There’s something truly magical about holiday treats, and this Candy Cane Fudge recipe is one of my all-time favorites! With its creamy texture, sweet peppermint flavor, and festive flair, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Plus, it’s super easy to make and comes together in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, gifting it to loved ones, or simply treating yourself, this fudge will not disappoint.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup candy canes, finely ground (I use cherry-flavored candy canes for an extra twist!)
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped (white chocolate chips work great!)
- 1 jar marshmallow fluff (7-ounce size)
How to Make Candy Cane Fudge
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment or wax paper. Aluminum foil works too if you’re in a pinch!
Step 2: Grind the Candy Canes
Using a food processor, grind 6-7 candy canes until they’re a fine, sugar-like consistency. You’ll need ½ cup of this candy cane “sugar” for the fudge.
Step 3: Combine Chocolate and Marshmallow
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the white chocolate and marshmallow fluff. Set this aside—you’ll need it ready once the sugar mixture is done!
Step 4: Make the Candy Base
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, your candy cane sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Melt everything together over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it begins to boil, continue cooking and stirring for about 4 minutes.
Step 5: Blend and Pour
Remove the hot candy mixture from the heat and pour it over the white chocolate and marshmallow fluff mixture. Use an electric mixer (with a paddle attachment if you have one) to blend the mixture until smooth—about 1 minute is all it takes for the chocolate to melt perfectly!
Step 6: Chill and Set
Pour the smooth fudge mixture into your prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until it’s fully set—about 4 hours.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the fudge has set, cut it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy! Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Helpful Tips
- Crushing candy canes: If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Test for doneness: You’ll know the sugar mixture is ready when it reaches a smooth, bubbly boil. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid any burning!
- Make ahead: This fudge is perfect for making ahead of time—it keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different flavored candy canes: Feel free to experiment with different candy cane flavors. Peppermint or even fruity candy canes will give the fudge a unique twist!
- Dark or milk chocolate: If white chocolate isn’t your favorite, substitute with dark or milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add-ins: Mix in some crushed cookies or pretzels for an added crunch and contrast to the smooth fudge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this fudge without marshmallow fluff?
Marshmallow fluff helps create the creamy texture in this fudge, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can try using 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows as a substitute.
How long does the fudge take to set?
It’s best to let the fudge set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it sit overnight for the perfect firm texture.
Can I use regular sugar instead of candy cane sugar?
The candy cane sugar gives this fudge its signature peppermint flavor, so I wouldn’t skip it! However, if you want a more subtle mint flavor, you could use ¼ cup of crushed candy canes and ¼ cup of regular sugar.
Storage Instructions
Store your candy cane fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’re gifting it, make sure to pack it tightly to preserve freshness. You can also freeze the fudge for up to three months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving!
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love
This Candy Cane Fudge is bound to become a holiday tradition in your home, just like it has in mine! Every bite is a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and refreshing mint that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned fudge maker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy holiday baking!
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Candy Cane Fudge Recipe: A Holiday Favorite!
- Total Time: 15 minutes (+ 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 49 bite-sized pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Candy Cane Fudge is a holiday must-make! Creamy, smooth, and packed with festive candy cane flavor, it’s the perfect sweet treat for the season. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in just 15 minutes—ideal for last-minute gatherings or gifts. Follow this simple step-by-step recipe for fudge that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup candy canes, finely ground (I used cherry-flavored)
- ¾ cup butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped (or white chocolate chips)
- 1 jar marshmallow fluff (7 ounces)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment or wax paper.
- Grind 6-7 candy canes in a food processor to make ½ cup of finely ground candy cane “sugar.”
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white chocolate and marshmallow fluff. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, add butter, granulated sugar, candy cane sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, continue stirring for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour the mixture over the white chocolate and marshmallow fluff. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set.
- Once set, cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can use different flavored candy canes (peppermint, fruity) for a fun variation!
- Make sure to stir constantly while boiling the sugar mixture to avoid burning.
- This fudge stays fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks and can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 119 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Cholesterol: 13mg