Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (2024)

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How to make easy fudge!

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    Published: · Modified: · By: Beth Klosterboer · Commission earned on paid or sponsored links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Top a layer of chocolate fudge with peppermint-flavored white chocolate fudge and add a sprinkling of crushed candy canes to make this easy Peppermint Bark Fudge for Christmas. It tastes just like the traditional holiday candy but is soft and creamy.

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (3)

    Peppermint Bark with its layers of dark and white chocolate and a sprinkling of candy cane pieces is one of the most popular candies to make for Christmas because it's easy and oh, so tasty!

    Its cool crisp mint flavor is refreshing which makes it the perfect treat to enjoy after a savory holiday meal.

    This Peppermint Bark Fudge recipe has all the flavors you love in this classic holiday candy and as an added bonus it's soft and creamy with just a slight bit of candy cane crunch. The layer of silky dark chocolate fudge is topped with a layer of mint-flavored white chocolate fudge and a sprinkling of peppermint candy.

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (4)

    Oh, and it's easy to make too.

    Before you begin you can check out our How To Make Easy Fudge FAQ page to learn tips and tricks for making any easy fudge recipe.

    Ingredients:

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (5)
    • semi-sweet chocolate - Use your favorite chocolate bar or chips. I used Trader Joe's Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.
    • sweetened condensed milk (see notes below)
    • white chocolate - I use Nestle Premier White Morsels. See the notes below for more information about choosing white chocolate to make fudge.
    • peppermint extract
    • crushed candy canes or peppermint bits

    What is sweetened condensed milk?

    • Sweetened Condensed milk is cow's milk that has been pasteurized and condensed (heated to a temperature that is high enough to remove most of the water) and then sweetened with sugar.
      • The sugar adds sweetness and it also helps to thicken the condensed milk and to prolong its shelf life.
    • DO NOT use cans of Evaporated Milk for this fudge recipe.
      • Evaporated milk is not sweetened with sugar and is not thick enough to use to make this particular fudge.
      • Some fudge recipes do use evaporated milk, but not this one!

    What white chocolate should I use?

    You want to use white chocolate that you enjoy eating straight out of the bag just like with the dark chocolate but you also want one that will taste great with mint flavoring added to it.

    You can use:

    For this peppermint bark, I would recommend using a confectionery coating only because they have a more mellow flavor than pure white chocolate so the mint flavor will really shine through. I used the Nestle Premier White Morsels when developing this recipe.

    NOTE:

    • White chocolate is a bit softer than white confectionery coating so you'll need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
    • If using white confectionery coating chips (no cocoa butter listed in the ingredients) use 8 ounces, if using pure white chocolate (with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients) then use 10 ounces.

    What is peppermint extract?

    • Peppermint extract is made by soaking peppermint leaves in clear alcohol until the flavor of the liquid becomes intensely minty.
    • It can be found in most grocery stores in the baking aisle or you can make homemade peppermint extract.

    Can I use peppermint oil instead?

    • Yes, definitely.
    • If you use peppermint oil start by adding ¼ teaspoon to the recipe then taste it. Add more if desired.
    • I love using peppermint oil when making fudge and candy. It has a more intense flavor and no alcohol but it is harder to find. During the Christmas holiday season, many grocery stores do carry it. You can usually find it in the holiday baking aisle. You can also oftentimes find it in or near the pharmacy.

    Instructions

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (13)

    Make the chocolate layer.

    • Combine the semi-sweet chocolate with half of a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe mixing bowl.
    • Heat the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in the microwave at 70% power for 90 seconds then let the bowl rest in the microwave for 3 minutes allowing the heat to melt the chocolate slowly.
    • Remove and stir slowly until all the chocolate melts.
    • Spread into a thin layer in an 8-inch square pan that has been lined with non-stick tin foil or parchment paper.
    • Cover the pan and set the chocolate fudge aside while making the white chocolate layer.
    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (14)

    Make the white chocolate peppermint layer.

    • Combine the white chocolate with the remaining ⅔ cup of sweetened condensed milk.
    • Heat the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk at 70% power for 90 seconds then let the bowl rest in the microwave for 3 minutes before stirring until melted.
    • Stir in the peppermint extract just until the fudge is smooth.
    • Pour over top of the chocolate fudge layer and spread into an even layer.
    • Immediately sprinkle on the crushed candy canes or peppermint bits.
    • If needed, gently press down on the candy canes to ensure they are stuck into the white chocolate fudge layer.
    • Cover the fudge and set it aside for 3-4 hours until it is firm enough to cut into 16 pieces.

