Easy Peppermint Fudge with White Chocolate and Candy Pieces
This creamy white chocolate fudge combines the rich sweetness of condensed milk with refreshing peppermint candy pieces for a perfect holiday treat. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from gently heating white chocolate with butter and a touch of sea salt, while crushed peppermint candy adds delightful bursts of flavor and festive color. Perfect for gift-giving, holiday parties, or satisfying sweet cravings, this no-fuss recipe requires minimal cooking and sets beautifully in the refrigerator. The key to silky fudge is avoiding overcooking - stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as the mixture becomes smooth.
Ingredients
- 3 cups white baking chocolate, roughly chopped
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or peppermint flavoring
- ¾ cup peppermint candy, crushedcrushed candy canes1:1holiday
Traditional holiday option with same texture
Instructions
- 1
Line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper
- 2
Heat the white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, fine sea salt and vanilla extract in a heavy bottom saucepan over medium heat
- 3
Stir constantly until mixture is just smooth without overcooking
- 4
Remove from heat and gently fold in half cup of the crushed peppermint
- 5
Pour into parchment lined dish and spread evenly
- 6
Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint on top while still tacky
- 7
Allow to cool fully before covering and chilling for a minimum of 8 hours
- 8
Lift parchment out of the pan and cut into 1-inch squares
Tips
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and stir constantly for smooth, even melting.
Don't overcook the mixture - remove from heat immediately when smooth to avoid grainy texture.
Crush peppermint candy in a sealed bag with a rolling pin for uniform pieces and easy cleanup.
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or at room temperature for 3-5 days.
Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in refrigerator. Cut just before serving.
Serve at room temperature for best texture. Remove from refrigerator 15-30 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes
Keep heat at medium to avoid scorching the chocolate and creating grainy texture.
Don't skip the chilling time or fudge won't set properly for clean cutting.
Substitutions
Traditional holiday option with same texture
FAQ
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but the flavor will be completely different and you may need to adjust the sweetness since milk chocolate is less sweet than white chocolate.
What if my fudge doesn't set properly?
Ensure you chilled it for the full 8 hours minimum. If still soft, it may have been overcooked or the ratios were off.
How long does this fudge keep?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, this fudge keeps for up to 2 weeks covered, or 3-5 days at room temperature.