As I stood in my kitchen, enveloped by the sweet, minty aroma of peppermint and chocolate, memories of festive gatherings washed over me. That’s when I realized my holiday season was incomplete without my beloved Peppermint Swirl Fudge. This easy-to-make treat combines rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint kick, creating a decadent dessert that delights everyone. Not only does it bring a delightful creaminess and an eye-catching swirl to the table, but it’s also a breeze to whip up using simple pantry staples. Perfect for sharing or tucking into gift boxes, this fudge adds a personal touch to any gathering. Curious about how to create this festive delight? Let’s dive into the recipe together! Why is Peppermint Swirl Fudge a Must-Make? Irresistible Flavor: The blend of creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a treat that captures the essence of the holidays. Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time! Eye-Catching Swirls: The beautiful presentation makes it perfect for gifting or festive gatherings, adding a splash of color to your dessert table. Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a standalone dessert, or mix it with other holiday favorites like my Decadent Caramel Swirl for an indulgent treat. Make Ahead: Prepare a week in advance, simplifying your holiday planning and ensuring you have delicious treats on hand. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a holiday party or a cozy family night in, this fudge is sure to impress everyone! Peppermint Swirl Fudge Ingredients For the Fudge Base Sweetened Condensed Milk – Provides creaminess and sweetness. Optional: evaporated milk for a lighter version. White Chocolate Chips – Makes the base for the fudge and adds sweetness. Substitute with white chocolate bars if chips are unavailable. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds depth of flavor to the fudge. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste. For the Flavor Peppermint Extract – Imparts a refreshing mint flavor. Substitution: peppermint oil (use sparingly due to stronger flavor). Crushed Peppermint Candies – For texture and a festive finish. Alternative: crushed candy canes. For Decoration Red Food Coloring (optional) – Enhances the visual appeal of the swirls. Can be omitted if a more natural look is desired. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Swirl Fudge Step 1: Melt Ingredients In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smoothly blended and the chocolate is fully melted. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching; remove from heat as soon as it’s creamy and well combined. Step 2: Add Flavor Once the mixture is removed from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This will infuse your Peppermint Swirl Fudge with that delightful minty flavor. Make sure the extract is thoroughly mixed in for an even taste throughout, feeling the warm mixture envelop the fresh scent of peppermint. Step 3: Prepare the Pan While the fudge mixture is cooling slightly, line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the dish with cooking spray. This step ensures that your fudge will come out easily once set, creating perfect square pieces. Step 4: Create Fudge Layers Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. For the peppermint layer, reserve the other half of the melted fudge. If you’d like to incorporate red food coloring, add a few drops to the remaining mixture and stir gently until you achieve a marbled effect. Step 5: Swirl Next, pour the colored chocolate mixture over the first layer of fudge. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the layers to create beautiful ribbons and a marbled appearance. Be careful not to overmix; you want lovely swirls in your Peppermint Swirl Fudge for that festive look. Step 6: Chill Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for approximately 2-3 hours until the fudge is fully set and firm to the touch. Proper chilling will ensure each piece cuts smoothly and maintains its shape. Step 7: Cut and Serve Once your Peppermint Swirl Fudge has set, carefully lift it from the dish using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares or rectangles, enjoying the visual swirls of red and white. Serve on a festive platter, and get ready to share this delightful treat with family and friends! Make Ahead Options These Peppermint Swirl Fudge squares are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to simplify your holiday baking! You can prepare the fudge up to 1 week in advance, as this dessert tightly seals in flavor when stored properly. Start by making the fudge as directed, then let it cool completely before cutting it into squares. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for peak freshness, and it will still taste just as delicious during the week. When you’re ready to serve, simply take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before sharing. This way, you’ll have an enchanting treat, effortlessly available for those busy holiday gatherings! What to Serve with Peppermint Swirl Fudge? Looking to create a festive spread that dazzles the senses? Pair your delightful Peppermint Swirl Fudge with these scrumptious accompaniments. Rich Hot Chocolate: The warm, chocolatey drink complements the fudge’s cool mint, creating a cozy pairing that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Gingerbread Cookies: The spicy sweetness of gingerbread enhances the minty fudge, bringing a nostalgic touch to your dessert table. Creamy Eggnog: The smoothness of eggnog balances the fudge’s richness, making it an inviting choice for holiday gatherings. Serve chilled for a refreshing sip! Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a juicy burst of flavor, contrasting beautifully with the fudge’s creamy texture for a delightful bite. Mini Cheesecakes: The rich, cheesy goodness of mini cheesecakes provides a decadent alternative that pairs wonderfully with the minty fudge. Peppermint Tea: A warm, aromatic tea brings out the peppermint notes in the fudge, creating a soothing experience that’s ideal for winding down the day. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The tropical sweetness of pineapple cake adds a surprising contrast to the fudge. This combination keeps your taste buds dancing! Walnut Brownies: For chocolate lovers, the dense, fudgy walnut brownies offer a deliciously rich treat that’ll have everyone going back for seconds! Craft your holiday dessert spread with these perfect pairings and make every gathering unforgettable! Expert Tips for Peppermint Swirl Fudge Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and real peppermint extract to elevate the flavor of your Peppermint Swirl Fudge, avoiding imitation products which can affect taste. Avoid Overheating: Keep the heat low while melting the chocolate mixture. