The air is filled with the sweet scent of melting white chocolate and crushed candy canes, hinting at winter festivities and cozy gatherings. As I prepare this Candy Cane Fudge, I can hardly resist the urge to sneak a taste of the creamy, vibrant mixture. The vibrant flecks of red and white dance through the fudge, making it not only delicious but utterly delightful to behold. It reminds me of childhood Christmases spent baking with my family, laughing over the chaos of sprinkles and sugar.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Candy Cane Fudge

Every bite of this Candy Cane Fudge is like a nostalgic hug, bringing back those cherished memories while crafting new ones with friends and family. Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy evening at home, this fudge is the perfect sweet treat to share—or keep all for yourself! So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make something magical this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep, plus 1 hour of chill time—easy peasy!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy white chocolate blends perfectly with the minty crunch of candy canes for a festive delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright and cheerful, this fudge is a showstopper on any dessert table or holiday platter.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing at parties; it works for any festive occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free with the right chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips: These serve as the base of your fudge, giving it that creamy, sweet flavor. Look for high-quality chips for best melting results.
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness—make sure not to use fat-free; it won’t set properly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it more comforting. Pure extract is always best.
Pinch of salt: A little salt balances the sweetness of the fudge, bringing all the flavors together.
½ cup chopped candy cane pieces: The star of the show! They provide a festive crunch and peppermint flavor; don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform in size.

How to Make Candy Cane Fudge

Line Your Pan: Start by lining a 9×9″ or 8×8″ baking dish with foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your fudge comes out clean once it’s set.

Combine Chocolates and Milk: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, place your white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high for one minute, then pull it out to stir. You want everything to meld perfectly, so pop it back in for an additional 30 seconds. Stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, with a silky texture that feels almost like a soft cloud.

Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These two elements elevate your fudge, allowing the sweetness of the chocolate and the brightness of the peppermint to sing. Once incorporated, fold in those lovely chopped candy cane pieces—this is where the magic happens as the colors mix in!

Spread and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. You want it as even as possible for that perfect finish! Allow it to chill in the fridge until firm, about an hour. If you’re in a warmer house, it might take a bit longer, but you can let it set at room temperature in a pinch.

Storing & Reheating

Once your Candy Cane Fudge has fully set, you can cut it into delightful squares and store it. Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer, refrigerate it for a firmer texture, where it can last for about two weeks. For even longer storage, freeze the fudge for up to three months, wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge and, if desired, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid grainy fudge, ensure your white chocolate chips are fully melted before adding anything else. Stir consistently as you microwave.
To create a more uniform distribution of candy canes, you can crush them into various sizes—some fine dust for flavor and larger pieces for a nice crunch.
Want to add a little flair? Drizzle melted chocolate on top before it sets, and sprinkle with extra candy cane bits for a decorative touch.
This recipe can also be a great canvas for customization—try adding different extracts or mix in mini marshmallows for a fun twist!

The benefits of making your own Candy Cane Fudge are abundant: it’s effortless, visually stunning, and perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings! I can’t wait for you to experience this recipe in your own kitchen. Enjoy every sweet, creamy bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe calls for white chocolate to complement the peppermint flavor of the candy canes, you can certainly switch to dark or milk chocolate. Just be aware that the fudge will taste different, and adjusting the sweetness might be necessary since dark chocolate can be less sweet.

How do I store leftover fudge?

For leftover fudge, simply cut it into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you like it a bit firmer, refrigeration will work too, extending its life for about two weeks.

How do I prevent the fudge from being too soft?

To ensure your fudge sets correctly, make sure to use sweetened condensed milk and avoid fat-free options. Additionally, allowing it to chill completely before cutting is essential; patience is key for the perfect texture!

Can I make this fudge ahead of time?

Yes! This fudge can be made well in advance. In fact, it’s often better to prepare it a few days ahead of the occasion, as the flavors continue to meld and develop richness. Just remember to store it properly to keep it fresh!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Candy Cane Fudge

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Candy Cane Fudge is an easy, delightful treat featuring creamy white chocolate and crunchy peppermint. Perfect for gifting or enjoying during the holidays!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (510g) white chocolate chips
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
½ cup chopped candy cane pieces

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Line a 9×9" or 8×8" baking dish with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and heat for another 30 seconds until smooth.
Stir in vanilla and salt, then fold in candy cane pieces.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until firm.

Notes

To avoid graininess, ensure white chocolate is fully melted before adding other ingredients.
Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
This fudge can be frozen for up to 3 months, wrapped individually.