This peppermint swirl fudge is a simple, festive treat that balances rich chocolate with cool peppermint. It sets up firm and creamy, with a ribbon of colored white chocolate and crunchy candy pieces on top. The scent is bright and minty, the texture smooth and slightly dense, and each bite melts pleasantly on the tongue. It’s perfect for holiday plates, cookie exchanges, or a small homemade gift.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 (about 1-inch squares)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 155 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
Why Make This Peppermint Swirl Fudge
This recipe is quick, forgiving, and festive. You don’t need candy thermometers or complex techniques — just gentle melting and simple assembly. The peppermint gives a fresh lift to the deep chocolate, while the white chocolate swirl and crushed candy add color, crunch, and a pretty finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings and an easy homemade gift. If you like peppermint flavors, try pairing a plate of these fudge squares with some soft peppermint treats like peppermint swirl cookies for a themed dessert tray.
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Fudge
This fudge comes together in a few short stages: prepare your pan and toppings, melt and flavor the chocolate base, add a colored white chocolate swirl, and chill until firm. Gentle heat and steady stirring keep the chocolate smooth. Use a sharp knife to swirl for pretty ribbons rather than over-mixing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (about 14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon food coloring (red or green, optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper so the fudge will lift out easily. Crush peppermint candies in a sealed bag with a rolling pin or pulse briefly in a food processor. Measure out the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk so everything is ready.
Step 2: Mixing
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the 2 cups chocolate chips and the can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and about half of the crushed peppermint candies.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. In another small saucepan (or a microwave-safe bowl), melt the white chocolate chips over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If you want a festive color, add 1 tablespoon food coloring (red or green) and stir until the color is uniform and the white chocolate is smooth.
Step 4: Finishing
Pour the colored white chocolate over the chocolate layer in an even layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the white chocolate into the dark layer to create ribbons — don’t over-swirl. Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top for crunch and color. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment, cut into squares, and serve.
How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature for the best texture. Arrange squares on a holiday platter with sprigs of evergreen or edible glitter for a festive look. These squares go well with hot cocoa, coffee, or a simple plate of cookies. For gifting, wrap a few pieces in waxed paper and place them in a small box or tin.
How to Store Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Store fudge in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. If the edges look slightly dull after refrigeration, let them sit a few minutes at room temperature to soften.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Swirl Fudge
- Use gentle heat when melting chocolate. High heat can seize chocolate and make the texture grainy.
- Stir constantly while melting to keep the mixture smooth and to prevent burning.
- If white chocolate seizes, add a little vegetable oil or a small spoon of melted butter to smooth it out.
- Press the crushed candies lightly onto the surface so they stick but don’t sink into the fudge.
- For cleaner cuts, chill thoroughly and use a hot, sharp knife — wipe the knife between cuts.
- Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla and use different colored swirls for non-holiday occasions.
Delicious Variations
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, less sweet flavor.
- Mint Oreo Swirl: Fold chopped Mint Oreos into the chocolate layer before chilling.
- Nutty Peppermint: Add 1/2 cup chopped roasted almonds or pistachios to the top or into the batter.
- White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap the chocolate chips for all white chocolate and omit coloring for a snowy look.
- Boozy Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of peppermint schnapps or a complementary liqueur to the chocolate mixture for adults only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?
A: Yes. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. This helps prevent overheating.
Q: What if my white chocolate is too thick to swirl?
A: Warm it gently over low heat or add a teaspoon of neutral oil to thin it slightly. Stir until smooth before pouring.
Q: Can I skip the food coloring?
A: Absolutely. The fudge will still taste the same; it just won’t have the colored swirl. You can also use natural beet powder or matcha for color.
Q: How small should I crush the peppermint candies?
A: Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces. Fine crumbs melt slightly into the fudge for flavor; small pieces add crunch.
Q: Will this freeze well?
A: Yes. Freeze pieces in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: Can I make this without sweetened condensed milk?
A: Sweetened condensed milk gives the fudge its texture. If you must substitute, use a tested fudge recipe that uses sugar and butter — direct swaps will change texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
This Peppermint Swirl Fudge is an easy, festive treat with creamy chocolate, bright mint flavor, and a crunchy finish — perfect for holiday trays, gifts, or quick desserts. For another take and presentation ideas, see Peppermint Swirl Fudge – Emma’s Cake Studio. Give it a try; it’s simple to make and brings big holiday cheer.
Print
Peppermint Swirl Fudge
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, festive treat that balances rich chocolate with cool peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings or homemade gifts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (about 14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon food coloring (red or green, optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Crush peppermint candies and prepare ingredients.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and half of the crushed candies.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan, spreading evenly. Melt white chocolate chips and add food coloring, if using, until smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate over the dark layer and swirl gently. Sprinkle remaining crushed peppermint on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for longer storage, wrapped individually.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
