Peppermint Fudge (Easy Condensed Milk Fudge)

Both peppermint and fudge are Christmas favorites and therefore peppermint fudge is the ideal holiday treat.

 

Silky sweetened condensed milk fudge laced with crunch little bits of candy cane or peppermint discs. It is the essence of the holiday season.

Traditional Fudge vs Sweetened Condensed Milk Fudge

There are SO many ways to make fudge. Some people enjoy a traditional fudge made from cream and sugar. This process is a hefty dose of chemistry and monitoring heat. My Classic Vanilla Fudge and Gingerbread Fudge are good examples.

For some, this is the only acceptable way to make fudge. But for others, it is too techinical and they prefer to make an equally delicious fudge, but with less room for error. A foolproof fudge recipe.

For this, using sweetened condensed milk or marshmallow fluff (Fantasy Fudge) is your magic ingredient. Both are forms of sugar with the milk being dairy based and the fluff eggs and sugar, almost like a meringue.

Using sweetened condensed milk skips the step of melting sugar, which is the step that intimidates most bakers and requires precise temperature control using a candy thermometer.

Condensed milk is cow’s milk that has had the water removed, so concentrated milk. Sweetened condensed milk just means that this water-free milk has added sugar making it sweet and perfect for dessert recipe.

Here this is no need to use a candy thermometer and the mixture goes from the saucepan, to the baking dish and then the fridge. Easy fudge in minutes.

Peppermint Flavored Fudge

This easy fudge recipe is also easily adaptable. I like to have the essence of peppermint without it being too overwhelming, so I opt for vanilla extract and then crushed peppermint. However, you can also use peppermint flavoring for of a bold flavor punch.

Candy canes are readily available during the holiday months, but if you are enjoying fudge year round, gran Starlite mints. Using mini candy canes and arranging them artfully on top is also a fun way to decorate your fudge dish.

Peppermint fudge is the perfect addition to holiday trays too. It provides vibrant color and different texture and shapes.

Ingredients

• White baking chocolate- White baking chocolate comes in wafers, chips or bars but is not almond bark or melting wafers. The latter two also have vegetable shortening or some other fat to help them be good for coating fruit and melting. For our version, we need pure white chocolate.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk– The star of the show and what makes this whole easy fudge thing possible. You can grab a can at the store or learn how to make sweetened condensed milk.
• Unsalted Butter– Butter gives the fridge smooth texture and thins out the chocolate for the perfect consistency. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If using salted butter, omit the additional salt.
• Fine Sea Salt- Just a pinch is enough to help bring out natural flavors and balance the sugar.
• Extract- Vanilla extract or peppermint flavoring are great options. I find that the peppermint candy and the flavoring is a little too much for my taste, but others want that really bold flavor profile.
• Peppermint Candy– Either star mints or candy canes.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Fudge

1. Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper. You can also wax paper, but use one of these two to prevent sticking. This also is a sling to help you lift it up and out of the pan easily.
2. Use a heavy bottom saucepan so the heat is distributed evenly. Over medium heat, combe the white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, fine sea salt and vanilla extract (peppermint flavoring). Stir constantly to prevent scalding and heat until just smooth. If it overcooks, the chocolate gets cakey and weird.
3. Remove from the heat and gently fold in ½ cup of the crushed peppermint. Try to not to overfold because the candy can melt and also leave streaks through the fudge.
4. Pour into parchment lined dish and spread evenly. Tap it several times to makes sure all of the air bubbles release.
5. Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint on the top while still tacky, you can place a piece of parchment over the top and gently press down to adhere them as well.
6. Allow to cool fully before covering with plastic wrap and chilling for a minimum of 8 hours.
7. Lift parchment out of the pan and cut into 1-inch squares. Use a sharp knife run under hot water and wipe it clean and re damp between each cut to get nice, smooth pieces.

How Do you Store Fudge?

How long is fudge good for? Homemade fudge is good for about a week before it starts to dry out and get brittle. Keep in mind that it will get progressively dryer and more brittle as the days pass. It is unavoidable.

How do you store fudge? I like to store mine in the fridge in an airtight container. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or so before serving to come to temperature.

Can fudge sit out? Yes, you can let fudge sit out, it is cooked. Some folks don’t refrigerate it at all and prefer room temperature.

Can you freeze fudge? Yes, you can freeze fudge made with sweetened condensed milk. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months. Like anything though, it will be a little drier after thawing.

Commonly Asked Fudge Questions

Why does my fudge sweat? Fudge has some water in it and if it goes through extreme temperature changes, it will produce sweat.

Is there is a difference between baking chocolate and chocolate chips? Chocolate chips have less cocoa butter in them so they keep their shape during baking, so they are harder to melt.

You can use them in this recipe, but they might be slightly clumpy.

Can I use evaporated milk? Evaporated milk is also a concentrated milk product, but not sweetened. I am sure you can add sugar to compensate, but I have not experimented on doing this.

Can I use spearmint flavor? You can! Peppermint is different from spearmint, or the green mints, but you can use either. If you do use spearmint, I highly suggest using vanilla extract and not peppermint.

Can I use a different size pan to set my fudge? Sure! Use a 9×13 for a thinner fudge or 8×8 for thick fudge. It will take varying times to set depending on thickness.

If you need a large batch, but still want it thick, consider doubling the recipe.

Can I use milk chocolate? Of course! I’m someone asked this question. You can use milk or dark chocolate along with peppermint. They all complement each other’s flavors.

More Fudge Recipes

• Christmas Coal Candy
• Christmas Almond Fudge
• Rocky Road Fudge
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge
• Easy Chocolate Fudge