Easy White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat Recipe
Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year, where festive flavors and delightful treats take center stage! This Easy White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge is the absolute must-have addition to your Christmas cookie trays and holiday dessert platters. Imagine a silky, smooth square of white chocolate bliss, generously adorned with vibrant red and white striped candy cane pieces, delivering that unmistakable cool peppermint crunch in every bite. Crafted with simple ingredients like rich white chocolate, fluffy miniature marshmallows, and creamy evaporated milk, this recipe promises a stress-free journey from saucepan to sensational dessert. Just a quick heat, a simple pour into a baking dish, a moment to cool, and then pure enjoyment awaits!
As the holiday season unfolds, bringing with it a whirlwind of cherished traditions and joyful gatherings, there’s always a desire to create edible magic that captures the spirit of Christmas. This White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge does exactly that, embodying the festive cheer in a bite-sized piece of heaven. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a taste of holiday nostalgia, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring by a cozy fire.
Crafting the BEST White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge This Holiday Season
There’s a reason this particular white chocolate peppermint fudge stands out as the best; it’s the sort of holiday treat that instantly transports you to a joyous, caroling mood. The moment its creamy texture melts on your tongue, followed by the refreshing burst of peppermint, you’ll feel an undeniable urge to burst into song. Yes, it truly tastes *that* good!
Baking during the holidays is often seen as a delightful activity, made even better when you’re already in a cheerful mood. However, we all know that holiday baking can sometimes escalate into a stressful endeavor, with intricate recipes and demanding schedules. But fear not! With this incredibly easy white chocolate marshmallow fudge recipe in your culinary arsenal, you have absolutely no reason to fret. It’s designed to be simple, straightforward, and spectacularly delicious, allowing you to create impressive homemade fudge without the typical holiday hustle. This festive fudge recipe combines minimal effort with maximum festive impact, guaranteeing smiles with every square.
This no-fail white chocolate peppermint fudge recipe yields a perfectly smooth, rich, and vibrant treat that’s ideal for festive occasions. Its striking appearance, with the white base contrasting with the red and green speckles of candy cane, makes it an eye-catching addition to any holiday table. Whether you’re a seasoned fudge maker or a complete beginner, this recipe ensures a luxurious outcome that will have everyone asking for your secret!
The Magic of Mini Marshmallows in White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
One of the key secrets to achieving effortlessly smooth and delicious fudge lies in the strategic use of miniature marshmallows. Melting these fluffy delights with your preferred white chocolate pieces creates the path of least resistance to truly exceptional homemade fudge. The marshmallows not only add a wonderful creamy texture but also contribute to the perfect consistency, making the fudge rich and pliable without being crumbly or overly soft.
The process couldn’t be simpler: you just combine the core ingredients in a saucepan, gently melting and heating the mixture until it reaches precisely 234 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is crucial – it’s just shy of the traditional 235-degree “soft ball” stage, which is the sweet spot for fudge consistency. Reaching this specific temperature ensures your fudge sets beautifully with that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Using mini marshmallows is a clever trick to speed up the melting process, as their smaller size allows them to dissolve much quicker and more evenly into the hot mixture. This means less stirring time and a reduced risk of scorching. However, if you only have larger marshmallows on hand, don’t worry! They work just as well; simply cut them in half or quarters to help them melt more efficiently. After heating, you simply pour the luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish, allow it to cool completely, and then slice and serve this delightful white chocolate peppermint marshmallow fudge. It’s a method designed for success, even for novice candy makers!
How to Make This Irresistible White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Making this delightful peppermint fudge is surprisingly simple, making it an ideal recipe for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen. Beyond being a fantastic treat for your own enjoyment, it also makes an exquisite homemade gift! If you enjoy crafting a variety of delicious goodies to share with friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues during the holiday season, this recipe is an absolute winner. Its elegant appearance and festive flavor make it a highly desirable present.
Imagine presenting these beautifully crafted squares in a charming Christmas cookie tin, nestled amongst other holiday favorites, or perhaps tucked into a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon. The visual appeal alone is enough to elicit smiles, and the taste will surely seal its reputation as a beloved holiday staple. After all, who doesn’t adore a rich, creamy piece of homemade fudge, especially when it’s bursting with refreshing peppermint and sweet white chocolate?
This easy fudge recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring that your holiday preparations remain joyous and stress-free. The distinct layers of flavor and texture, from the smooth white chocolate to the crunchy peppermint, create a memorable confection that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.
To embark on your fudge-making adventure, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients: granulated sugar, evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk!), unsalted butter, high-quality white chocolate chips or a bar broken into pieces, miniature marshmallows, pure vanilla extract, a touch of peppermint extract for that signature festive flavor, and plenty of crushed peppermint candy canes for topping.
Begin by preparing your baking dish. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with foil, allowing enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out once set. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to ensure a clean release.
In a sturdy saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, and butter. Stir these ingredients frequently as you gradually bring them to a full boil. Continue to cook, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until the mixture reaches a precise temperature of 234 degrees Fahrenheit. This critical step ensures your fudge achieves the perfect texture. A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. Once it hits the target temperature, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat.
Immediately stir in the white chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Keep stirring diligently until all the marshmallows and white chocolate pieces have completely melted and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This vibrant, aromatic blend will be thick and glossy.
Quickly spread the warm fudge mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. While the fudge is still soft and warm, generously sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the entire surface. Gently press them into the fudge with the back of a spoon or your fingertips to ensure they adhere well and don’t fall off when cut. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature, which can take several hours, or chill it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the dish using the foil overhang, peel away the foil, and cut it into desired pieces. For perfect presentation, cut into small 1-inch squares.
Loved This Recipe? Don’t Forget to Pin It!
