This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
This Candy Cane Fudge is the most fun, festive and delicious sweet treat, EVER! Everyone goes crazy over it!
Are you running around like crazy, trying to get things together for the holidays? Been there, done that. Doing that! So I'm not going to take a lot of your time, or mine, explaining how delicious this Candy Cane Fudge is. And how you NEED to make it. And how quick and easy it is.
I've been working on it for a few weeks and just couldn't get it right. Till now.
It's finally just what I was hoping for: creamy, smooth and bursting with fabulous peppermint and white chocolate flavor. Honestly, Candy Cane Swirled Fantasy Fudge is probably my favorite recipe of 2014!
If you have 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this Candy Cane Swirled Fantasy Fudge. With only six ingredients, it comes together easily; and would be a wonderful project to do with kids. The only hard part is waiting for it to cool down and firm up. But believe me, when you start cutting into this beautiful crimson swirled confection, there will be lots of cheers.
So throw some candy canes, white chocolate chips, marshmallow cream and peppermint extract into your cart next time you're at the market. You probably have everything else you need. It will be a delicious and fun way to brighten up the holiday season.
Cheers!
The most fun, festive and delicious fudge EVER! Everyone goes crazy over it - and it's easy too!
- 3 cups sugar
- ¾ cup butter
- ⅔ cup half and half*
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 7- ounce jar marshmallow creme**
- ½ cup finely crushed candy canes or peppermint candies***
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
-
Line 9-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray pan with cooking spray and rub with a paper towel. Set aside. Also spray a small thin-bladed knife with cooking spray (a butter knife works well for this). Set aside.
-
Combine sugar, butter and half and half in a sauce pan (at least 3 quart-size) over medium heat until mixture comes to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly (don't mistake bubbling at the edges for a full boil). Cook for exactly 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
-
Add white chocolate chips and allow to sit for 1 minute, then stir until all chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Add marshmallow creme and peppermint extract. Stir again until smooth and well mixed.
-
Sprinkle peppermint over the top and gently fold it into the chocolate mixture. Stir just until combined (if you stir too much at this point, mixture will turn pink and the final product won't be as pretty.)
-
Pour approximately half of mixture into prepared pan. Spread to cover bottom. Using a small spoon, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the red food coloring in random drops over the surface of the fudge. Quickly pour the other half of the fudge mixture over the red food coloring. Spread evenly. Drizzle the other teaspoon in random drops over the top.
-
Using the side of the prepared knife, run it back and forth through fudge creating a swirled pattern. Once you get a pretty swirly pattern, stop. If you swirl too much the whole mixture will turn pink. Cool completely (if you're in a hurry, like I usually am, refrigerate fudge till cool). Use the foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into squares.
*If you live outside the U.S., you may not be familiar with half and half. It's a convenience product frequently used in coffee here in the States. It's simply half milk and half cream.
** Marshmallow creme is a light, creamy marshmallow mixture that's sold in jars. If you can't find it, you can make your own. Try this version from AllRecipes. You can also purchase it online.
*** Make sure you crush the candy canes (or peppermint candies) quite fine - if the pieces are too big, the fudge will break apart when you try to cut it. Don't be tempted to add more crushed peppermint. I tried different amounts and tis is perfect. When I added more, the fudge became grainy.
Pam says
Made this recipe for first time today. Followed it step b step and it looks great sitting cooling. My concern is that some of the red color appears to be very wet along sides of pan and a few spots on surface. As it cools more will these areas dry or not be an issue when served, Ishtar now I suspect everyone will have red fingers.
Pam
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Pam, if you let the fudge sit out, outside of the pan it will dry nicely.
Alison says
I made this today, and although it is delicious it all feel apart when I cut it. I let it sit for a few hours (it was cool), and it crumbled. I put it in the fridge for another 4hrs and it still crumbled. Any ideas of what could have gone wrong?
Chris Scheuer says
Honestly, not sure what happened Alison.
Deb says
It turns sugary and gets crumbly if you cook even a little too long.
M says
My friends are fiends...
M says
Chris!
This is the first fudge that I have ever made and it is delicious! The fudge and peanut butter toffee crinkle cookies will be shared with fiends and family in Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago in the days to come.
Merry Christmas!
Mary
spoon stories says
Is so cheerful and festive sweet!!! Happy Holidays for you and for your ppl you love^^
Sophia @ NYfoodgasm says
This is absolutely stunning! LOVE it Chris! Beautiful work!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Sophia,it's so fun and perfect for gift-giving!
Easyfoodsmith says
That rippled effect on the top is amazing and perfect Christmas treat this one.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
Your beautiful peppermint fudge just sings out "Christmas". I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. I'm looking forward to your post in 2015.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Best recipe for 2014? That's a big call considering how good your recipes are Chris. It must be good!
Jodee Weiland says
This has to be the ultimate Christmas fudge....looks awesome! What a great idea for the holiday celebrations...thanks for sharing such a great idea!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
PERFECTION! Just the RIGHT treat for the Christmas, Chris!
Happy Holidays!
Angie
Maureen says
I've been asked quite a few times what half and half is - you were kind to explain it. We can get marshmallow creme here but not all the time. When I find it on the store shelves I buy enough for a year and put it in the back pantry.
I think this fudge would make Santa's elves very happy.
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion says
OMG! What a beautiful colors, perfect fudge for Christmas Eve!
Wendy says
Gorgeous fudge, Chris! That must have been a delicious few weeks of taste testing before you were satisfied with the results! I am not kidding when I say that optimal swirling in an art. 🙂 I love the reminders in the recipe to not over swirl or stir. I hope that in all the hectic holiday preparations and blogging you are able to occasionally stop and smell the peppermint! Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas and a healthy, peace filled New Year!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
This fudge will be a hit -- just like the red velvet one. Christmas is written all over it!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2015!!!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
You're on a roll! This is gorgeous...I have a peppermint loving daughter, I must find time this week to make this for her!
Lonna says
Hi, did you make the peppermint fudge? If so do you think I can melt the candy canes down so it's not a crunchy fudge?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Lonna, this fudge does call for peppermint extract and very finely crushed peppermint, so it's not crunch.
Monique says
Super duper pretty!
Susan says
Looks and sounds delicious. Beautifully done.
Baby June says
Wow that looks amazing! I'd sure love to get some of this as a gift 🙂
Lynn says
This sounds great Chris and the marbling on top is very pretty! Merry Christmas:@)