If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that screams holiday cheer but without a laundry list of ingredients, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe is hands down one of my favorite festive desserts—it’s creamy, pepperminty, and crazy simple to pull together. You’ll find that it only takes three ingredients, but the result is rich, smooth fudge with that fun crunch and visual pop from the crushed candy canes. Trust me, once you try it, your family and friends will be asking for it every holiday season!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super simple ingredients: Only three things you probably already have or can easily find in stores.
No baking required: You just melt, mix, and chill—perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
Festive crunch: Crushed candy canes add both flavor and texture that everyone loves.
Perfect holiday gift or party treat: This fudge looks gorgeous and tastes like a winter wonderland in every bite.

The image shows a stack of four thick square pieces of fudge with a creamy white base mixed with small bright red peppermint bits scattered throughout. The top layer of each piece is covered with more crushed red and white peppermint candies, giving a textured and colorful finish. One piece leans against the stack on the right side, revealing the smooth, dense texture inside with embedded peppermint bits. Around the fudge stack, there are whole round white peppermint candies with red stripes placed on a white marbled surface. The overall color palette is soft white with vibrant red specks and stripes, making the dessert look fresh and festive. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate, festive holiday fudge, peppermint candy cane fudge, easy Christmas fudge, quick holiday dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients come together like magic to create a creamy, peppermint-filled fudge. When shopping, I like to grab good-quality white chocolate chips since they really make the fudge silky, and fresh candy canes for that bright peppermint flavor and crunch.

Flat lay of a small mound of creamy white chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy sweetened condensed milk, and a simple white ceramic bowl holding crushed bright red-and-white striped candy cane pieces, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate, festive holiday fudge, peppermint candy cane fudge, easy Christmas fudge, quick holiday dessert

White chocolate chips: Opt for premium white chocolate chips for the smoothest melt and richest taste.
Sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and the creamy texture that makes fudge so irresistible.
Crushed candy canes: Fresh crushed candy canes give that peppermint pop—try to crush them yourself for the best texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe is super customizable. Whether you’re looking to tweak the flavor or make it a little more special, there’s plenty of ways to make it your own. Don’t be shy about adding your twist!

Use peppermint extract: I sometimes add a drop or two to intensify the peppermint flavor without adding more candy canes, which makes the fudge extra festive and aromatic.
Dark chocolate swap: If white chocolate isn’t your thing, you can swap with dark or milk chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.
Add nuts: Crushed almonds or pistachios add a nice crunch and color contrast—my family likes it with nuts for a little extra texture.
Chocolate drizzle: For a fancy touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before refrigerating.

How to Make Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Crush Your Candy Canes

Start by placing your candy canes in a strong ziplock bag and seal it tightly. I like to use a rolling pin to crush them into small, crunchy pieces. You’re aiming for about two cups of crushed candy canes. This step is super satisfying—just be careful not to pulverize them into dust because you want that fun crunch in every bite!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Condensed Milk

Next, set up a double boiler over medium-high heat (or carefully use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between). Combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in the top pot. Stir gently and patiently until everything is melted and silky smooth. Watch closely to prevent scorching—melting slowly is key for that perfect fudge texture.

Step 3: Mix in Candy Canes and Pour

Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, fold in one cup of the crushed candy canes. Then, pour this gorgeous mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Spread it evenly with a spatula so it’s ready for the finishing touch.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top of the fudge, gently pressing them in so they stick nicely. This step adds that beautiful peppermint crunch right on the surface, making it look amazing and taste even better. Pop the pan into your fridge for 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, the freezer for about 2 hours until firm.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

When you’re ready to dig in, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Let it thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature—which helps with cleaner slicing—and then cut into festive squares. Every piece will be creamy, speckled with peppermint, and simply irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

Crush candy canes evenly: I learned that crushing them too finely makes the fudge bitter; medium pieces provide the best texture and flavor balance.
Double boiler patience: Melt the chocolate slowly to avoid grainy or burnt fudge; a gentle hand is key.
Press candy canes gently: Pressing the top candy pieces just a little helps them stick without sinking in or breaking apart.
Use parchment paper for easy removal: This step saved me headaches the first time—I recommend lining your pan generously.

