Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect holiday treat that’s both super simple and unbelievably delicious, you’re going to adore this Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe. I absolutely love how smooth and creamy this fudge turns out, plus the peppermint crunch from the crushed candy canes gives it just the right festive flair. Seriously, it’s so quick to make and will have your family and friends going crazy—trust me, this candy cane fudge is a total game-changer during the holidays.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients work magic together: creamy white chocolate, rich sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint candy canes. When shopping, be sure to pick high-quality white chocolate chips for that perfect melt and flavor.

• White chocolate chips: Look for good quality chips that melt smoothly without seizing.
• Sweetened condensed milk: This adds rich creaminess; full-fat is best for texture and taste.
• Candy canes: Fresh peppermint ones crush best and provide that wonderful crunch plus holiday aroma.

Variations

While the classic Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe is a favorite in my house, I like to tweak it sometimes to keep things interesting or accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be shy—mixing it up can be part of the fun!

• Dark Chocolate Swap: When I swapped white chocolate for dark, it gave the fudge a rich depth—great if you prefer less sweetness.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped roasted almonds or pecans into the fudge adds crunch and a lovely nutty flavor I enjoy.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a vegan condensed milk substitute—I’ve tried coconut condensed milk with great results.
• Extra Peppermint Punch: Stir in a drop or two of peppermint extract to intensify that cooling holiday flavor.

How to Make Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Crush the Candy Canes to Perfection

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—that way, your fudge will lift out effortlessly later on. Place your candy canes in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and seal it tightly. Then, grab a rolling pin and gently crush the candy canes until you have about two cups of crushed peppermint pieces. Pro tip: Don’t pulverize them too fine; you want those satisfying little crunchy bits throughout and on top.

Step 2: Melt White Chocolate and Condensed Milk Smoothly

Here’s where patience pays off! Combine your white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in the top of a double boiler over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until everything is melted and silky smooth—this usually takes about 5 minutes. If you find you don’t have a double boiler, simply place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Avoid rushing it; this slow melt prevents the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.

Step 3: Stir in Crushed Candy Canes and Pour Into Pan

Once your white chocolate mixture is perfectly smooth, stir in one cup of your crushed candy canes. This distributes the peppermint flavor right into the fudge. Next, pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cup of crushed candy canes on top, gently pressing them in so they stick and don’t fall off when you slice. That vibrant candy cane layer is what makes this fudge so eye-catching and tasty!

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Pop your pan into the refrigerator and chill for 4 to 6 hours for the best texture. If you’re pressed for time (like I often am around the holidays), the freezer works perfectly too—just 2 hours will firm it up nicely. When it’s ready, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge from the pan and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra crushed candy cane pieces on top right before serving for that extra holiday flair and crunch. Sometimes, I even add a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate across the top for a pretty contrast that looks fancy but takes seconds.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha—very festive! I also enjoy serving it alongside gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts, creating a wonderful holiday dessert board that’s sure to impress guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I slice the fudge into bite-sized squares and place them in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper. Another fun idea is to layer fudge squares with homemade marshmallows in a clear jar as a gift. I’ve even wrapped small fudge bites in colorful foil to create adorable little candy presents.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks—although I rarely have leftovers that long because everyone loves it so much!

Freezing

Freezing fudge works great if you want to prep ahead. I wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it inside a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months. To thaw, I simply leave it in the fridge overnight and it’s ready to slice and enjoy.

Reheating

Since this fudge is best served chilled or at room temp, I don’t actually reheat leftovers. Instead, I let frozen or refrigerated fudge sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the perfect creamy bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe has become a holiday staple at my house. I love how it’s so easy yet feels special—plus that smooth white chocolate with peppermint crunch is pure happiness. I’m pretty sure once you try it, it’ll be on your “must make” list too. So go ahead, gather those three simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a little festive magic. You won’t regret it!

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