If this delightful White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge has captured your heart (and taste buds!), be sure to save it for future holiday seasons and sweet cravings. Don’t forget to pin this easy White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go! This way, you can easily find it again next time you’re looking for the perfect festive treat or a charming homemade gift idea. Share the love and let others discover this irresistible holiday confection!
Understanding “White Chocolate” in Your Peppermint Fudge
When we talk about “white chocolate” for this peppermint fudge, it’s worth noting an interesting culinary fact: technically, white chocolate isn’t classified as true chocolate. This is because it doesn’t contain cocoa solids, which are responsible for chocolate’s characteristic brown color and robust flavor. Instead, white chocolate is primarily made from cocoa butter (the fat extracted from cocoa beans), sugar, and milk solids. While cocoa butter provides a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel, it has a relatively mild flavor profile on its own.
The delightful taste of white chocolate actually comes predominantly from the carefully balanced combination of sugar, milk solids, and often, a slightly caramelized evaporated milk, as used in this recipe. This creates a sweet, creamy, and distinct flavor that serves as a perfect canvas for other ingredients, like the bright and refreshing peppermint extract in our fudge.
However, if you’re a devout fan of traditional chocolate and find yourself craving a deeper cocoa flavor, this recipe is incredibly versatile! It’s super easy to adapt. Simply switch out the white chocolate chips for your favorite milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate chips. This simple substitution allows you to customize the fudge to your personal chocolate preference while still enjoying the delightful peppermint kick and the ease of preparation. Whether you stick with classic white chocolate or venture into darker territories, the result will be a scrumptious, festive fudge.
Storing Your White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your homemade white chocolate peppermint fudge. Due to the strong, pervasive nature of peppermint, there’s one crucial thing to keep in mind: anything stored with your peppermint fudge will likely pick up some of its minty aroma and flavor. If you’re a true mint enthusiast, this might not be an issue – in fact, you might even welcome a subtle mint infusion into other treats! However, if you prefer your other baked goods to retain their original flavors, it’s best to store your peppermint fudge separately.
For optimal freshness, store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to three to four weeks. If you plan to keep it longer, fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap individual pieces or blocks tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you’re preparing holiday tins filled with an assortment of treats, such as delicate Sugar Cookies, buttery Shortbread, or other non-peppermint items, meticulous wrapping is essential. Wrap the peppermint fudge tightly in several layers of plastic wrap before placing it in the tin. This will offer short-term protection against flavor transfer. For longer storage or when packing with sensitive items, consider placing the wrapped fudge in a separate smaller, sealed bag or container within the larger tin to act as an extra barrier. This thoughtful step will ensure all your delicious holiday goodies taste exactly as they should!
Explore More Delicious Fudge Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of homemade fudge, just like I have, you’ll be thrilled to discover the incredible versatility of this classic candy! Fudge is not just a holiday treat; it’s a year-round delight that can be customized with countless flavor combinations. From rich chocolate classics to vibrant fruit-infused varieties, there’s a fudge recipe for every occasion and every palate. Don’t stop at just one – be sure to check out all of my favorite fudge creations and expand your confectionery repertoire!
[mv_create key=”890″ layout=”grid” thumbnail=”https://anaffairfromtheheart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Never-Fail-Fudge-.jpg” title=”Fudge Recipes” type=”list”]
Ready to create this spectacular white peppermint fudge yourself? Here’s the full recipe, detailed instructions, and all the nutritional information you need to get started!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 5 ounce can evaporated milk
- ½ cup butter
- 1 11 ounce package good quality white chocolate chips
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4-5 crushed candy canes
Instructions
-
Line an 8×8 baking dish with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
-
In a saucepan over medium heat, gradually bring sugar, evaporated milk and butter to a boil. Heat to 234 degrees F. When it reaches 234 degrees, remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredients, with the
the exception of the candy canes, stirring until marshmallows and chocolate have melted. -
Spread into the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with candy canes, gently pressing them into the fudge.
-
Allow to cool completely before cutting into pieces.
-
Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
This delightful recipe was proudly featured as part of a previous #ChristmasSweetsWeek celebration! Co-hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, #ChristmasSweetsWeek is a fantastic culinary event that brings together talented bloggers from across the country. What better way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than with an abundance of delicious food and holiday fun? During this week-long festivity, a community of passionate food bloggers shares their favorite sweet Christmas recipes, ranging from luscious fudges and classic cookies to heartwarming Christmas morning breakfasts, decadent layer cakes, comforting cocoas, and much, much more! Follow along on social media using the #ChristmasSweetsWeek hashtag to discover a treasure trove of inspiration and merry sweet treats. Happy Holidays and happy baking!
Dive into these #ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes from our talented bloggers:
Breakfast and Baked Goods Recipes
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread by Simply Inspired Meals
Eggnog Cream Cheese Danish by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal by Making Miracles
Candy and Fudge Recipes
Chocolate Cherry Brownie Bites by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Hard Cinnamon Candy by Blogghetti
Oreo Balls by The Mandatory Mooch
Papaya Halwa by Palatable Pastime
White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge by An Affair from the Heart
Pastry and Dessert Recipes
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
Chocolate Saltine Toffee by For the Love of Food
Christmas Snack Board by Love & Confections
Christmas Tree Krispie Treats by Sweet Beginnings
Hot Chocolate cookies by Christmas Tree Lane
Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies by The Spiffy Cookie
Lemon Rosemary Shortbread Cookies [Vegan & Allergy-Friendly] by Bear & Bug Eats
Gingerbread House by House of Nash Eats
Gingerbread Layer Cake by The Redhead Baker
Peppermint Candy Cane Ice Cream Pie by A Little Fish in the Kitchen