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Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge is a festive, rich treat combining silky semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate layers infused with refreshing peppermint. Featuring a beautiful swirl effect and topped with crunchy crushed peppermint candies, it’s perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, minty indulgence. Easy to make using a double boiler method and chilled to set, this fudge offers a balanced texture of creamy chocolate and crisp candy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Layer

  • 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Pinch of salt

Peppermint Swirl Layer

  • 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (use real white chocolate, not almond bark)
  • ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1–2 drops red gel food coloring

Topping

  • ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

  1. Prep the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Lightly coat with nonstick spray and place the pan on a flat surface to prepare for the fudge layers.
  2. Make the Chocolate Fudge Base: Combine semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon butter, and room temperature sweetened condensed milk in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and stir constantly until the mixture is melted and completely smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and a pinch of salt for flavor balance.
  3. Make the Peppermint Swirl Layer: In a separate heatproof bowl, combine white chocolate chips, ½ tablespoon unsalted butter, and ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk. Gently melt over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and 1–2 drops of red gel food coloring. Swirl gently to maintain streaks of color without full blending.
  4. Layer and Swirl: Pour about three-quarters of the chocolate fudge base into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Using a spoon, drop dollops of the red peppermint swirl mixture across the surface, then fill in gaps with the remaining chocolate fudge mixture. Use a knife or skewer to gently create swirl patterns, such as figure-eights, combining the two layers without overmixing.
  5. Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the top layer of the fudge. Press gently so the candies adhere well to the surface.
  6. Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge is fully set and firm. Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and cut into 25 equal squares with a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use real white chocolate chips for the swirl layer, not almond bark, to ensure smooth texture and flavor.
  • Melting over a double boiler prevents chocolate from burning and ensures a silky finish.
  • For best results, let the sweetened condensed milk come to room temperature before mixing.
  • The red gel food coloring is preferred for vibrant color without altering the fudge consistency.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Crushed peppermint candies add both a crunchy texture and festive look, but can be omitted or substituted with crushed candy canes.

Keywords: peppermint fudge, peppermint swirl fudge, holiday fudge, chocolate peppermint fudge, festive desserts, white chocolate fudge, easy fudge recipe

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/peppermint-swirl-fudge-recipe/