How to Serve Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

The image shows a stack of five square fudge pieces on a white plate, each piece having two visible layers: a creamy off-white bottom layer with a smooth texture and a top layer covered in crushed red and white candy pieces giving a speckled, rough appearance. One piece on top has a bite taken out, revealing a soft and dense interior. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, surrounded by scattered crushed candy bits and a whole red and white striped peppermint candy nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate, festive holiday fudge, peppermint candy cane fudge, easy Christmas fudge, quick holiday dessert

Garnishes

When I serve this fudge, I like to add a few whole mini candy canes or a light dusting of crushed candy cane on top for extra color and flair. Sometimes I’ll throw in a sprinkle of edible glitter or festive colored sugar crystals for that holiday sparkle—it’s a small touch, but it makes guests smile every time.

Side Dishes

This fudge is sweet enough to stand on its own, but I like pairing it with a hot cup of peppermint tea or a creamy latte to complement the minty flavor. For holiday parties, it’s also fabulous alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit to balance out treats with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped individual fudge squares in festive wax paper and tied them with twine as quick DIY gifts. For parties, arranging the fudge on a holiday-themed platter mixed with red and green candies makes it festive and inviting. Layering fudge squares between parchment sheets in decorative tins also makes for beautiful, edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—this keeps it fresh and maintains the creamy texture for up to two weeks. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving so it’s easier to bite into.

Freezing

Freezing fudge is totally doable! I wrap each fudge square in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours on the counter. I’ve done this many times and the texture holds up beautifully.

Reheating

This fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. I don’t recommend reheating since it might alter the texture. If the fudge is too firm after chilling, just leave it out for 15-30 minutes before serving to soften up perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips for this Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe?

Absolutely! If you have white chocolate bars, chop them into small pieces so they melt evenly. Just keep in mind that chips often have stabilizers to help retain shape, so bars sometimes melt quicker, so watch carefully to avoid burning.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes without a rolling pin?

If you don’t have a rolling pin handy, try using the bottom of a sturdy glass or a meat mallet. Just place the candy canes inside a sealed bag and gently tap until broken into pieces. Avoid crushing too hard to prevent candy dust.
Can I make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate, which are dairy-based. You could try vegan white chocolate and a condensed coconut milk alternative, but results may vary. It’s worth experimenting if you want a dairy-free version!
How long does Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about 2 weeks. For longer storage, freezing is your friend and can preserve the fudge for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe comes together so effortlessly but still makes you look like a holiday hero. It’s creamy, pepperminty, and festive enough to brighten any winter gathering. The first time I made it, I was surprised how just three ingredients could create something so deliciously addictive! I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t forget to share some (if you can!). Happy holidays and happy fudge-making!

Candy Cane Fudge with White Chocolate Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 61 reviews

Author: Villerius
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Total Time: 2 hr 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This festive Candy Cane Fudge is a simple and delicious three-ingredient treat featuring creamy white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk combined with crunchy crushed candy canes for a refreshing peppermint twist. Perfect for holiday gifting or holiday dessert tables, this no-bake fudge requires minimal prep and refrigeration time.

Ingredients

Fudge Base

2 cups white chocolate chips
6 oz sweetened condensed milk

Candy Cane Topping

2 cups crushed candy canes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8″ baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the fudge from sticking and to allow easy removal once set.
Crush Candy Canes: Place the candy canes in a gallon-size ziplock bag, seal tightly, and crush thoroughly with a rolling pin until you have about 2 cups of crushed candy cane pieces.
Melt Chocolate Mixture: In the top pot of a double boiler over medium-high heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Mix in Candy Canes: Remove the melted chocolate mixture from heat. Stir in one cup of the crushed candy canes to distribute the peppermint flavor throughout the fudge.
Pour into Pan: Pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining cup of crushed candy canes evenly over the surface of the fudge. Gently press the candy pieces into the fudge to help them adhere and avoid falling off once set.
Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours to allow the fudge to firm up completely. Alternatively, for quicker setting, place the pan in the freezer for about 2 hours.
Slice and Serve: When ready to enjoy, use the parchment paper to lift the fudge out of the pan. Let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing into squares for clean cuts and a perfect texture.

Notes

This fudge is incredibly simple with only three ingredients but yields a smooth, creamy texture paired with a crunchy peppermint topping.
Using a double boiler ensures gentle melting of the white chocolate to prevent scorching or graininess.
Crushing candy canes can also be done with a food processor if you prefer finer pieces.
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to one week.
For an extra festive presentation, consider wrapping fudge squares individually in wax paper for gifting.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 352 kcal
Sugar: 54 g
Sodium: 45 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 11 mg