Easy Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Creamy, Festive Holiday Classic

When the holiday season arrives, few treats feel as iconic and nostalgic as fudge. Rich, creamy, and indulgent, fudge has long been a staple on Christmas dessert tables, cookie tins, and edible gift trays. Easy Peppermint Swirl Fudge takes that classic holiday treat and gives it a festive twist with creamy white chocolate, refreshing peppermint flavor, and beautiful red swirls that look like they came straight from a candy cane.

This recipe is everything you want in a holiday dessert: quick to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. There’s no candy thermometer, no complicated steps, and no baking involved — just a smooth, foolproof method that delivers perfect results every time.

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Why Peppermint and Fudge Are a Perfect Match

Peppermint and chocolate are a timeless holiday pairing, but peppermint truly shines when paired with white chocolate fudge. The creaminess of white chocolate softens peppermint’s bold flavor, creating a balance that’s refreshing rather than overpowering.

What makes peppermint swirl fudge so special:

• Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Bright, festive appearance
• Cool peppermint finish
• Perfect balance of sweet and refreshing

It’s indulgent without being heavy, making it ideal after rich holiday meals.

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Why This Is the Ultimate Easy Fudge Recipe

Traditional fudge recipes often involve precise temperatures and constant stirring. This version skips all of that thanks to sweetened condensed milk, which creates a smooth, stable fudge base without stress.

Reasons this recipe is foolproof:

• No thermometer needed
• Minimal ingredients
• One bowl preparation
• No baking required

It’s perfect for beginners, busy holiday schedules, and last-minute dessert needs.

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Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect peppermint swirl fudge.

• White chocolate chips or bars
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Unsalted butter
• Peppermint extract
• Vanilla extract
• Red food coloring
• Crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt white chocolate, condensed milk, and butter together until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extract.
4. Remove a small portion and tint it red.
5. Pour white fudge into pan and dollop red fudge on top.
6. Swirl gently with a knife.
7. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over top.
8. Chill until firm, then cut into squares.

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Texture & Flavor Experience

This fudge delivers a luxurious bite every time:

• Silky-smooth texture
• Creamy white chocolate richness
• Cool peppermint flavor
• Crunchy candy cane topping

The contrast between smooth fudge and crunchy peppermint makes it especially satisfying.

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How to Get Perfect Swirls

The key to beautiful peppermint swirls is restraint:

• Don’t overmix the colors
• Use a thin knife or skewer
• Make gentle figure-eight motions

Less swirling creates a more dramatic visual effect.

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Peppermint Flavor Tips

Peppermint extract is potent. Start small — you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

For a softer flavor:

• Use ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Add more vanilla to balance

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Festive Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Swirl
Use half dark chocolate and half white.

Extra Crunch
Mix crushed candy canes directly into the fudge.

Gluten-Free Option
Naturally gluten-free as written.

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Perfect for Gifting

Peppermint swirl fudge is ideal for edible gifts:

• Holds shape well
• Looks festive without extra decoration
• Stores beautifully

Wrap squares in parchment and place in tins for a polished holiday gift.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate up to 2 weeks
• Freeze up to 2 months
• Bring to room temperature before serving

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Why This Recipe Works for FoodieRipple

This recipe is:

• Highly seasonal
• Extremely shareable
• Visually striking
• Beginner-friendly
• Perfect for Pinterest and SEO

It’s the kind of holiday dessert readers save and return to every December.