Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Holiday Treat

Name: Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk; 12 ounces Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 0.5 cup Heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract; 0.5 cup Crushed candy canes (Reserve some for garnish); 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (Enhances the chocolate flavor)

BY :

Liana

Posted On :

September 15, 2025

DESSERT

The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a decadent dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious? This Peppermint Swirl Fudge recipe is the perfect answer! Imagine creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge swirled with vibrant crushed candy canes, delivering a delightful explosion of peppermint flavor in every bite. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a festive centerpiece that will leave your guests wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, promising foolproof results every time. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet elegant holiday treat. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire, guaranteed to become a family favorite year after year. This Peppermint Swirl Fudge recipe is so much more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season, packaged in a perfectly sweet, minty package.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Peppermint Swirl Fudge will become your new go-to holiday dessert. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make! No complicated techniques or specialized equipment are required. The simple steps make it perfect for beginners, while the delicious result will impress even the most sophisticated palates. The combination of rich, smooth chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and minty, creating a harmonious taste that lingers long after the last bite. The visual appeal is just as captivating. The elegant swirl of crushed candy canes creates a festive and beautiful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting to friends and family. Pin this recipe for later! Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this fudge is wonderfully versatile. You can easily adjust the peppermint intensity to your liking, or even experiment with different types of chocolate for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Its also a make-ahead dessert, meaning you can prepare it days in advance, freeing up your time during the busy holiday season. This frees you to focus on other aspects of your holiday preparations, making this a truly stress-free dessert option. Finally, the irresistible combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a taste sensation that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays. This Peppermint Swirl Fudge is a classic for a reason and it won’t disappoint.

Why You Should Try This Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to try this Peppermint Swirl Fudge recipe. Firstly, it’s a showstopper dessert. The beautiful peppermint swirl is visually appealing and will elevate any holiday gathering. Imagine the delighted faces of your guests as they admire – and devour – this festive creation! This recipe is exceptionally adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. If you have friends or family with dietary restrictions, this recipe provides a fantastic base to adapt and customize. For example, you could easily substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and cream to make a vegan version, or experiment with different types of sweeteners to suit individual tastes. This makes it an inclusive dessert that everyone can enjoy. Secondly, making this Peppermint Swirl Fudge is a fun and rewarding experience. The process is simple and straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to participate in the holiday baking tradition. It’s a great activity to do with friends or family, creating lasting memories as you work together to craft this delicious treat. Finally, this recipe allows you to personalize the experience. By varying the amount of peppermint extract, the type of chocolate used, and the quantity of crushed candy canes, you can create a custom fudge that perfectly aligns with your preferences. The versatility of this recipe is a huge advantage, making it a great option for both seasoned bakers and kitchen newcomers. This Peppermint Swirl Fudge isn’t just a dessert; it’s a fun project, a delicious gift, and a delicious memory in the making. It’s a recipe that will become a treasured tradition in your home.

Ingredients and Utensils for Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces): This provides the creamy base and sweetness for your fudge. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (12 ounces): The star ingredient! Use a good quality chocolate chip for a richer, more decadent fudge. Consider using high-quality dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor. Check out our easy chocolate fudge recipe for more ideas!
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): This helps to melt the chocolate smoothly and adds richness to the fudge. You can use full-fat coconut milk for a vegan alternative.
Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): The key to that refreshing peppermint flavor. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference. You can even add more peppermint flavor with a few drops of peppermint oil.
Crushed Candy Canes (1/2 cup, plus extra for garnish): Adds a delightful crunch and festive visual appeal. For a more intense candy cane flavor, use more crushed candy canes. You can buy pre-crushed candy canes or crush them yourself using a food processor or rolling pin.

