Candy Cane Fudge

Category: Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love

Combine white chocolate and candy canes for this sweet holiday fudge. Quick to prepare with just 4 ingredients. Great for Christmas or anytime in winter.
Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:20:08 GMT
White chocolate fudge squares with crushed candy cane toppings stacked on a plate. Pin
White chocolate fudge squares with crushed candy cane toppings stacked on a plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Peppermint Fudge squares offer a velvety, mint-flavored delight that's just perfect during winter celebrations. Topped with smashed candy canes, this indulgent treat blends festive crunchiness with silky-smooth sweetness. Great for giving as presents or enjoying at home, it's a wonderful addition to your Christmas festivities.

Festive Wonder With Each Taste

I can't wait for December to roll around so I can whip up this fudge. There's something truly special about seeing those bits of candy cane twinkling against the smooth white surface like tiny snowflakes. When you bite into it, that mix of soft fudge and snappy peppermint brings back all those sweet memories of Christmas day excitement.

Your Ingredients List

  • White Chocolate Chips: 3 cups (roughly 2 packages), completely melted to form the creamy foundation.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 14 oz can, gives depth and sweetness to the mix.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, boosts the overall taste.
  • Candy Canes: 1/2 cup, broken up, adds festive pop and bite.

Let's Cook Together

Get Your Pan Ready
Cover a 9×9 baking pan with parchment or aluminum foil and coat with butter so it won't stick when done.
Warm Up The Mix
Use a big pot over medium heat to melt white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk. Keep stirring until everything looks smooth.
Add The Extras
Mix in vanilla extract and fold in the crushed candy canes until they're spread out nicely.
Pour And Cool
Empty the mixture into your buttered pan. Let it sit out for about an hour, then sprinkle more candy cane pieces on top.
Chill It Down
Put it in the fridge for 3-4 hours until it's firm enough to cut. Slice into squares to serve or wrap up as gifts.

Tricks For Perfect Results

After making this fudge for so many years, I've picked up a few handy tips. Better white chocolate really does make the fudge creamier and tastier. I find it so relaxing to put candy canes in a ziplock bag and smash them with my rolling pin - you'll get perfect little chunks this way. When I'm giving the fudge as gifts, I cut it into neat squares and stack them between wax paper in cute Christmas containers.

Spread The Happiness

This fudge has become such an important part of my holiday routine. I love seeing everyone's smiles when they try a piece - that moment when the creamy sweetness meets the cool peppermint crunch. It's like you're giving them a little taste of Christmas joy in each small square you share.

A close-up of squares of peppermint fudge topped with crushed red and green candies on a sheet of parchment paper. Pin
A close-up of squares of peppermint fudge topped with crushed red and green candies on a sheet of parchment paper. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Why use parchment or foil in the pan?
This makes removing the fudge easier and keeps slices neat. Adding grease like butter prevents sticking further.
→ What's the purpose of two-step cooling?
First letting it cool at room temperature, then chilling it in the fridge, avoids texture problems and creates a better finish.
→ Can this be made outside of the holidays?
Absolutely! It's a great dessert for any winter occasion, not just Christmas time.
→ Why use two full bags of white chocolate chips?
The amount ensures you’ve got the ideal mix with the condensed milk for the right texture and firmness.
→ When should I sprinkle on extra candy cane bits?
Do this once the fudge cools to room temperature but before refrigerating. That way, the topping sticks without melting.

Candy Cane Fudge

Smooth white chocolate fudge with crushed candy canes—perfect for a festive winter dessert. Just 4 ingredients and simple to make.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 9 Serves (9 squares)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

01 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
02 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk.
03 ½ cup smashed candy canes.
04 3 cups (2 bags) of white chocolate baking chips.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Butter a square 9x9 pan, then line it with foil or parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix sweetened condensed milk with white chocolate chips in a big pot. Keep stirring until it's smooth and melted.

Step 03

Stir in the vanilla, then toss in the crushed candy canes and mix well.

Step 04

Spread into the pan, let it sit out for an hour to cool, then top with more candy cane bits. Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours until firm.

Additional Notes

  1. Perfect for any chilly season.
  2. For the best result, let it set in two cooling phases.
  3. Top with extra candy cane bits before putting it in the fridge.

Essential Tools

  • Square 9x9 pan.
  • A big pot.

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy, including white chocolate and condensed milk.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 374
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Proteins: 4 g