Get ready to fall in love with this Candy Cane Fudge—a holiday treat that combines creamy white chocolate, a hint of cool peppermint, and a festive sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Each bite delivers melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and a burst of peppermint crunch that instantly feels like a winter celebration. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or sneaking a square after dinner, Candy Cane Fudge is guaranteed to brighten the season and quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how easily these flavors come together in each square of fudge. Every component serves a specific purpose, giving the finished candy its luscious texture, holiday aroma, and signature rosy sparkle.

White chocolate chips: The creamy base for our fudge, white chocolate gives the perfect texture and sweetness—look for high-quality chips for the smoothest results.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes the fudge rich, dense, and almost caramel-like; skipping it simply isn’t an option!
Peppermint extract: Just a small amount infuses the whole batch with that unmistakable, wintry coolness you expect from a holiday treat.
Crushed candy canes: These add the essential crunch, festive color, and more fresh peppermint to tie it all together—don’t forget to reserve some for topping!
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the overall flavor, creating a luxurious taste that rounds out the peppermint.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make every flavor pop.

How to Make Candy Cane Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some extra hanging over the sides—this will act as a lift for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent any sticking. This small step means your Candy Cane Fudge comes out picture-perfect every time, with minimal mess.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously and patiently; white chocolate can scorch quickly, but gentle heat creates a sumptuously smooth mixture. Once every last chip has melted and you have a thick, creamy blend, take the pan off the heat.

Step 3: Add Flavors and Color

Working quickly while your fudge base is warm, stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These bring the true holiday spirit and dimension to your Candy Cane Fudge, ensuring that each square is layered with flavor rather than just sweetness.

Step 4: Fold in Candy Canes

Now, gently fold in half of your crushed candy canes. This helps distribute those sweet and crunchy bits throughout the entire batch, giving every bite a delightful, colorful surprise. Don’t overmix—just enough to blend.

Step 5: Pour and Top the Fudge

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top in a generous layer and lightly press them in so they stay put. These sparkly red and white pieces are what make Candy Cane Fudge especially festive and inviting.

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Let the fudge firm up at room temperature for half an hour. Then transfer the pan to your refrigerator and allow at least 2 hours for the fudge to become perfectly sliceable. When you’re ready to serve, lift out the block using the parchment overhang and cut it into neat squares.

How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge

Garnishes

Want to give your Candy Cane Fudge squares a bakery-worthy finish? Dust the tops with a light snowfall of extra crushed candy canes just before serving, or add a tiny twist of white chocolate drizzle for extra flair. For even more sparkle, a pinch of edible glitter catches the light and turns dessert into a celebration.

Side Dishes

Fudge is blissful all on its own, but why not make it part of a bigger dessert spread? A platter with holiday cookies, sugared nuts, or chocolate-dipped pretzels pairs beautifully, creating a treat board that begs to be shared at parties or family movie nights. Candy Cane Fudge alongside a mug of hot cocoa is a match made in cozy heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap squares in festive cellophane bags or stack them in clear jars with ribbon for an irresistible homemade gift. To impress at your holiday gathering, arrange fudge pieces in a wreath shape on a large platter or pile them high on a cake stand with fresh mint sprigs tucked among the squares. The striking red and white look of Candy Cane Fudge is always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Candy Cane Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—perfect for sneaking a piece anytime the craving hits! If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, it’s best to refrigerate to keep the topping crunchy and the texture firm.

Freezing

If you want to make your fudge ahead for gift-giving or holiday prep, good news: Candy Cane Fudge freezes beautifully. Cut into squares, separate layers with wax paper, and seal in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

While Candy Cane Fudge is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly softer chew, let the pieces sit out on the counter for 10–15 minutes before biting in. There’s no need to microwave or oven-reheat—this treat is creamiest and best enjoyed simply thawed.

FAQs

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

While white chocolate gives Candy Cane Fudge its signature color and buttery flavor, you can definitely experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a richer base. Just keep in mind that the look and taste will change, and the peppermint may not pop as much against a stronger chocolate background.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

For perfectly sized crunchy bits, place the candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag, then use a rolling pin to gently crush them. You want a mix of small shards and glittery dust, but not a powder—texture is key!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in dairy-free white chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk (available in many grocery stores). The finished Candy Cane Fudge will be a bit softer but still wonderfully creamy and festive.

How far ahead can I make Candy Cane Fudge?

You can easily prepare your fudge up to two weeks in advance if you store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go, and the flavor stays fresh for up to two months.

How do I keep my fudge from getting grainy?

Stir the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk gently over low heat until melted—never rush with high heat, which can cause separation or grittiness. Also, always use fresh, high-quality chocolate chips for the smoothest batch of Candy Cane Fudge.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Fudge is more than just a recipe—it’s a little bit of magic in every bite, the kind of treat you’ll want to make part of your holiday traditions year after year. Whip it up, share it around, and get ready for some extra holiday cheer!

“Candy Cane Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 25 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with this easy-to-make Candy Cane Fudge. Creamy white chocolate combined with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of peppermint, topped with crushed candy canes, makes a perfect treat for Christmas gatherings or as a delightful gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

White Chocolate Fudge:

3 cups white chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Topping:

1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Fudge: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until melted and smooth.
Add Flavors: Remove from heat, stir in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Gently fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
Set Fudge: Pour mixture into the pan, spread evenly, sprinkle remaining crushed candy canes on top, and press lightly. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for firmness. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For a softer fudge, reduce the amount of white chocolate chips used.
This fudge makes a great holiday gift when wrapped in festive packaging.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop, Chilled
Cuisine: American