Easy Peppermint Christmas Fudge Recipe | No-Bake Holiday Candy with White Chocolate & Candy Canes

This peppermint Christmas fudge is the ultimate no-bake holiday treat. Made with smooth white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed candy canes, it sets beautifully and slices cleanly every time. Perfect for cookie swaps, edible gifts, or festive dessert tables, this candy cane fudge combines classic holiday flavors with an easy, reliable recipe anyone can master.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reliable & Delicious: Delivers clean slices, smooth texture, and dependable flavor every time. 🌟
• Festive & Beautiful: Sets properly, swirls beautifully, and looks special without intricate decoration.
• Easy to Make: Uses simple pantry ingredients for a hassle-free holiday treat. ✨
• Perfect for Gifting: Holds up well for gifting, gatherings, and can be stored for extended periods.
• Versatile: Can be customized with red gel for a marbled effect and topped with crushed candy canes.

🛠 Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan (for melting ingredients) 🍲
• Spatula or whisk
• 8x8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula (optional, for smoothing)
• Skewer (optional, for swirling)
• Sharp knife (for slicing) 🔪

🥄 Key Ingredients

• White chocolate – High quality recommended for best results. 🍫
• Sweetened condensed milk – Provides sweetness and creamy texture. 🥛
• Butter – Adds richness and helps with setting. 🧈
• Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor. 🌿
• Crushed candy canes (or peppermint discs) – For that classic peppermint burst. 🍭
• Red gel food coloring (optional) – For a festive marbled effect. ❤️

🍪 How to Make Peppermint Christmas Fudge

1. Melt Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat. 🔥
2. Add Flavoring: Stir in vanilla extract and half of the crushed candy canes. If desired, add a few drops of red gel food coloring and swirl gently with a skewer for a marbled effect. 🌀
3. Pour into Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into a parchment-lined 8x8 inch baking pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula, pressing lightly to remove any trapped air. 🎂
4. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top of the fudge. Gently press them into the surface to ensure they stick. 🍬
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm. This is crucial for clean slices. ❄️
6. Slice and Serve: Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Store in an airtight container. 🎁

💡 Tips for Success

• Quality White Chocolate: Using high-quality white chocolate is key to preventing grainy texture and ensuring proper melting.
• Don’t Over-Swirl: If using red gel, swirl just enough to create a pattern (4-5 pulls with a skewer). Over-swirling can make the color muddy.
• Candy Canes vs. Peppermint Discs: Candy canes dissolve slightly for a soft, speckled texture. Peppermint discs stay crunchier and can clump. Choose based on desired texture and storage needs.

🆘 Fudge Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Fudge is grainy or doesn’t melt smoothly.

• Likely Cause: Low-quality white chocolate or overheating.
• Solution: Use good quality white chocolate. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly, and remove from heat as soon as it’s smooth.

Problem: Fudge doesn’t set properly.

• Likely Cause: Incorrect ingredient ratios or not enough chilling time.
• Solution: Ensure precise measurements. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or longer if needed, until firm.

Problem: Swirls look muddy.

• Likely Cause: Over-swirling the red gel food coloring.
• Solution: Use a skewer for only 4-5 gentle pulls to create the marbled effect. Less is more.

👩‍🍳 Pro Chef Tips

• Clean Cuts: For perfectly clean edges, wipe your knife blade with a warm, damp cloth between each cut.
• Flavor Variations: Consider adding a touch of almond extract for a different flavor profile, or a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• Decorative Packaging: For gifting, stack fudge squares with parchment paper in between layers in small treat bags and tie with festive ribbons.

☕ Perfect Pairings: What to Enjoy with Your Peppermint Christmas Fudge

This festive fudge pairs wonderfully with warm holiday beverages:

• Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate and peppermint flavors. ☕
• Coffee: A strong cup of coffee or espresso can balance the sweetness. ☕
• Peppermint Tea: For an extra peppermint kick, serve with a warm cup of peppermint tea.
• Milk: A simple glass of cold milk is always a comforting choice. 🥛

📦 How to Store

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Peppermint Christmas Fudge in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe box. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature; texture will remain consistent.

This comprehensive guide ensures you’ll create perfect Peppermint Christmas Fudge every time, making your holiday season even sweeter!

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