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This Candy Cane Fudge Is the One Holiday Treat Everyone Actually Finishes
Fudge that gets compliments, not leftovers. Try this twist on Candy Cane Fudge, with a vegan version too.
Looking for an easy holiday treat that feels festive but takes hardly any effort? This candy cane fudge is it. Made with real cocoa, crushed peppermint, and just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in minutes. You don’t need a candy thermometer, and you can even make it vegan without changing the flavor.
This isn’t the kind of fudge that sits untouched on the dessert table. It’s rich, smooth, and just minty enough to keep things fresh. Whether you make it for gifting, snacking, or a last-minute party tray, this fudge is the kind of simple holiday win everyone needs.
Benefits of This Fudge Recipe:
- Quick and easy: No baking, no tricky steps, and done in under 15 minutes
- Simple ingredients: All pantry staples, nothing fancy
- Peppermint twist: Cuts the sweetness and gives it that classic holiday vibe
- Vegan or regular: One easy swap makes it dairy-free
- Perfect for gifts: Wrap it up in a tin or box for an easy homemade gift
- Make ahead: Stores well in the fridge for days without drying out
This fudge tastes like the holidays should: chocolatey, minty, and totally snackable
Looking for a simple treat that actually disappears from the dessert table? This Candy Cane Fudge comes in both regular and vegan versions and takes minutes to make. No baking. No complicated steps. Just chocolate, peppermint
Print
6-Ingredient Candy Cane Fudge – Regular and Dairy-Free Options
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Appetizers and Snacks
- Method: Easy
Description
This fudge is nothing like the overly sweet, sticky stuff that usually gets left behind on dessert trays. With a cool hit of peppermint and a rich chocolate base, it’s the kind of holiday treat people actually want seconds of. And yes, you can make it vegan or regular with just a simple switch.
Ingredients
For Regular Fudge:
- 6 Tbsp real butter
- 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup full-fat milk
- 2 peppermint candy canes
For Vegan Fudge:
- 6 Tbsp vegan margarine
- 3 1/2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup soy milk
- 2 peppermint candy canes
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with margarine.
- Place the candy canes in a sandwich bag and crush them, use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or anything heavy.
- In a heatproof bowl (or the top of a double boiler), combine the butter or margarine, icing sugar, cocoa, peppermint extract, and milk or soy milk.
- Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Stir slowly until it melts into a smooth, thick fudge.
- If it’s too stiff, add a splash more milk.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth it out quickly.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and press them in gently so they stick.
- Chill in the fridge until firm.
- Slice into squares or bars and keep chilled until ready to serve.
Why It’s Worth Making
Even people who don’t usually like fudge end up loving this one. The peppermint gives it a clean finish that balances the richness, so it doesn’t feel too heavy or overly sweet. It keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for holiday snacking, gifting, or bringing to parties. And since you can make it vegan with zero fuss, it’s a great treat for just about everyone.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Corlea (modified a vegan recipe and prepared the regular version) from SA Tasty Recipes, Saffas Daily Recipes
Crushed candy canes and rich cocoa in one easy, no-fuss fudge. Candy Cane Fudge, regular and vegan, is everything you want in a holiday treat without the sugar overload or long prep time. Who else loves chocolate peppermint combos during the holidays?
Anyone who loves quick desserts with big flavor will enjoy this candy cane fudge. It’s rich, smooth, and balanced with peppermint to keep it from tasting too sweet. Both the regular and vegan versions come together fast with simple ingredients and no baking required. Perfect for last-minute holiday trays or homemade gifts.
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