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📊Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 36 pieces
- Diet Type: Vegetarian
- Cuisine: American
Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like the smooth, creamy sweetness of white chocolate paired with cool peppermint.
This white chocolate peppermint fudge delivers festive flavors in every bite. The silky texture melts on your tongue while crushed candy canes add a satisfying crunch.
Best of all, you can whip up this impressive treat in minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
No candy thermometer required. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth during the winter season.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Incredibly Simple: Only 4-5 basic ingredients needed with minimal prep work required.
- No Candy Thermometer: Skip the guesswork and stress of traditional fudge-making methods.
- Quick Preparation: Active cooking time is just 2-3 minutes before the fudge sets on its own.
- Microwave or Stovetop Options: Choose your preferred method based on convenience and available equipment.
- Stunning Presentation: Red and white colors create an eye-catching holiday dessert that looks professionally made.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: Simple enough for children to help make, creating wonderful family memories.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaging squares of this fudge makes thoughtful homemade presents for neighbors, teachers, and coworkers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups white chocolate chips (18 oz)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, divided
Tools to Use
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Rubber spatula
- Rolling pin
- Ziplock bag
- Sharp knife
How to Make the White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Step-1: Prepare Your Pan
Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges for easy removal later.
Lightly spray with cooking spray if needed. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step-2: Crush the Candy Canes
Place unwrapped candy canes or peppermint candies in a ziplock bag. Seal the bag completely.
Use a rolling pin to crush the candies into various sized pieces. You want a mix of small bits and slightly larger chunks.
Aim for about 1 cup total of crushed peppermint.
Step-3: Melt the Base Ingredients
Microwave Method: Add white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth and melted.
This usually takes 2-3 minutes total.
Stovetop Method: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with a few inches of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to the top pot.
Stir constantly until everything melts together into a smooth mixture. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
Step-4: Add Flavorings
Remove the bowl from heat. Stir in peppermint extract and salt. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
The mixture should be silky and aromatic. Add half of the crushed candy canes (about 1/2 cup).
Fold gently until evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
Step-5: Pour and Set
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. Smooth the top surface.
Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top. Gently press them into the fudge so they adhere properly.
Step-6: Chill Until Firm
Cover the pan with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator. Let the fudge chill for at least 2-3 hours until completely firm.
For faster results, you can place it in the freezer for 1 hour. The fudge should feel solid to the touch when ready.
Step-7: Cut and Serve
Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board.
Use a sharp knife to cut into small squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve immediately or store properly.
Related Recipes You’ll Love to Try
- Gingerbread Cheesecake Parfaits: A No-Bake Holiday Delight
- Baked Cranberry Brie Bites: Easy & Festive Holiday Appetizer
- Easy Gingerbread Pudding Cups: No-Bake Dessert
- Easy Holiday Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 piece, based on 36 pieces):
- Calories: 95
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sodium: 30mg
Tips for Success
- Use Quality White Chocolate: Choose high-quality white chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor and texture. Ghirardelli and Lindt work beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the fudge.
- Test Your Peppermint Extract: Start with less extract than you think you need. You can always add more, but too much creates a toothpaste-like flavor.
- Work Quickly After Melting: White chocolate sets faster than you think. Pour and spread the fudge immediately after mixing in the flavorings.
- Line with Parchment Paper: This simple step makes removal effortless and prevents sticking completely.
- Warm Your Knife: Run your knife under hot water and dry it before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Allow Proper Setting Time: Rushing the chilling process results in soft, messy fudge that won’t hold its shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating the Chocolate: White chocolate scorches easily. Use low power settings and stir frequently to prevent burning and graininess.
- Using Mint Extract Instead of Peppermint: These are not interchangeable. Peppermint extract gives the authentic candy cane flavor you want.
- Skipping the Double Boiler: If using stovetop method, never place the bowl directly on heat. This causes the chocolate to seize and separate.
- Making on Humid Days: Excess moisture in the air can prevent fudge from setting properly. Choose clear, dry weather for best results.
- Not Measuring Extract Carefully: Too much peppermint extract overwhelms the delicate white chocolate and creates an unpleasant medicinal taste.
- Scraping Bowl Edges: Sugar crystals on the sides of your bowl can make fudge grainy. Pour from the center only.
- Cutting Too Soon: Patience is key. Cutting before the fudge fully sets creates ragged edges and misshapen pieces.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Gift Boxes: Arrange fudge squares in small holiday tins or decorative boxes lined with festive tissue paper for perfect hostess gifts.
- Cookie Platter Addition: Include peppermint fudge on your holiday cookie tray for variety and visual appeal.
- Hot Cocoa Topping: Float a small square of fudge in hot chocolate for an indulgent peppermint mocha experience.
- Ice Cream Accompaniment: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a deconstructed peppermint bark sundae.
- Party Favor Bags: Wrap individual pieces in cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbon for party guests.
- Dessert Board Centerpiece: Feature the fudge prominently on a holiday dessert charcuterie board with other sweets and fresh berries.
- Teacher Appreciation: Stack pieces in clear cellophane bags as thoughtful end-of-semester gifts for teachers and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Chocolate Instead of White Chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for white chocolate. The preparation method remains exactly the same.
Keep in mind this changes the flavor profile significantly and creates a different visual appearance.
How Long Does This Fudge Last?
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen fudge at room temperature for 2 hours before serving.
Can I Make This Fudge Dairy-Free?
Substitute dairy-free white chocolate chips and use sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular condensed milk.
Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil as well. The texture and taste remain remarkably similar to the original recipe.
Why Is My Fudge Grainy?
Graininess typically results from overheating the chocolate or not stirring enough during melting.
Always use low heat and stir constantly. Sugar crystals from the bowl edges can also cause this texture issue.
Do I Need to Refrigerate the Fudge?
Refrigeration is not required once the fudge has set completely.
However, storing in the fridge extends shelf life and maintains the best texture. The fudge may soften slightly at warm room temperature.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Try adding mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, or white chocolate chunks.
Fold these in with the crushed candy canes for extra texture and flavor dimensions.
What If I Don’t Have Peppermint Extract?
Crush extra candy canes into very fine pieces and increase the amount mixed into the fudge.
While extract provides stronger flavor, additional crushed candies offer a suitable alternative. The fudge will be slightly less minty overall.
Can I Make This Without Candy Canes on Top?
Yes, the candy cane topping is optional and purely decorative.
The fudge tastes delicious with just the peppermint extract mixed throughout. However, the topping adds visual appeal and extra crunch.