    Variations

    You might also like these other mint-flavored fudge recipes.

    • chocolate peppermint fudge
    • mint chocolate chip fudge
    • Andes Mint Fudge

    Video

    Watch this video to see how to make this delicious layered fudge.

    Recipe

    5 from 4 votes

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (18)

    Print

    Peppermint Bark Fudge

    Prep Time

    15 mins

    Cook Time

    3 mins

    Total Time

    18 mins

    This easy Peppermint Bark Fudge has a layer of silky chocolate fudge topped with a minty layer of white chocolate fudge and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes. It's the perfect Christmas fudge recipe.

    Course: Dessert

    Cuisine: American

    Keyword: easy peppermint fudge, peppermint bark fudge

    Servings: 36

    Calories: 101 kcal

    Author: HowToMakeEasyFudge

    Ingredients

    • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped or chips (about 1 cup)
    • 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk, DIVIDED
    • 8 - 10 ounces white chocolate * (see note below)
    • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
    • 2-3 tablespoons peppermint candy cane pieces
    • Note:
    • *If using white confectionery coating chips (no cocoa butter listed in the ingredients) use 8 ounces, if using pure white chocolate (with cocoa butter listed in the ingredients) then use 10 ounces.

    Instructions

    1. Line an 8-inch pan with non-stick tin foil or parchment paper that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.

    2. Combine the semi-sweet chocolate with ⅔ cup of the sweetened condensed milk.

    3. Heat in the microwave at 70% power for 90 seconds then let the bowl rest in the microwave for 3 minutes.

    4. Remove and stir slowly until all the chocolate melts.

    5. If any chunks remain, let the bowl rest for a few more minutes then stir again.

    6. If needed you can reheat at 70% power for 10-15 seconds and repeat the process above.

    7. Pour into the prepared pan and spread into a thin layer.

    8. Set aside.

    9. Combine the white chocolate with the remaining sweetened condensed milk (scrape the can to get as much out as you can).

    10. Heat at 70% power for 90 seconds then let the bowl rest in the microwave for 3 minutes.

    11. Stir until melted.

    12. Pour in the peppermint extract and stir just to combine.

    13. Spread into a thin layer over top of the chocolate fudge layer then immediately sprinkle on the crushed candy canes.

    14. If needed, gently press down on the candy canes to ensure they are stuck into the white chocolate fudge layer.

    15. Cover and set aside for 3-4 hours until the peppermint bark fudge is firm.

    16. Remove the fudge from the pan and peel away the tin foil.

    17. Cut into 36 squares.

    Recipe Notes

    • Store this peppermint bark fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
    • I don't recommend refrigerating this fudge as the candy canes will get sticky and wet.

    If you love the flavor of peppermint bark be sure to check out these other recipes...

    More Christmas Fudge Recipes

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (19)

    Grinch Fudge

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (20)

    Eggnog Fudge

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (21)

    Buckeye Fudge

    • Author
    • Recent Posts

    Beth Klosterboer

    Hi, I'm Beth, a professional chocolatier & baker, cookbook author, and event planner. I share my fun food recipes at HungryHappenings.com, easy cookie recipes at HowToMakeEasyCookies.com, rice krispie treat recipes at HowToMakeCerealTreats.com, and easy fudge recipes to share with you here.

    Latest posts by Beth Klosterboer (see all)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please leave a comment.

    1. Kennedy

      I absolutely love peppermint I cant wait to try this!

      Reply

      • Beth

        If you love peppermint this is a must-try fudge recipe for you! I love the combination of dark and white chocolate with the peppermint flavoring and hope you do too.

        Reply

    2. Louise J.

      The peppermint fudge is wonderful.

      Reply

      • Beth

        I'm so happy you enjoyed this fudge recipe.

        Reply

    3. Julie Hess

      I know this fudge is more Christmasy but I made it for Valentine's Day using some left over candy canes and my husband loved it. He just finished the last square of this fudge and asked me to make him some more. Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply

      • Beth

        I'm so happy to hear you made this fudge for Valentine's Day and that your husband enjoyed it so much. There's never a bad time for peppermint bark fudge in my opinion! 🙂

        Reply

    4. Bridget Dell

      Pinning this recipe for the holidays. It looks so yummy.

      Reply

      • Beth

        Thanks for the pin!

        Reply

    5. Anita

      This was so easy and a wonderfully written recipe thank you this turned out to be a favorite could not have been better .

      Reply

      • Beth

        I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe!

