Peppermint bark fudge has a layer of chocolate fudge topped with white chocolate fudge and bits of candy cane. You would think this would be complicated, but it really is easy to do and only takes 4 simple ingredients. It is a perfect quick addition to you holiday treat making!
This layered fudge is perfect for Christmas. With bits of candy cane to give you just enough peppermint in a creamy white fudge layer with a layer of chocolate fudge to round out the flavors.
It looks impressive, but is super simple to make. So if you are looking for another recipe or two to round out your holiday baking, you are in the right place.
I am usually the Christmas cookie baker in our family. By this time, my freezer is usually full and ready to make platters for every event we attend.
This year has been busy and I feel behind. There are only two kinds of cookies in the freezer and two batches of dough in the refrigerator.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t make festive trays for everywhere we go. It just means I need to get a little bit more creative and strategic about what goes on those trays.
So this year our Christmas treats are leaning a little more heavily on candies and fudge. This is my third batch of condensed milk fudge and the flavors are all so different that everyone will have something to love.
If you find yourself in a similar situation where you want to make something fabulous for your family, but have limited time, this peppermint bark fudge recipe might be for you.
What Type of Chocolate Should You Use?
The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving and easy it is. You can use any kind of chocolate you like to make the base layer.
I used milk chocolate in these pictures for a milder chocolate flavor. However, semi-sweet gives a firmer texture and a more chocolate forward flavor. If you like dark chocolate, you can use that as well.
For the top layer, white chocolate chips or candy melts work well. They add a little bit of vanilla flavor and a creamy texture goes will with the peppermint from the candy canes.
Tips and Tricks for Making Condensed Milk Fudge
The best part about making fudge with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips is it really is hard to mess it up. That said, there are a few things you should know to be successful.
First, chocolate scorches easily. So you want to melt it in short bursts in the microwave.
Start by putting your chocolate chips and condensed milk in a glass bowl and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Give it a good stir before returning it to the microwave for another 20 seconds.
At that point it should be pretty close to melted, but it will depend on your microwave. Keep cooking it in short bursts, stirring after each trip to the microwave, until it can be stirred smooth.
For the white layer, you want to melt the white chocolate and condensed milk together before adding the candy cane bits. If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a bit of peppermint extract at this point.
Just be careful because a little bit goes a long way, especially when it comes to peppermint. You don’t want your fudge to taste like toothpaste.
I like to line the pan in aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray before adding the fudge. That way I can lift the whole batch out of the pan and cut nice clean lines for perfect squares of fudge.
However, that is not necessary. If you want to make the fudge right in the pan, you can. But you may have to sacrifice a few not so pretty pieces before you can get nice squares.
How do you store fudge?
Fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Ideally it would be in a cool dark place, to prevent it from melting or getting too soft. If you are stacking the fudge, put wax paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together. Extras can be frozen for longer storage.
How do you cut fudge?
It is easiest to cut nice pieces of fudge while it is cold. After it is good and chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and cut into 1″ squares. If you lined your pan with aluminum foil, you can pop the whole square of fudge out and put it on a cutting board to get nice straight lines using a long knife.
More Easy Condensed Milk Fudge Recipes
If you are like the look of this layered fudge, you can also try layered chocolate orange fudge. Or keep it simple with chocolate and vanilla layered fudge.
Maybe peanut butter is your thing, then 3 ingredient peanut butter fudge is for you. It is rich, creamy and full of peanut flavor.
Or try LD’s new favorite, cookies and cream fudge. It is a creamy white fudge with bits of Oreo cookies inside for an extra special treat.
I’d love to hear about your favorite fudge flavors. Tell me about them in the comments below. Maybe we’ll make one inspired by you!
Peppermint Bark Fudge
Equipment
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Square Glass Baking Dish with Lid
Ingredients
- 12 oz. chocolate chips
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white baking chips
- 5 candy canes or about 1/3 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Chop candy canes into small bits or use a food processor to crush them. Set aside.
- If desired, line an 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. If you aren't using foil, just lightly spray the pan.
- Put chocolate chips and 1 cup of the condensed milk in a microwave safe bowl. Heat on high for 30 seconds then stir.
- Heat on high for 20 seconds and stir again. Repeat in 10-20 second increments until the mixture is smooth. Spread in prepared pan and put in the refrigerator while you work on the white layer.
- Add white chips and the remaining condensed milk to a small microwave safe bowl. Heat in the same fashion as the chocolate chips.
- When the mixture stirs smooth, add half of the chopped candy canes. Stir until evenly incorporated. Spread over the chocolate layer until evenly distributed.
- Top with the remaining candy cane pieces. Gently press them down to adhere them to the top of the fudge.
- Return the pan to the refrigerator until the fudge is completely set, at least an hour, before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 weeks.
Nutrition
Andrea Nine
Wednesday 21st of December 2022
Looks festive and scrumptious. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year beautiful friend.
Carlee
Wednesday 21st of December 2022
Thank you and happy holidays!