Rich, creamy, and bursting with festive flavor, this Peppermint Swirl Fudge is the ultimate holiday treat. With a beautiful swirl of semi-sweet and white chocolate and a pop of crushed peppermint on top, it’s not just delicious—it’s also a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether you’re looking for easy Christmas desserts, edible gift ideas, or quick holiday sweets, this easy recipe delivers. Perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or simply satisfying a sweet winter craving, this fudge is a must-try addition to your collection of quick desserts and holiday food ideas.

The combination of textures and flavors makes Peppermint Swirl Fudge a delight to the senses. The semi-sweet chocolate base pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, while the refreshing burst of peppermint adds an invigorating twist. Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort—ideal for busy holiday seasons. If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes, this fudge is the answer!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Visual Appeal: The stunning contrast between dark chocolate and white chocolate creates an eye-catching presentation on any dessert table.
Festive Flavor: With the refreshing essence of peppermint, this fudge embodies the spirit of the holidays.
Easy Preparation: Made with just a few ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying holiday festivities.
Perfect for Gifting: Cut into squares and packaged nicely, this fudge makes for a thoughtful homemade gift!
Versatile Use: Whether for parties, seasonal gatherings, or simple afternoon treats, this fudge fits any occasion perfectly.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the delicious world of Peppermint Swirl Fudge, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and workspace effectively. First, ensure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go for seamless cooking. To achieve the best results, gather the following essential tools and cookware: a microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate, an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, and a spatula to help spread the chocolates evenly. A sharp knife is also important for cutting the fudge into neat squares once it’s set. Don’t forget to have a mixing spoon or skewer handy for swirling! Making this fudge is all about ease and simplicity, so setting up your workspace in an organized manner will enhance your experience.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Begin by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Allow the paper to hang over the edges to make it easier to lift the fudge out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter to ensure that your fudge doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, half of the sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of salt. Microwave this mixture in 30-second increments, stirring well between each burst. Continue until the chocolate is melted and smooth, being careful not to overheat the mixture.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

In another microwave-safe bowl, repeat the process with the white chocolate chips. Combine them with the remaining sweetened condensed milk and an additional tablespoon of butter. Stir until everything is fully melted and blended together. Once smooth, add in the peppermint extract and mix to combine.

Step 4: Layer the Chocolates

Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the semi-sweet layer and gently swirl the two with a skewer or a knife. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain distinct layers with a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 5: Add the Peppermint Topping

Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies uniformly over the top of the fudge, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they stick. This not only adds flavor but also provides a lovely crunch.

Step 6: Chill the Fudge

Transfer the fudge to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 3 hours or until it is set completely. This step is essential for achieving the desired texture and ensuring the fudge holds its shape when cut.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge is firm, carefully lift it out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice it into small squares. For the cleanest cuts, warm the knife slightly and wipe it down between slices to avoid sticking.

Variations

Protein: For added richness, consider stirring in some crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts before chilling.
Vegetables: Give your fudge a unique twist by incorporating crushed freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries for a fruity flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different extracts, such as vanilla or almond, to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Ensure you use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor; real white chocolate melts better than imitation chocolate.
Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks for maximum freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate for a delightful holiday treat.
Gift-wrap your fudge in decorative boxes for friends and family during the holiday season.

Tips

For the smoothest fudge, avoid any moisture when melting the chocolate; it can cause the chocolate to seize up.
Try sprinkling additional crushed peppermint on top just before serving for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (just melting time)
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 160 calories per piece
Protein: 1.5g
Sodium: 50mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Peppermint Swirl Fudge?

Yes! You can freeze the fudge in an airtight container; just be sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t absorb any odors from the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream mixed with a little sweetener for a similar consistency and flavor.

How should I store leftover fudge?

Store your fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh, or you can keep it at room temperature for up to three days.

What’s the best way to cut fudge?

For clean cuts, slightly warm your knife with hot water, then dry it off before cutting into your fudge. This prevents the fudge from sticking to the blade.

Conclusion

Indulging in a rich, homemade Peppermint Swirl Fudge is a surefire way to elevate your holiday experiences. This delightful treat appeals to both the eyes and the taste buds, making it perfect for sharing or savoring alone. Whether you’re giving them as gifts or serving them at holiday gatherings, this fudge will surely impress. Don’t hesitate to mix in your own flavors and variations to customize your fudge to your taste. We invite you to try this recipe for yourself, and once you do, come back and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!