Utensils You’ll Need:

8×8 inch Baking Pan: This is the standard size for fudge, ensuring the perfect thickness.
Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal of the fudge from the pan. Line the pan completely, leaving overhang on the sides for lifting.
Medium Heat-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate in a double boiler. Make sure the bowl fits snugly over your saucepan.
Saucepan: To create the double boiler for melting chocolate. Use a saucepan that is large enough to hold a few inches of simmering water without overflowing.
Whisk or Spatula: For stirring the chocolate mixture and ensuring it’s smooth and well combined.
Rubber Spatula or Offset Spatula: For spreading the fudge evenly in the pan and creating the swirl.
Knife or Toothpick: For swirling the crushed candy canes into the top layer.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of all ingredients.
Food Processor (Optional): For efficiently crushing the candy canes.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Prepare Your Pan: Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper extends beyond the edges of the pan. This will act as handles for easy removal once the fudge has set. This is crucial for easy removal later.
Melt the Chocolate: Create a double boiler by filling your saucepan with a few inches of water and bringing it to a simmer. Place your heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream to the bowl. Stir frequently with your whisk or spatula, ensuring the chocolate melts evenly. Once completely melted and smooth, remove from the heat immediately. Be patient and stir continuously to prevent scorching.
Incorporate Peppermint: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract into the melted chocolate mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. The mixture will thicken considerably. Don’t overmix, just until fully combined.
Create the Swirl: Pour half of the chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes over the chocolate layer. Pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the candy canes and spread evenly again. Gently swirl the remaining crushed candy canes into the top layer using a knife or toothpick, creating a visually appealing design. Be gentle when swirling to avoid overmixing.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it is completely firm. Once firm, carefully lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and garnish with extra crushed candy canes, if desired. Serve and enjoy your delicious Peppermint Swirl Fudge! Looking for another no-bake treat? Try our Oreo Fudge! Patience is key; allow sufficient chilling time for the fudge to firm up properly.

Tips and Variations for Your Peppermint Swirl Fudge

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to make it your own:

Adjust the Peppermint: Want more peppermint? Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the extract to 3/4 of a teaspoon.
Chocolate Variations: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for a unique flavor profile. You can also use a combination of different types of chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
Add-ins: Get creative! Try adding chopped nuts, pretzels, or even dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the sweetness of the fudge.
Vegan Peppermint Swirl Fudge: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan chocolate chips. Ensure your sweetened condensed milk is also vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that your chocolate chips and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t overheat the chocolate when melting. Stir continuously to prevent scorching. Ensure the fudge is fully chilled before cutting to prevent it from crumbling.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Peppermint Swirl Fudge

While Peppermint Swirl Fudge is undeniably a treat, let’s take a look at its nutritional aspects. A single serving (approximately 1-inch square) will contain approximately (these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used):

Calories: 150-200
Protein: 2-3 grams
Fat: 10-12 grams
Carbohydrates: 18-22 grams

Benefits of Ingredients:

Dark Chocolate (if used): Rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage.
Milk/Heavy Cream: Provides calcium (if using dairy cream).
Peppermint: Known for its refreshing properties and potential digestive benefits.

Remember that this is a dessert, and moderation is key. Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

FAQs

How long does Peppermint Swirl Fudge last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Peppermint Swirl Fudge can last for up to a week. However, it’s often devoured much sooner!

Can I make this Peppermint Swirl Fudge ahead of time?

Yes! This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day or two in advance to allow ample time for chilling and firming up.

What kind of chocolate is best for Peppermint Swirl Fudge?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended in the recipe, but feel free to experiment! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even a blend will work wonderfully.

Can I freeze Peppermint Swirl Fudge?

While freezing isn’t recommended, you could potentially freeze it for a short period (1-2 months). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I use instead of crushed candy canes?

While crushed candy canes are ideal, you could substitute with other peppermint-flavored candies, finely chopped peppermint bark, or even finely grated white chocolate mixed with peppermint extract.

Conclusion

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge recipe is the perfect culmination of festive flavors and effortless preparation. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the refreshing burst of peppermint and the delightful crunch of candy canes, creates an unforgettable holiday treat. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a delicious indulgence for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. The detailed instructions, along with the tips and variations provided, empower you to personalize this delightful confection. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments section below! Don’t forget to share your beautiful Peppermint Swirl Fudge creations on social media and tag us! Happy baking and happy holidays!

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