The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in rich, festive treats, and nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of homemade peppermint swirl fudge. This decadent dessert combines the smooth, creamy richness of fudge with the fresh, cool flavor of peppermint, all topped off with a beautiful red-and-white swirl that screams holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking to create a delightful gift or a tasty treat for your holiday table, this irresistible peppermint swirl fudge is the ultimate Christmas confection.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make this festive treat, offering you expert tips, delicious variations, and essential serving suggestions to ensure your fudge is a showstopper at any Christmas gathering.

Ingredients

For this peppermint swirl fudge, you’ll need a few simple ingredients to create the perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base Fudge:

3 cups white chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the Peppermint Swirl:

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring (optional)

Garnishes (Optional):

Crushed candy canes (for a festive crunch)
Extra white chocolate chips or peppermint bark for topping (optional)

These ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store and ensure the perfect creamy texture with just the right amount of peppermint flavor.

Instructions

Now, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to create your irresistible peppermint swirl fudge.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

First, line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to remove the fudge once it sets. You can lightly grease the parchment paper if you like, but it’s not necessary. Set this aside for later.

Step 2: Melt the Base Fudge Ingredients

In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly as the mixture begins to melt. This step may take a few minutes, but be patient! Once everything is completely melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings

Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the melted mixture and stir until well combined. The vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the fudge, and the pinch of salt helps balance out the flavors, making the fudge even more irresistible.

Step 4: Add the Peppermint Swirl

Now, take half of the melted fudge mixture and transfer it to a separate bowl. To the larger portion (still in the saucepan), add the peppermint extract. Stir well until the flavor is evenly distributed. This will give you the base fudge flavor with a refreshing peppermint twist.

Step 5: Color the Peppermint Fudge

If you want to add the signature red-and-white swirl look, take the smaller portion of the fudge mixture and add a few drops of red food coloring. Stir until the color is fully incorporated. You can use more food coloring if you prefer a deeper red shade, but be careful not to add too much as it can affect the flavor.

Step 6: Layer the Fudge

Now comes the fun part: layering! Pour the white fudge mixture (without peppermint extract) into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the red peppermint fudge on top of the white fudge layer. Once the red fudge is placed, gently swirl the two mixtures together using a butter knife or a skewer to create the signature peppermint swirl effect.

Step 7: Set the Fudge

Place the baking dish in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge has set completely and is firm to the touch. The cool temperatures allow the fudge to harden and hold its shape without becoming too soft.

Step 8: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge has set, remove it from the fridge. Carefully lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares, and you’re ready to serve this irresistible Christmas treat!

Conservation and Storage

Proper storage is key to ensuring your peppermint swirl fudge stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are a few tips:

Room Temperature: If you plan to serve or consume the fudge within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for about 5 to 7 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the fudge. When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the fudge will last up to two weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
Freezing: If you want to make fudge in advance, you can freeze it! Cut the fudge into squares and place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Variations

While the classic peppermint swirl fudge is delicious on its own, here are a few fun variations to add a twist to your holiday treat:

Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Fudge: Add a layer of chocolate fudge below the white fudge base. To do this, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk and follow the same steps for the peppermint swirl.
Candy Cane Crunch: After swirling the peppermint fudge, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint bark on top before chilling. The candy pieces will add a satisfying crunch and extra holiday flavor.
Nutty Peppermint Fudge: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the base fudge mixture for a bit of texture and richness.
Vegan Peppermint Fudge: To make a dairy-free version, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk or any plant-based sweetened condensed milk, and swap out the white chocolate chips for dairy-free white chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Peppermint swirl fudge is as versatile in its presentation as it is in flavor. Here are some fun ways to serve it:

Gift-Worthy: Cut the fudge into neat squares and package them in clear bags tied with festive ribbons for a thoughtful holiday gift. You can also place it in a beautiful holiday tin for an extra touch of charm.
Holiday Platters: Add the fudge to a dessert platter filled with other holiday treats like sugar cookies, chocolate truffles, or gingerbread. It’s a perfect complement to other sweet bites.
Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve the fudge alongside hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat. The peppermint flavor will pair perfectly with a warm cup of chocolate.
Party Treat: Arrange the fudge on a decorative plate or cake stand for a simple but elegant holiday party treat. The swirls of red and white will make it a showstopper on the table.

Conclusion

Peppermint swirl fudge is not only a delicious treat, but it’s also a festive and fun way to celebrate the Christmas season. With its creamy white chocolate base and refreshing peppermint swirl, it’s the perfect holiday indulgence. Whether you’re serving it as a gift, a treat for guests, or just something to enjoy yourself, this fudge is sure to bring joy to all who taste it.

So, next time you’re looking to impress with a homemade dessert that’s both visually stunning and packed with festive flavor, give this peppermint swirl fudge recipe a try. It’s versatile, easy to make, and guaranteed to be the ultimate Christmas treat on any table. Happy holidays and happy indulging!

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Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge: The Ultimate Christmas Treat

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes setting time)
Yield: Approximately 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This peppermint swirl fudge is the ultimate holiday treat, combining creamy white chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist. The red-and-white swirls make it visually stunning, while the rich, smooth texture will melt in your mouth. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying yourself, this festive fudge is a must-have for Christmas.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base Fudge:

3 cups white chocolate chips

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

For the Peppermint Swirl:

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Red food coloring (optional)

Garnishes (Optional):

Crushed candy canes

Extra white chocolate chips or peppermint bark for topping

Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the fudge later. Optionally, grease the parchment paper.

Melt the Base Fudge Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan over low to medium heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until everything melts and becomes smooth. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Add Flavorings:
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted fudge mixture to enhance the flavors.

Add the Peppermint Swirl:
Take half of the melted fudge mixture and transfer it to a separate bowl. Add the peppermint extract to the larger portion in the saucepan and stir well.

Color the Peppermint Fudge:
If you want to create the red-and-white swirl effect, add a few drops of red food coloring to the smaller portion of fudge and stir until the color is fully incorporated.

Layer the Fudge:
Pour the white fudge into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Spoon the red peppermint fudge on top and swirl the two mixtures together using a butter knife or skewer to create the desired swirl pattern.

Set the Fudge:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch.

Cut and Serve:
Once set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.

Notes

Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Optional Toppings: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint bark on top for an extra festive crunch.