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To make peppermint swirl fudge, you will need: - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus extra for topping) - A pinch of salt If you need to swap some ingredients, here are some ideas: - Chocolate chips: You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead. - Sweetened condensed milk: Try coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Peppermint extract: Use vanilla extract for a milder flavor. - Crushed peppermint candies: Crushed chocolate candies work well too. To make this fudge, gather these tools: - An 8x8 inch square baking pan - Parchment paper for lining the pan - Two microwave-safe bowls - A microwave for melting chocolate - A knife or toothpick for swirling - A sharp knife for cutting the fudge These simple tools will help you create a delicious and festive treat. Enjoy the process of making this treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by getting an 8x8 inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This will help you lift the fudge out later. Make sure the paper fits snugly in the corners. This step makes cleanup easy and keeps your fudge intact. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 7 ounces of sweetened condensed milk. Heat this mixture in the microwave. Use 30-second bursts, stirring well after each. Keep heating until the chocolate melts smoothly. Once done, set this bowl aside. Next, take another bowl and add 1 cup of white chocolate chips. Mix in the remaining sweetened condensed milk. Again, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well. Stop when the white chocolate is fully melted and creamy. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla into the melted white chocolate. Mix until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and fold in 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies. Save a little to sprinkle on top later. This adds a nice crunch and festive look. Pour the semi-sweet chocolate mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon the white chocolate mixture over the top. Try to keep it even. Take a knife or toothpick and swirl the two layers gently. Make sure you create a nice marbled look without fully mixing them. Sprinkle the reserved crushed peppermint candies over the top for extra flair. Place the pan in the fridge for about 2-3 hours. This will help the fudge set firmly. Once it’s set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the fudge out. Cut it into small squares. Enjoy your festive treat! To get that soft and creamy texture in your fudge, use good quality chocolate. I prefer semi-sweet and white chocolate chips. Make sure to melt them gently. Heat in short bursts in the microwave. Stir well after each round. This keeps the chocolate smooth and prevents burning. Mixing in sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess too. Don't skip the pinch of salt; it enhances the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the chocolate. This makes it grainy and hard. Always check it every 30 seconds. Another mistake is not chilling long enough. If the fudge is soft, it will not cut well. Patience is key! Also, be careful not to mix the two layers too much. You want distinct swirls, not one solid color. To create beautiful swirls, spoon the white chocolate on top gently. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl them together. Start at one edge and zig-zag your way across. Make sure to lift the knife after each stroke. This keeps the colors separate. Aim for a marbled look without blending completely. It’s all about control and a light touch! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your fudge heavily depends on the quality of chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet and white chocolate chips for the best results. Chill for Perfect Texture: Allow the fudge to chill completely in the refrigerator. This helps it to set properly, achieving the perfect firm yet creamy texture. Customize Your Peppermint: If you love peppermint, consider adding a few drops of peppermint oil for a stronger flavor, but be cautious as it can be potent! Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Try adding crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can add fun flavors to your peppermint swirl fudge. Try using almond or orange extract. Just use 1/2 teaspoon for a nice twist. This will create a unique taste that surprises your family and friends. Experimenting with different extracts keeps things exciting. Mixing chocolates is a great way to change the taste. You can use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. This will give your fudge a rich, bold flavor. You could also use milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge. Combining these chocolates can lead to delicious results. Feel free to add seasonal goodies to your fudge. You can mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. Dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries add a fruity touch. For a festive look, sprinkle festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top. These choices brighten up your fudge and make it perfect for celebrations. To keep your peppermint swirl fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This keeps the fudge soft and tasty. You can store it at room temperature for a few days. If your kitchen is warm, consider placing it in the fridge. You can freeze peppermint swirl fudge for longer storage. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, your fudge stays fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Peppermint swirl fudge lasts about a week at room temperature. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last two weeks. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as odd smells or changes in texture. Storing it properly helps it stay delicious and safe to eat. If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract. Mint extract has a similar flavor but may taste different. You can also try almond extract for a unique twist. Just remember to use less than you would peppermint extract, as almond flavor is strong. Yes, you can make this fudge ahead of time. It lasts well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just cut it into squares and store it in an airtight container. This way, you save time on the day of your event. The fudge is ready when it feels firm to the touch. You can press down gently; it should not feel sticky. A good test is to look for a smooth surface. After chilling for 2-3 hours, it should be perfect for cutting. You can use low-fat sweetened condensed milk, but the texture may change slightly. Low-fat versions can become grainy when melted. For the best fudge, I recommend using regular sweetened condensed milk. It ensures a creamy and smooth finish. This blog post covered every key step in making delicious fudge. We discussed ingredients, tools, and easy instructions. I shared tips for great texture and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about fun variations and how to store your fudge. In the end, making fudge is easy and fun. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy this sweet treat anytime. Happy baking!

Peppermint Swirl Fudge

A festive and delicious fudge with layers of semi-sweet and white chocolate, infused with peppermint and topped with crushed peppermint candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (plus additional for topping)
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan: Begin by lining an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides to help with easy removal of the fudge later on.
  • Melt the Semi-Sweet Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with half of the sweetened condensed milk (approximately 7 oz). Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Once melted, set this bowl aside.
  • Melt the White Chocolate: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips along with the remaining sweetened condensed milk. As before, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each session until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
  • Incorporate Flavors: Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract until combined. Add a pinch of salt and fold in the crushed peppermint candies, reserving a small amount for topping.
  • Assemble the Fudge Layers: Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Gently spoon the white chocolate mixture over the top, trying to keep the layer as uniform as possible.
  • Create Swirls: Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the tip through both layers of fudge to create a marbled pattern. Be careful not to blend them together completely; you want to see defined layers.
  • Chill to Set: Sprinkle the reserved crushed peppermint candies over the top of the fudge for added texture and decoration. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for about 2-3 hours, or until it has become firm and set throughout.
  • Cut and Enjoy: After the fudge is fully set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment overhang for easy access. Cut the fudge into small squares using a sharp knife, and it's ready to serve!

Notes

To showcase your beautiful fudge, arrange the squares neatly on a festive platter. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling with extra melted chocolate before serving. Top them off with whole peppermint candies for a pop of color and festive charm!
Keyword fudge, holiday treat, peppermint