Candy Cane Christmas Fudge
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Candy Cane Christmas Fudge is a family favorite in our house! It’s made with crushed candy canes and paired with my favorite classic fudge recipe for a delicious Christmas treat!
As the holiday season approaches, I’m excited to share my festive recipes. While it may still be November, I’ve already started perfecting my Iced Ginger Cookies and working on my family’s favorite fudge recipe!
My husband and I always look forward to enjoying a piece of this fudge in the evenings. It’s so rich, you only need a small square, so it seems to last forever!
Very much unlike our Oreo-dipped Christmas cookies that my daughter and I made, which did not quite make it through the night!
Table of Contents
What you will need
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic fudge flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This helps simplify the fudge-making process, providing sweetness and a creamy texture. Be sure to use ‘sweetened’ condensed milk!
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the delicious flavors in the fudge!
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of classic vanilla flavor enhances the sweetness of the fudge. For a festive twist, consider substituting with peppermint extract for a candy cane-inspired flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add festive flair, both visually and with their refreshing peppermint taste.
Candy Cane Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Line an 8×6 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Add chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk to a small saucepan.
Step 2: Melt over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and crushed candy canes.
Step 4: Pour the melted fudge into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 5: Allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Step 6: Enjoy your homemade candy cane fudge!
Expert Tips
- Stir, Stir, Stir: To prevent the chocolate from scorching on the bottom of the saucepan, stir the mixture constantly while it melts over low heat.
- Work Quickly: Once the chocolate is melted, the fudge sets quickly. So work quickly!
- Condensed Milk is Key: Don’t substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk. The latter is crucial for the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness.
Recipe FAQs
This fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Typically, fudge takes 3-4 hours to set at room temperature. However, for a faster setting, you can transfer it to the refrigerator. Refrigerating the fudge will help it set more quickly, usually within an hour or two.
Candy cane fudge can sit in an airtight container for up to 1 week on the counter or 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
If this is your first time making fudge, don’t overthink anything! All you need to worry about is keeping the chocolate from burning on the bottom of the saucepan.
I used to melt the chocolate in a double boiler, but it’s a little quicker in a saucepan, so a saucepan it is!
Related Recipes
If you tried this Candy Cane Fudge Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Candy Cane Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Line an 8×6 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a small saucepan or dutch oven. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and crushed candy canes.
- Pour the melted fudge into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- This fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- To prevent the chocolate from scorching, stir the mixture constantly while it melts over low heat.
- Once the chocolate is melted, the fudge sets quickly. So work fast!
- Don’t substitute evaporated milk for sweetened condensed milk. The latter is crucial for the fudge’s creamy texture and sweetness.
- I bought crushed candy canes for this recipe, but you can easily crush up your own!
The candy canes are such a great idea! I’ll be making this for our family’s Christmas. I’m sure I may need a practice run or two 😉