The holidays are pure magic for me, and you know what makes them even better? Super-fast, amazing treats that taste like they took hours! This Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert is my absolute go-to when I need a festive punch without all the fuss. I still remember one crazy Christmas Eve when I completely forgot about dessert, and this fudge saved the day. The smell of peppermint alone instantly makes me feel all cozy and ready for Santa! Seriously, it’s a lifesaver and tastes like pure holiday joy.
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Fudge
Honestly, what’s not to love? This fudge hits all the right notes, especially when you’re scrambling for a last-minute sweet treat:
- Speedy Setup: Seriously, it’s ready in about 10 minutes of *active* time.
- Super Simple: No complicated steps, no candy thermometers. Just melt, mix, and chill!
- Festive Flavor: That perfect candy cane taste with creamy white chocolate? Pure holiday magic.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone adores a good, classic fudge, and this one is always a hit.
Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Candy Cane Fudge
Alright, let’s get down to business for this Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert! You won’t believe how few things you need. I always keep these staples on hand, just in case a fudge craving (or unexpected guest!) pops up. For the best results, I really recommend using good quality white chocolate chips – they melt so much smoother! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (good quality makes a difference!)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to your taste, more or less!)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (you can buy them crushed or crush your own, just make sure they’re nice and fine!)
That’s it! See? So easy.
Simple Steps to Make Your Candy Cane Fudge
Okay, get ready for the magic! Making this Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert is honestly the easiest part. We’re talking melt, stir, chill, and you’re done! I love this because it feels like I’ve accomplished something big, but in reality, it takes barely any effort. Seriously, you can have this ready to go in about 10 minutes of active prep time, and then just let the fridge do its thing. It’s the ultimate holiday shortcut!
Preparing Your Pan for the Candy Cane Fudge
First things first, let’s get our pan ready. Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. The secret to easy cleanup and getting your fudge out perfectly every time is to line it with parchment paper. I like to leave a little overhang on the sides – it makes lifting the whole block of fudge out a breeze later. Just smooth it down so there are no crinkles that will show up in your beautiful fudge!
Melting the Base for Your Easy Fudge
Now for the fun part: melting! In a microwave-safe bowl, toss in your sweetened condensed milk and those gorgeous white chocolate chips. Pop it in the microwave for about a minute. Give it a good stir – it might still look a little chunky, and that’s okay. Then, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring really well after each one. Keep going until it’s all smooth and shiny. Trust me, resist the urge to zap it for longer – stirring is your best friend here to get a super smooth finish without burning!
Adding Flavor and Finishing Touches to Your Fudge
Once your white chocolate base is looking luscious and smooth, it’s time for that classic peppermint flavor. Stir in the peppermint extract. Give it a good mix to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, pour this glorious mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now for the festive sparkle: liberally sprinkle your crushed candy canes all over the top. Press them down just a tiny bit so they stick, but don’t worry too much, they’ll mostly stay put.
Chilling and Cutting Your Festive Fudge
And that’s pretty much it for the active steps! Now, we just need to let it work its magic. Carefully place the pan in the refrigerator. You’ll want to let it chill for at least an hour, or until it’s completely firm to the touch. Once it’s set, use those parchment paper overhangs to lift the whole fudge slab out. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares. Ta-da! Perfect festive fudge, ready to be devoured!
Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Fudge
Alright, let’s talk about making this Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert absolutely *perfect* every single time. It’s already so simple, but a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years really take it over the top. First, and I can’t stress this enough, use really good quality white chocolate chips. The cheap stuff can be super finicky and might not melt as smoothly, which is key for that creamy texture. And when you’re melting it? Patience is a virtue! Those 30-second bursts and stirring in between keep things from scorching. It’s way better than that burnt taste, trust me.
Oh, and for the candy canes? If you’re crushing your own (which I sometimes do because I like really fine pieces!), make sure you get them nice and small. A few big chunks are okay, but you want that pretty speckle throughout. I usually pop mine in a zip-top bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin – it’s kind of therapeutic! Also, don’t be shy with the peppermint extract, but taste as you go. Everyone likes their peppermint kick a little different. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you might want to check out my classic chocolate chip cookies too; they’re a classic for a reason!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Fudge
When you’re whipping up this easy candy cane fudge, I always give a little nod to the quality of ingredients, especially the white chocolate. Use a good brand of white chocolate chips; they tend to melt more smoothly and have a better flavor. If you can get your hands on white chocolate baking bars and chop those up, even better! They usually have fewer stabilizers and melt like a dream.
As for the peppermint extract, it’s the star of the show for that festive flavor! But hey, if you’re not a huge peppermint fan, or you want to switch things up, you could totally try a little almond extract for a different nutty flavor, or even a touch of vanilla. Just start with a smaller amount and taste as you go – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Serving and Storing Your Easy Fudge
This Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert is just perfect for everything festive! I love cutting it into little squares and piling them onto a holiday cookie tray next to my gooey pecan pie bars or that show-stopping hot fudge pie. It looks so pretty with the red and white swirls! Once it’s cut, you can keep any leftovers fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay delicious for about a week, though honestly, it never lasts that long in my house!
Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Fudge
Got questions about this super-easy Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert? I totally get it! I’ve made tons of batches, and here are some things people often ask:
Can I make this fudge without a microwave?
Absolutely! If your microwave isn’t your baking buddy, you can totally melt the condensed milk and white chocolate chips using a double boiler. Just put them in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water) and stir until everything is smooth and melted. It might take a little longer than the microwave, but you’ll get the same delicious result!
How long does the fudge last?
This yummy fudge stores really well! Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay perfectly fresh and delicious for about a week. Honestly, though, mine usually disappears way before that! It’s just too good to resist.
Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?
You sure can! While peppermint is the classic candy cane flavor, feel free to get creative. A little almond extract makes for a wonderfully nutty fudge, or you could try a splash of vanilla for a simple, sweet taste. Just remember to start with a small amount, maybe half a teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
My fudge seems a little soft, what did I do wrong?
No worries, that happens sometimes! It usually means it just needed a bit more chilling time. Pop it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to an hour. If it’s still a little soft, it might be the way the white chocolate chips melted, or even the humidity! It’ll still taste amazing, and you can always just scoop it with a spoon like a creamy dip if it’s super soft. Next time, just make sure those chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth before adding the candy canes!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can change a bit depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use and how big you cut your squares. But generally, each little piece of this delicious Candy Cane Fudge – Easy 10-Minute Dessert packs about 150 calories, 5g of fat, 2g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates, with about 25g of that being sugar. Pretty sweet, right?
Share Your Candy Cane Fudge Creations!
I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all create in your kitchens! Have you whipped up this Candy Cane Fudge yet? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below telling me how it turned out, or even gave it a star rating! And seriously, if you share photos of your festive fudge on social media, please tag me! You can also reach out if you have any other questions. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Candy Cane Fudge
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick fudge recipe perfect for the holidays, ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a smoother fudge, ensure the white chocolate chips are fully melted before adding the peppermint extract.
- You can use store-bought crushed candy canes or crush your own.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
