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- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt The base of your Chocolate Peppermint Fudge starts with semisweet chocolate chips. They melt into a rich, creamy texture. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and helps bind everything together. Unsalted butter gives the fudge a smooth finish. Peppermint extract brings that holiday flavor we all love. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste. - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes - 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling) - Extra candy canes for garnish Crushed candy canes add a fun crunch and festive look. You can sprinkle them right into your fudge or on top for garnish. If you want a touch of elegance, drizzle melted white chocolate over the fudge. This not only looks great but adds a creamy flavor. Extra candy canes can top off your squares for that perfect holiday flair. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. - In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. - Heat this mixture over low heat. Stir continuously until it melts and becomes smooth. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. - Remove the pan from heat when the chocolate is smooth. - Stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1/4 teaspoon salt. - Gently fold in 1/2 cup crushed candy canes until they are evenly spread in the mixture. - Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - If you want, melt 1/2 cup white chocolate chips in a bowl. Do this in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. - Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the fudge in a fun pattern. - Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top for a festive look. - Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This lets the fudge set firmly. - Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares and enjoy! To make great chocolate peppermint fudge, ensure your chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If you see lumps, it can affect the taste and texture. Stir the mix over low heat and keep it moving. This helps prevent burning. When it’s time to fold in the candy canes, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can break down the candy canes too much and make your fudge less crunchy. Gently fold them in to keep some of that fun crunch. If you want a creamier fudge, try using more sweetened condensed milk. This adds a rich texture. You can also add a touch more butter for extra creaminess. To control sweetness, taste as you go. If it’s too sweet, a pinch of salt can help balance it out. You can also reduce the amount of candy canes if you prefer a less sweet fudge. For a beautiful serving platter, arrange your fudge squares neatly. You can layer them in rows or stack them for a fun look. Garnishing ideas include using fresh mint leaves or more crushed candy canes. Adding a sprinkle of candy canes on top gives a festive look. Mint leaves add a fresh pop of color. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your fudge is heavily influenced by the quality of chocolate you use. Opt for good-quality semisweet chocolate chips for the best results. Cool Gradually: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps maintain a smooth texture and prevents it from becoming too dense. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Get creative with your garnishes! Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It can last up to two weeks if stored correctly. {{image_2}} There are many fun ways to change up your Chocolate Peppermint Fudge. You can try different extracts to give it a unique taste. Here are some ideas: - Vanilla extract adds warmth and sweetness. - Almond extract brings a nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate. You can also add some crunch by mixing in nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice texture. Just fold them in before pouring your mixture into the pan. If you need to make this fudge fit special diets, there are easy swaps. For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and dairy-free condensed milk. This keeps the taste rich without dairy. If you're watching sugar intake, consider sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar substitute for the condensed milk. These choices still let you enjoy a sweet treat without added sugar. You can easily adapt this fudge for different holidays. For Christmas, keep the candy cane topping. For Valentine's Day, try using red and pink sprinkles. At Halloween, add some orange and black sprinkles or mini chocolate pumpkins. These fun touches make your fudge festive for any occasion. To keep your chocolate peppermint fudge fresh, store it in an air-tight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps it tasty. I recommend separating layers with parchment paper. This way, the fudge won’t stick together. If you live in a warm area, refrigeration is best. Just place the container in the fridge to keep it firm. You can store this fudge for about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before enjoying. Pair your fudge with warm drinks like hot cocoa or coffee. It also complements desserts like brownies or ice cream. For holiday gifting, cut the fudge into neat squares. Place them in festive boxes or tins. Add a ribbon for a nice touch. Friends and family will love this sweet gift! The fudge is set when it feels firm to the touch. Look for a shiny surface. It should not be sticky. You can also check by gently pressing the center. If it holds its shape, it’s ready. Allow it to chill in the fridge for at least two hours to ensure it firms up properly. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will make the fudge sweeter and creamier. The texture will be softer than semisweet chocolate. This change might appeal to those who prefer a milder flavor. Just remember, milk chocolate has less cocoa. This may affect the overall taste. If you need a substitute, you can use evaporated milk and sugar. Combine one cup of evaporated milk with one cup of sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. This will still give you a creamy texture. Yes, making fudge in advance is easy. You can prepare it up to a week ahead. Just store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving. This blog post covers how to make delicious fudge. You need simple ingredients like chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Follow the steps from melting to setting, and you’ll create a tasty treat. Avoid common mistakes for the best texture and look. Try different flavors to mix things up, and learn storage tips to keep your fudge fresh. Remember, making fudge is fun and flexible. Enjoy your homemade creation and impress your friends and family!

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

A rich and creamy fudge infused with peppermint and topped with crushed candy canes, perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in the peppermint extract and salt.
  • Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
  • If using white chocolate, melt it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully melted. Drizzle over the fudge in a decorative pattern.
  • Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for garnish.
  • Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the fudge to set for at least 2 hours or until firm.
  • Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.

Notes

Arrange the fudge squares on a festive platter and garnish with additional crushed candy canes or mint leaves for a festive touch!
Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, holiday, peppermint