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize and become grainy. Swirl with Care: When creating the swirls, use a light touch to maintain the beautiful layers. Overmixing can lead to a murky appearance rather than distinct swirls. Proper Cooling: Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps to avoid condensation, which can ruin the texture. Storage Matters: Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and maintain its deliciously creamy texture for up to 2 weeks. How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Swirl Fudge Room Temperature: Store fudge in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture. Fridge: For optimal freshness, keep Peppermint Swirl Fudge in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This keeps the fudge firm and deliciously cool. Freezer: If you want to prolong its life, freeze fudge in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheating: No reheating necessary, but if you’ve frozen the fudge, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture when serving! Peppermint Swirl Fudge Variations Invite your creativity into the kitchen and customize your Peppermint Swirl Fudge with these fun and delicious twists! Nutty Delight: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The nuts add a fantastic contrast to the creamy texture, elevating the overall flavor experience. Flavor Fusion: Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist. Each option offers a different, yet equally delightful flavor profile to enjoy. Chocolate Adjustments: Use only dark or milk chocolate chips instead of the semi-sweet variety for your fudge base. This simple switch lets you control the sweetness level and cater to your family’s preferences. Extra Festive: Add a splash of holiday spirit with colored sprinkles or shredded coconut on top before setting. This extra layer not only enhances the presentation but also adds a playful texture. Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the fudge mix for a warm, spicy twist. This unexpected heat creates a rich depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cool peppermint. Layered Surprise: Create a marble effect by adding more layers of different colored chocolate. For instance, create a layer of white chocolate at the bottom, then a peppermint layer, and finish it with a layer of dark chocolate—what a sight to behold! Mini-Muffin Treats: Pour the fudge into mini muffin tins for bite-sized treats. These make for perfect party favors or sweet snacks while on the go! Pairings Galore: As a delightful pairing, serve your fudge alongside my Moist Cinnamon Swirl to create a dessert platter bursting with seasonal flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect Peppermint Swirl Fudge! Peppermint Swirl Fudge Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Peppermint Swirl Fudge? Absolutely! While the main ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips don’t greatly depend on ripeness, ensuring they’re fresh is key. Look for chocolate chips that are undamaged and free from any signs of discoloration or clumping. The peppermint extract should be within its expiration date for optimal flavor. How should I store my Peppermint Swirl Fudge? You can store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days if you’re planning to enjoy it quickly. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, keeping the creamy texture intact. Can I freeze Peppermint Swirl Fudge? Certainly! To freeze your fudge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a sealed container. This method preserves its delightful taste for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer the fudge to the refrigerator overnight to thaw gently—this way, the texture remains perfect! What are some common troubleshooting tips for making Peppermint Swirl Fudge? Very! If your fudge isn’t setting, it could be due to not melting the chocolate properly—ensure that you heat it on low and stir frequently. Also, avoid any moisture during the mixing process; any liquid can cause clumping, resulting in a gritty texture. If you notice the fudge is too dry, try adding a bit more sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk to the mix for a smoother blend. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Indeed! When preparing Peppermint Swirl Fudge, be aware of potential allergens like dairy and nuts. If you’re making treats for kids or friends, always check for allergies related to chocolate, peppermint, or food coloring. For a nut-free version, ensure that no nuts are included in your ingredients, and if you’re gifting, a little note about the ingredients goes a long way! Peppermint Swirl Fudge That's Perfect for Holiday Gifting This Peppermint Swirl Fudge combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, creating a delightful treat perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 16 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Fudge Base1 can sweetened condensed milk Optional: evaporated milk for a lighter version.2 cups white chocolate chips Substitute with white chocolate bars if chips are unavailable.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Use dark chocolate for a richer taste.Flavor1 teaspoon peppermint extract Substitution: peppermint oil (use sparingly due to stronger flavor).1 cup crushed peppermint candies Alternative: crushed candy canes.Decoration1 teaspoon red food coloring Can be omitted if a more natural look is desired. Equipment medium saucepan8x8 inch baking dishspatulaknifeParchment paper Method Preparation StepsIn a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and semi-sweet chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is smoothly blended and the chocolate is fully melted.Once the mixture is removed from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.While the fudge mixture is cooling slightly, line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.Pour the colored chocolate mixture over the first layer of fudge. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the layers to create beautiful ribbons.Allow the fudge to cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for approximately 2-3 hours until the fudge is fully set.Once your Peppermint Swirl Fudge has set, carefully lift it from the dish using the parchment overhang and slice it into squares. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to cool at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
