Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a little piece of my Christmas heart with you.Candy Cane Fudge: What isIsn’t just any fudge; Is it the kind that makes you want to curl up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and watch an old movie? If you’re a fan of peppermint bark, just imagine that, but in Ice Cream, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Is it addictive? Is baking a tradition every year? My grandma used to make something similar, and this recipe is my attempt to capture that magic. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up – even easier than making cookies, which is a major win in my book. I love holiday madness, especially when it’s in full swing!
What is candy cane fudge?
Alright, let’s break it down. Candy Cane Fudge is a is essentially a creamy, decadent fudge infused with the refreshing flavors of peppermint and adorned with crushed candy canes. Think of it as a festive spin on classic chocolate fudge, perfect for the holiday season. It’s essentially a buttery, sweet canvas elevated by the cool, invigorating taste of peppermint. I always use a high-quality White Chocolate as the base, which gives it that super smooth texture and allows the peppermint flavor to really shine. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and minty, and the crushed candy canes add a delightful crunch that makes it so irresistible. Plus, that vibrant red and white swirl? Absolutely gorgeous!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons why this is so?Candy Cane Fudge is a has become a holiday staple in my home. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! The creamy white chocolate combined with the sharp, refreshing peppermint is a match made in dessert heaven. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a master baker to pull this off. It’s a simple melt-and-mix situation, which makes it perfect for those busy holiday weeks when you’re short on time. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. You probably already have most of them in your pantry! And let’s talk about versatility. You can serve this fudge at holiday parties, give it as gifts, or just keep it all to yourself (no judgment here!). I’ve even crumbled it over Ice Cream – talk about a next-level dessert experience! I find it’s much more satisfying and special than just buying store-bought fudge, and it’s a surefire way to impress your friends and family. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer!
How do you make candy cane fudge?
Quick Overview
Making this Candy Cane Fudge: What are is surprisingly simple! You’ll start by melting your white chocolate with Sweetened Condensed Milk and a touch of butter. Then, you’ll stir in some peppermint extract and half of your crushed candy canes. Pour the mixture into a prepared pan, sprinkle the remaining candy canes on top, and let it set. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s practically foolproof and requires minimal baking skills. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can absolutely nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Fudge:
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 24 ounces good-quality White Chocolate chips (I swear by Ghirardelli, it melts beautifully!)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste – some extracts are stronger than others!)
* 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, divided (I like to use a food processor for this, but you can also put them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Is it necessary to line an 8×8 inch Baking Pan with parchment paper? How do you lift fudge out of a jar? Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Preheat? No oven needed for this bad boy.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the Sweetened Condensed Milk, white chocolate chips, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate mixture in a double boiler over simmering water.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract
Once the chocolate mixture is melted and smooth, stir in the peppermint extract. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste, depending on the strength of your extract. I always err on the side of caution and add it gradually to avoid overpowering the fudge.
Step 4: Mix in Candy Canes
Gently fold in half of the crushed candy canes into the chocolate mixture. Can you use the remaining candy canes for topping the fudge?
Step 5: Pour into Pan
What is the best way to make Chocolate Cake? Pour it into a baking pan and spread it evenly. I like to use an offset spatula to ensure a smooth surface.
Step 6: Add Topping
Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes evenly over the top of the fudge. Gently press the candy canes into the fudge to help them adhere.
Step 7: Chill
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm. I often leave it in the fridge overnight for best results.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut the fudge into small squares using a sharp knife. I find that warming the knife slightly under hot water helps to create clean cuts.
What should I serve it with?
This Candy Cane Fudge is aIs incredibly versatile! For a festive breakfast, serve it alongside steamed coffee or hot chocolate. What is the best peppermint flavor to pair with chocolate? For brunch, arrange the fudge squares on a pretty platter with other holiday treats like cookies and other goodies. A glass of sparkling cider would be a lovely accompaniment. As a dessert, this fudge is perfect on its own, but you can also dress it up by serving it with some whipped cream. What is the best way to serve vanilla Ice Cream? For cozy snacks, simply cut a few squares of fudge and enjoy them with your favorite book. I love to keep a stash of this fudge in the fridge for those late night cravings!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Candy Cane Fudge
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Candy Cane Fudge: What is to the next level. When melting the chocolate, make sure to use a good-quality White Chocolate. Cheaper brands tend to be waxy and don’t melt as smoothly. Don’t skip the butter! It adds richness and helps the fudge set properly. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up and become grainy. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently. If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use peppermint oil, but use it sparingly as it’s much more potent. When crushing the candy canes, make sure to crush them into small pieces, but not too fine. You want some texture in the fudge! For a festive touch, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the chocolate mixture to create a swirled effect. And most importantly, be patient and let the fudge chill completely before cutting it. This will ensure that it holds its shape and doesn’t crumble. If you want to use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate, feel free! You can also add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Candy Cane Fudge stores beautifully! At room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. To keep it fresh for longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. For long-term storage, you can freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. I usually add the extra crushed candy canes before serving, especially if I know its going to be out for a bit. Frozen fudge tastes amazing and the crushed candy canes bring it back to life.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! My go-to recipe for Candy Cane Fudge that’s guaranteed to bring a little bit of holiday magic to your home. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making, a way to connect with loved ones, and a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious, making it the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, minty, and crunchy that everyone will love. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday treats, like my gingerbread cookies and my peppermint bark brownies. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, share those too! Let’s spread the holiday cheer, one batch of fudge at a time!
Candy Cane Fudge
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips.
- Stir in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Fold in crushed candy canes.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