        Reply

    Easy Peppermint Bark Fudge Recipe – How to make easy fudge! (VIDEO) (2024)

    FAQs

    What makes fudge hard or soft? ›

    If there is too much evaporation, when the cooking time is too long, there will not be enough water left in the fudge and it will be too hard. Conversely, if the cooking time is too brief and there is not enough evaporation, too much water will remain and the fudge will be too soft.

    Why is my 3 ingredient fudge not setting? ›

    The main reason is that your Fudge has not reached the optimum temperature. If your mixture only reaches 110 or 112 degrees Celsius it will always be soft. That's why we recommend investing in a sugar thermometer. Another reason your Fudge is not setting is that the ratio of liquid to sugar is too high.

    What does cream of tartar do in fudge? ›

    Cream of tartar is used in caramel sauces and fudge to help prevent the sugar from crystallizing while cooking. It also prevents cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, this is why it's the secret ingredient in snickerdoodles!

    What not to do when making fudge? ›

    7 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Candy Shop-Worthy Fudge and Caramels
    1. Using the Wrong Pan. All candy and confections start by melting sugar. ...
    2. Stirring the Sugar. ...
    3. Not Using a Candy Thermometer. ...
    4. Leaving Out the Parchment Paper Lining. ...
    5. Skipping the Cooking Spray. ...
    6. Scraping the Pot. ...
    7. Using a Cold Knife to Slice.
    Dec 16, 2015

    How do you make fudge creamy and not grainy? ›

    Grainy Fudge

    The sugars probably crystallized, a common mistake when making candy like fudge or caramel. If the melting sugar splashes onto the sides of the pan, it turns back into crystals and causes the fudge to seize up. To avoid this issue, swirl the pan instead of stirring it with a spoon.

    Do you stir fudge when it's boiling? ›

    Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

    What makes high quality fudge? ›

    You have to control two temperatures to make successful fudge: the cooking temperature AND the temperature at which the mixture cools before stirring to make it crystallize. Confectionery experiments have shown that the ideal cooking temperature for fudge is around 114 to 115 °C (237 to 239 °F).

    Can you mess up fudge? ›

    If your fudge is tough, hard, or grainy, then you may have made one of several mistakes: You may have overcooked it, beaten it too long, or neglected to cool it to the proper temperature.

    What is the secret to smooth fudge that is not gritty? ›

    Once a seed crystal forms, it grows bigger and bigger as the fudge cools. A lot of big crystals in fudge makes it grainy. By letting the fudge cool without stirring, you avoid creating seed crystals.

    Can I reboil fudge that didn't set? ›

    How can you fix soft fudge? Put it in a microwave safe bowl that is large enough that it won't boil over. Reheat it to the boiling point and cook for about 3 more minutes. Then you can beat some powdered sugar into it if this doesn't make it set.

    Why is my old fashioned fudge not hardening? ›

    The most common culprit behind unset fudge is inaccurate temperature control. If the sugar mixture hasn't reached the correct temperature, your fudge won't set. Ensure you use a reliable candy thermometer and follow temperature guidelines meticulously to achieve the desired consistency.

    Why do you add vanilla to fudge? ›

    Vanilla is often added to chocolate candies or other chocolate recipes because it complements and accents the flavor of chocolate.

    Why do you add salt to fudge? ›

    Salt: While some homemade fudge recipes do not call for salt, I find it essential for balancing out the sweetness of the condensed milk.

    Why does my fudge crumble when I cut it? ›

    The ingredients for fudge are combined and cooked to 234 degrees, cooled to 110 degrees without stirring, then beaten until creamy. Candy that isn't cooked long enough will end up too soft; overcooking makes fudge crumbly or hard.

    Do you stir fudge while it is boiling? ›

    Stir the ingredients to dissolve the sugar until the mixture comes to a boil. If your recipe uses milk, stirring will keep the mixture from curdling. But once it reaches about 236–238 degrees F/113–114 degrees C (the "soft-ball" stage), do not stir it or even shake the pan.

    Can you beat fudge in a stand mixer? ›

    Pour the mixture over the chocolate, being sure to shake, not scrape, the mixture from the pot. Set aside to cool for 10 to 12 minutes. (This prevents a grainy consistency.) Using the clean wooden spoon or a standing mixer on low speed, stir or beat the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated.

    What would cause fudge not to harden? ›

    Homemade Fudge Doesn't Always Set

    If your fudge doesn't firm up after a few hours, you either have too high an amount of liquid to sugar, or your mixture hasn't reached the soft-ball stage. Using a candy thermometer can help home cooks avoid this problem.

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