The holiday season brings so much joy. Twinkling lights, festive music, and of course, all the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. But let’s be honest, it can also get a little hectic. Finding time for everything can feel like a real challenge.
That’s where simple, delicious recipes come to the rescue. I want to share one of my favorite Christmas Fudge Recipes with you. It’s a beautiful layered peppermint fudge that looks so impressive but is unbelievably easy to make. No candy thermometers or complicated steps here!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this is a no bake recipe. You heard that right! Your oven can stay off, which is a huge plus when you’re already cooking a holiday feast. It all comes together right in your microwave, making it a fantastic quick fudge recipe.
The flavor is pure holiday magic. A rich dark chocolate layer topped with a creamy white chocolate peppermint layer. It’s the kind of treat that just screams Christmas. The crushed candy canes on top add a lovely crunch and festive sparkle.
It’s also one of the most forgiving easy Christmas candy recipes out there. You don’t need any special skills. If you can melt chocolate and stir, you can make this fudge. It’s a great recipe to make with kids because they love crushing the candy canes and sprinkling them on top.
This fudge makes a wonderful homemade gift. Pack it in a pretty tin or box, tie it with a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful present for neighbors, teachers, or friends. It’s one of those holiday treats everyone is happy to receive.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these Christmas fudge recipes is short and sweet. Using good quality chocolate chips will make a big difference in the final texture and taste, so pick your favorites!
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips, or semi sweet
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups white baking chips, good quality
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 8 candy canes, crushed
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some delicious fudge? Let’s walk through it step by step. It’s easier than you think. Just follow along and you’ll have amazing holiday treats in no time.
Step 1: Prepare The Pan
First things first, get your pan ready. An 8×8 inch square pan is a great size for this recipe. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the sides. This will act as handles later, making it super easy to lift the fudge out.
If you don’t have parchment, you can use aluminum foil. Just be sure to spray it with a little nonstick cooking spray so your fudge doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Crush Candy Canes
Now for the fun part! Unwrap your candy canes and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Gently crush them with a rolling pin, a mallet, or even the back of a heavy spoon. You want a mix of fine dust and small pieces for the best texture.
Step 3: Prepare The Dark Chocolate Layer
In a microwave safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips, half of the sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Pop it in the microwave for 20 second intervals. It’s really important to stir well after each interval.
This short burst method prevents the chocolate from burning. It usually takes less than 2 minutes total. Continue until the chips are almost completely melted.
Step 4: Add Vanilla And Chill
Once the chocolate is mostly melted, take it out and just keep stirring. The residual heat will melt the remaining bits. Stir until the mixture is totally smooth and glossy. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Pour this dark chocolate mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Place the pan in the freezer for a few minutes while you make the next layer. This helps the layers stay separate and defined.
Step 5: Prepare The White Chocolate Peppermint Layer
Time for layer two of our Christmas fudge recipes journey. In a separate microwave safe bowl, combine the white baking chips, the rest of the sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Just like before, microwave this mixture in 20 second bursts. Stir thoroughly each time. White chocolate can be a bit more delicate than dark chocolate, so be extra watchful to avoid overcooking it.
Step 6: Add Peppermint And Candy Canes
When the white chocolate is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract. Then, add about a quarter cup of your crushed candy canes. Mix them in gently. This gives the fudge a wonderful peppermint crunch all the way through.
Take the pan out of the freezer and pour the white chocolate mixture right on top of the dark chocolate layer. Spread it evenly to the edges. This is one of the most satisfying parts of making easy Christmas candy recipes.
Step 7: Sprinkle Crushed Candy Canes
Now grab the rest of your crushed candy canes. Sprinkle them all over the top of the white chocolate layer. You can be as generous as you like! Gently press them into the fudge so they stick.
Step 8: Chill The Fudge
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This gives the fudge time to set up completely so you can get clean, neat slices.
Step 9: Cut And Serve
Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift it right out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut it into squares. Serving it at room temperature gives it the best creamy texture. Enjoy your homemade treat!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any fudge left, which might be unlikely, storing it is simple. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The fudge will stay fresh and delicious. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just let it thaw a bit before serving. This is a great tip for many Christmas fudge recipes.
Tips
For the best results with this quick fudge recipe, use good quality chocolate. Since there are so few ingredients, the flavor of the chocolate really shines through. It makes a noticeable difference.
Be careful not to scorch your chocolate in the microwave. The low and slow method of 20 second intervals is your best friend here. It’s better to underheat and stir than to overheat and have to start over.
To get really clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and then wipe it dry before each slice. This little trick helps the knife glide through the fudge smoothly, giving you beautiful, professional looking squares.
