to crush.
- Even Spreading: Once poured, quickly smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even thickness, making for prettier squares when cut.
- Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife. You can even run it under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for extra neatness.
How to Store Candy Cane Fudge
Once you’ve made your delicious Candy Cane Fudge, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible!
- At Room Temperature: This fudge can sit out at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2-3 days, especially if your home isn’t too warm.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze fudge! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives it that classic “snowy” look, you can definitely use milk or dark chocolate chips. Just be aware the color and flavor profile will change.
Do I have to use peppermint extract?
If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can omit it and simply enjoy a vanilla-flavored white chocolate fudge with candy cane bits. Or, try another extract like almond or vanilla bean paste!
My fudge isn’t setting, what did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the white chocolate and condensed milk weren’t fully combined, or if there wasn’t enough chilling time. Ensure all the chocolate chips are completely melted and mixed in, and give it the full 2-3 hours (or more if needed) in the fridge.
Can I make this ahead of time for gifts?
Yes! This fudge is perfect for making ahead. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it ideal for holiday gifting or party prep.
For more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Sparkling Peppermint Perfection: Easy No-Bake Candy Cane Fudge for the Holidays!
This easy no-bake Candy Cane Fudge brings a magical, festive feel to the holidays. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly delicious, and perfect for gifting or a memorable family treat.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare your dish. Line an 8×8 casserole dish or a baking sheet with foil, and lightly spray the foil with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Crush the candy canes. Place candy canes in a sturdy plastic bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin until you have nice, chunky pieces.
- Step 3: Melt the chocolate mixture. In a medium pan, melt white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring frequently. Once mostly melted, remove from heat and continue stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Add flavor and mix-ins. Stir in the peppermint extract and about 1 cup of the freshly chopped candy canes into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Step 5: Pour and spread. Immediately pour this glorious peppermint mixture into your prepared dish. Work quickly, as fudge sets fast, and quickly smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even thickness.
- Step 6: Garnish. Take the remaining ½ cup of chopped candy canes and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the fudge. Gently press them into the surface a bit.
- Step 7: Chill. Pop your dish into the refrigerator and let it chill until it’s perfectly set, which usually takes about 2-3 hours.
- Step 8: Cut and serve. Once fully set, lift the fudge out using the foil, peel it away, and then cut your festive fudge into small squares. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, running it under hot water and wiping dry between cuts for extra neatness. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions:
- Chocolate Swap: Try milk or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, though the color won’t be as festive. You might want to reduce peppermint extract slightly with dark chocolate.
- Extract Variations: Substitute peppermint with almond extract or vanilla bean paste for a different twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add some crushed Oreos, pretzels, or mini marshmallows along with the candy canes for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the set fudge for an elegant touch.
- Don’t Overheat: When melting the white chocolate and condensed milk, keep the heat low and stir constantly. White chocolate can seize easily if it gets too hot; remove from heat when a few small chips remain and continue stirring until smooth.
- Work Quickly: Fudge sets fast! Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start melting the chocolate.
- Fresh Candy Canes: Using fresh, crisp candy canes makes a difference in both flavor and texture.
- Even Spreading: Once poured, quickly smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even thickness, making for prettier squares when cut.
- Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife. You can even run it under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for extra neatness.
- At Room Temperature: This fudge can sit out at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2-3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.