This Candy Cane Fudge is a fantastic treat! Soft, sweet, and loaded with peppermint pieces, this festive fudge will be the star at any holiday party.
One of our holiday traditions is making fudge. During this time of year, it's the perfect sweet treat to share with loved ones, gift, or take to parties.
I enjoy creating a variety of flavors for our cookie tins. A few of our favorites are peppermint Oreo fudge and cappuccino fudge. Every year, we add a few new recipes to our classic favorites. This year, we fell in love with this candy cane fudge.
Swirls of chocolate chips and red candy pieces turn this pretty pink fudge into an eye-catching dessert.
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Why You Will Love This Candy Cane Fudge
This white chocolate peppermint fudge is a delightful holiday treat and a perfect gift for friends and family. You can wrap it in paper bags or Christmas tins.
- Easy to make. This simple fudge is made in one pan over low heat. No special tools or candy thermometer is needed. Plus, it's an easy treat to make year-round with starlight mints.
- Amazing flavor and texture. Creamy white chocolate, crunchy candy canes, chocolate chips, and a cool peppermint flavor make it taste like Christmas in a pan.
- Pretty and festive. This candy cane fudge is perfect for Christmas parties and events. The pink color and candy cane pieces make it stand out on dessert tables and cookie trays.
Main Ingredients
This quick and easy candy cane fudge recipe with simple ingredients can be made in minutes. All you need is one large pot and a baking pan.
- White Chocolate - Use good quality white chocolate chips or chunks, such as Ghirardelli. If you like chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips as an alternative.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk - Adds a rich, creamy consistency.
- Marshmallow Creme - Gives the fudge a creamy, fluffy texture. It can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores and is commonly known as fluff.
- Peppermint Extract - Adds more flavor than just crushed candies.
- Candy Canes - Any color or flavor will work, but I prefer red and white peppermint.
- Mini Chocolate Chips - A fun extra texture and flavor.
- Pink Gel Color - This is totally optional, but food coloring gives the fudge a pretty pink color.
BruCrew Tip: Use the leftover candy canes to make peppermint ice cream or peppermint pretzel bark.
How To Make Candy Cane Fudge
This creamy peppermint fudge is loaded with candy canes and mini chocolate chips. It can be easily made within minutes and is sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings. This fun recipe has the advantage of being able to be prepared in advance.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk and white chips into a large saucepan. Heat over low-medium heat until melted and smooth.
- Add the marshmallow cream and peppermint extract and stir until smooth. Gently stir in the crushed candy canes, then let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Quickly and gently stir in the mini chocolate chips. Pour the fudge mixture into a lined square pan.
- Allow the fudge to set for 4-6 hours or overnight before cutting it into squares.
BruCrew Tip: Initially, the fudge will be soft and sticky. However, once exposed to air, the edges form a crust preventing sticking.
Storage Recommendations
On the Counter - Keep in a covered container at room temperature for 5-6 days.
In the Refrigerator - Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
In the Freezer - Wrap the fudge in a few layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper so you can easily remove the fudge from the pan.
- Crush unwrapped candies in a resealable plastic bag. Seal and crush with a wooden spoon, or go over it with a rolling pin.
- Use red and green candy canes for even more color in the sweet treat.
- Heat the chocolate over low heat because white chocolate can quickly burn or scorch.
- Add more crushed candy to the top of the fudge before it sets up. I don't personally recommend it because the candy can get sticky and wet the longer it sits.
- Allow the fudge to completely cool and become solid before cutting it into pieces.
- Run a large knife under hot water and dry it off to make clean cuts in the white chocolate fudge. Press it into the block of fudge, making one long cut. Do not drag or saw with the knife. Repeat for each cut.
FAQs
Starlight mints are a type of peppermint candy that is available throughout the year. These mints can replace any peppermint candy or candy cane.
No need to refrigerate this fudge recipe. It has a soft texture and will remain in shape at room temperature.
Not at all. Feel free to leave that out. Your fudge will be mostly white with swirls of candy cane pieces and chocolate chips.
More Holiday Treats
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Recipe
Candy Cane Fudge
This Candy Cane Fudge is a fantastic treat! Soft, sweet, and loaded with peppermint pieces, this festive fudge will be the star at any holiday party.
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- pink gel food color
- 6 tablespoons crushed candy canes
- ½ cup miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Combine the white chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the extract, marshmallow cream, candy canes, and a small amount of gel food coloring until the desired shade of pink is achieved. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chocolate chips very quickly. Do not stir too much, or the chocolate chips will melt completely. Some swirling is to be expected. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Let set for 6-8 hours or overnight before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper so you can easily remove the fudge from the pan.
- Crush unwrapped candies in a resealable plastic bag. Seal and crush with a wooden spoon, or go over it with a rolling pin.
- Use red and green candy canes for even more color in the sweet treat.
- Heat the chocolate over low heat because white chocolate can quickly burn or scorch.
- Add more crushed candy to the top of the fudge before it sets up. I don't personally recommend it because the candy can get sticky and wet the longer it sits.
- Allow the fudge to completely cool and become solid before cutting it into pieces.
- Run a large knife under hot water and dry it off to make clean cuts in the white chocolate fudge. Press it into the block of fudge, making one long cut. Do not drag or saw with the knife. Repeat for each cut.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 153Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 21gProtein: 2g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*This post was first published in December 2012. We updated and republished it in December 2023.
Jen
can you please tell me what i can use instead of the candy cane pudding to make the chocolate chip candy cane fudge i don't think they make it anywhere well at least not where i live
Jocelyn
You could use a white chocolate pudding mix, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and then stir in candy cane bits with the chocolate chips. I hope that helps. I also emailed you these substitutions!
Sarah @ Alderberry Hill
Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later this evening!
Have a fantastic new year!
elvie
that looks toooo delicious!!! i love candy canes!
Lucy
Oh my yumminess....and what a great collection...love it ! pinning..xo
Amanda G.
I so want to try but after looking at my local WallyWorld for the pudding mix i just have to ask where did you find the candy cane pudding mix?
Jocelyn Brubaker
I found the candy cane pudding at our local Meijer. I know it is a a seasonal pudding so I'm not sure how long the stores carry it. You could also use a vanilla pudding mix and a packet of Duncan Hines Peppermint Stick frosting creations. It is another seasonal item, so I don't know how long that will be available either. My fingers are crossed you find one or both.
Holly Lefevre
I have never made fudge- I want to try this! YUM!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Never made fudge? Oh girl, you need to try one of these pudding versions. Sooooo easy and fail proof. Well, as long as you add the right amount of ingredients:-)
Roxana
Found you on Whatsits! So glad I did, all of your fudge recipes look so good!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Roxana. I am so happy to "meet" you too. I hope you enjoy reading my blog:-)
Stephanie Wilson
These are a show-stopper!! Stunning display! Nice work!
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking}
We should be fudge friends! 🙂 I can see why you have an addiction to fudge too and your candy cane chocolate chip fudge sounds so awesome.
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