Feel free to get creative! You could add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top with the candy canes. Or try swapping the peppermint extract for almond or orange extract in the white chocolate layer for a different flavor twist.
Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. They are not the same thing, and evaporated milk will not allow your fudge to set properly. This is a common mix up with easy Christmas candy recipes.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, beautiful, and absolutely delicious fudge that is perfect for the holidays. This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create amazing holiday treats.
I truly hope this becomes one of your go to Christmas fudge recipes. It’s a joy to make, a delight to eat, and a wonderful treat to share with the people you love. Happy holidays and happy fudge making!
FAQ
Can I Make This On The Stovetop?
Yes, you absolutely can. Instead of the microwave, use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Melt the ingredients for each layer gently, stirring constantly until smooth. The process is the same, just a different heating method.
Do I Have To Use Peppermint Extract?
Not at all! Peppermint is a classic holiday flavor, but you can easily customize this recipe. Try vanilla extract in both layers for a simple chocolate fudge. Almond, orange, or even coconut extract would be delicious in the white chocolate layer.
How Far In Advance Can I Make This Fudge?
This is a great make ahead treat. You can prepare it up to two weeks in advance if you store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it one of the most convenient Christmas fudge recipes when you’re busy with other holiday preparations.
My Fudge Is Too Soft, What Went Wrong?
If your fudge didn’t set properly, it’s usually due to one of two things. The most common reason is accidentally using evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. Another possibility is that the fudge simply needs more time to chill. Give it another hour or two in the fridge.
Layered Peppermint Fudge
This festive layered peppermint fudge is unbelievably easy to make, featuring a rich dark chocolate base topped with creamy white chocolate and crushed candy canes. Perfect for holidays with no baking required!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare The Pan: An 8×8 inch square pan is a great size for this recipe. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little extra hanging over the sides. This will act as handles later, making it super easy to lift the fudge out. If you don’t have parchment, you can use aluminum foil. Just be sure to spray it with a little nonstick cooking spray so your fudge doesn’t stick.
- Crush Candy Canes: Unwrap your candy canes and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Gently crush them with a rolling pin, a mallet, or even the back of a heavy spoon. You want a mix of fine dust and small pieces for the best texture.
- Prepare The Dark Chocolate Layer: In a microwave safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips, half of the sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Pop it in the microwave for 20 second intervals. It’s really important to stir well after each interval. This short burst method prevents the chocolate from burning. It usually takes less than 2 minutes total. Continue until the chips are almost completely melted.
- Add Vanilla And Chill: Once the chocolate is mostly melted, take it out and just keep stirring. The residual heat will melt the remaining bits. Stir until the mixture is totally smooth and glossy. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Pour this dark chocolate mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Place the pan in the freezer for a few minutes while you make the next layer. This helps the layers stay separate and defined.
- Prepare The White Chocolate Peppermint Layer: Time for layer two of our Christmas fudge recipes journey. In a separate microwave safe bowl, combine the white baking chips, the rest of the sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Just like before, microwave this mixture in 20 second bursts. Stir thoroughly each time. White chocolate can be a bit more delicate than dark chocolate, so be extra watchful to avoid overcooking it.
- Add Peppermint And Candy Canes: When the white chocolate is smooth, stir in the peppermint extract. Then, add about a quarter cup of your crushed candy canes. Mix them in gently. This gives the fudge a wonderful peppermint crunch all the way through. Take the pan out of the freezer and pour the white chocolate mixture right on top of the dark chocolate layer. Spread it evenly to the edges.
- Sprinkle Crushed Candy Canes: Now grab the rest of your crushed candy canes. Sprinkle them all over the top of the white chocolate layer. You can be as generous as you like! Gently press them into the fudge so they stick.
- Chill The Fudge: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. This gives the fudge time to set up completely so you can get clean, neat slices.
- Cut And Serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper handles to lift it right out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut it into squares. Serving it at room temperature gives it the best creamy texture. Enjoy your homemade treat!
Notes
If you have any fudge left, which might be unlikely, storing it is simple. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just let it thaw a bit before serving.
For the best results with this quick fudge recipe, use good quality chocolate. Since there are so few ingredients, the flavor of the chocolate really shines through.
Be careful not to scorch your chocolate in the microwave. The low and slow method of 20 second intervals is your best friend here.
To get really clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and then wipe it dry before each slice.
Feel free to get creative! You could add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top with the candy canes. Or try swapping the peppermint extract for almond or orange extract in the white chocolate layer for a different flavor twist.
Make sure you use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. They are not the same thing, and evaporated milk will not allow your fudge to set properly.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
