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The holidays call for simple, crowd-pleasing treats, and this Candy Cane Fudge delivers big flavor with minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. Crisp peppermint candy canes pair with silky white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk for a melt-in-your-mouth bite that looks as delightful as it tastes. With a quick stovetop melt and a chill, you’ll have a tray of pretty peppermint squares ready for gifting, parties, or cookie boxes.
Why You’ll Love It
- Fast: Just melt, stir, spread, and chill hands-on time is under 15 minutes.
- Festive: Crushed candy canes add color, crunch, and classic holiday flavor.
- Foolproof: Sweetened condensed milk helps the fudge set smooth and creamy every time.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray for the pan.
- 2 (10-ounce) packages vanilla/white baking chips (about 20 ounces total).
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk.
- 1 ½ cups crushed candy canes.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract.
- 1 dash red or green food coloring (optional swirl).
Ingredient Notes
- White Chips: Use quality white baking chips for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Candy Canes: Crush to varied sizes for both peppermint flavor and texture; reserve some for topping if you like.
- Peppermint Extract: A small amount boosts minty aroma without overpowering.
Tools You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking pan.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Medium saucepan and heatproof spatula.
- Zip bag and rolling pin (for crushing candy canes).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pan
Line an 8-inch square pan with foil or parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting; lightly coat with nonstick spray. - Melt the Base
Combine white baking chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat; stir frequently until chips are almost melted, then remove from heat and stir until completely smooth. - Add Peppermint
Stir in crushed candy canes, peppermint extract, and a small dash of red or green food coloring for a marbled holiday hue. - Spread and Chill
Spread evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top; chill until set, about 2–4 hours depending on fridge temperature. - Slice and Serve
Lift out using the foil/parchment, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into neat squares.
Pro Tips For Perfect Fudge
- Gentle Heat: Melt over medium heat and remove before boiling to keep the texture silky and prevent seizing.
- Texture Balance: Fold in most of the crushed candy and sprinkle a little on top, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Faster Set: Chill in the freezer for about 2 hours if you’re in a hurry, then let sit 20–30 minutes before cutting.
Variations
- Double Peppermint: Increase peppermint extract slightly for a bolder flavor profile.
- Swirl Effect: Divide the fudge in two bowls and tint one portion, then swirl together in the pan for a candy-cane look.
- Toppings: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for contrast before sprinkling candy cane bits.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week; separate layers with parchment to preserve the finish.
- Freeze tightly wrapped for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vanilla/white baking chips | 20 oz (two 10-oz packages) |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 14 oz (one can) |
| Crushed candy canes | 1 ½ cups |
| Peppermint extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Food coloring (optional) | 1 dash |
| Nonstick cooking spray | As needed |
Step Summary
- Line and spray pan; melt chips with condensed milk.
- Stir in candy canes, extract, and coloring; spread into pan.
- Chill to set; lift and slice into squares.
FAQs
Q: Can this be made in the microwave?
A: Yes melt chips and condensed milk in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth; avoid overheating to prevent graininess.
Q: How do I prevent sticky tops?
A: Press toppings in gently and chill uncovered for the first hour; once set, cover to store.
Q: Can I use peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
A: Absolutely round peppermints crush and work similarly and offer the same festive crunch.
Q: What’s the ideal pin title length for SEO on Pinterest?
A: Keep it under 100 characters; descriptions can be up to 500 characters front-load keywords for visibility.
Whip up this Candy Cane Fudge today for quick gifts, cookie trays, and cozy holiday nights pin it for later and share a batch with friends.
PrintCandy Cane Fudge (3 Ingredients!) – Festive, Creamy, And So Easy
Creamy white chocolate fudge swirled with crushed candy canes and peppermint for an easy, festive holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 (10 oz) packages vanilla/white baking chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups crushed candy canes
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 dash red or green food coloring (optional)
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil or parchment, leaving overhang; lightly coat with nonstick spray.
2. Combine white baking chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat; stir frequently until chips are almost melted. Remove from heat and stir until completely smooth.
3. Stir in crushed candy canes, peppermint extract, and a small dash of food coloring for a festive swirl.
4. Spread evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Chill until set, about 2–4 hours.
5. Lift out using the liner and slice into squares.
Notes
For faster setting, chill in the freezer for about 2 hours, then rest 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Reserve a few tablespoons of crushed candy canes to sprinkle on top and press gently to adhere.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week or freeze up to 1 month.