If you’re dreaming of a dessert that delivers both a creamy texture and a refreshing holiday zing, look no further than this Peppermint Swirl Fudge. With its striking chocolate and vanilla swirls topped with crunchy peppermint candy, it’s festive enough for your holiday dessert tray, but easy enough for a cozy weekend treat.

Each bite is rich and buttery, with the perfect snap of peppermint to brighten the sweetness. It stores beautifully, makes for a lovely edible gift, and is an absolute showstopper at cookie exchanges or winter gatherings. If you’re a fan of sweet treats with a minty twist, this is your new favorite.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

The beauty of this fudge is in the marbling of white chocolate and semi-sweet or dark chocolate. For best results, use high-quality baking chocolate bars instead of chips, as they melt more smoothly. The contrast of creamy white chocolate and rich cocoa tones brings balance to the sweetness and allows the peppermint flavor to shine without overpowering.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Swirl Fudge

White Chocolate: This forms the sweet, creamy base that blends perfectly with the peppermint flavor and offers a beautiful contrast to the dark chocolate swirls.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Provides depth and richness, balancing the sweetness of the white chocolate and complementing the peppermint topping.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Essential for the creamy texture and fudgy consistency. It also helps the fudge set without needing a candy thermometer.

Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the final fudge texture. It helps everything blend evenly when melted.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings warmth and enhances the flavor of both chocolates.

Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! Just a touch transforms this into a refreshing holiday treat.

Crushed Candy Canes: For that festive crunch and vibrant red-and-white topping. They add texture, color, and more peppermint flavor.

How To Make the Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper with butter or spray.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolates

In two separate bowls, combine half of the sweetened condensed milk with the white chocolate and the other half with semi-sweet chocolate. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each bowl. Melt each mixture gently using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until smooth.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir vanilla extract into the white chocolate mixture and peppermint extract into the semi-sweet chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Swirl the Fudge

Spoon dollops of each melted mixture alternately into the prepared pan. Use a butter knife to gently swirl them together—don’t overmix if you want defined marbling.

Step 5: Add the Peppermint Crunch

Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top of the fudge while it’s still warm. Gently press them in so they stick.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours, or until completely firm. Once set, lift it out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

How to Serve and Store This Festive Fudge

Serve Peppermint Swirl Fudge chilled or at room temperature on a holiday dessert tray or in a cute tin for gifting. It pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee.

To store, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just layer parchment between pieces to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make peppermint fudge?

You can prepare it up to two weeks in advance if stored properly in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for holiday planning.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but reduce the amount since peppermint oil is much more concentrated. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush. Don’t overdo it—you want small bits, not powder.

Is this fudge gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chocolate and flavorings are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients, keeping the layering and swirling the same.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you love this peppermint swirl fudge, you might also enjoy these festive treats:

Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for a citrusy twist with no oven required.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge for a tropical take on a classic dessert.
Cotton Candy Cookies if you’re craving something playful and colorful.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth buttery bliss.
Reese’s Cheese Ball for a salty-sweet party centerpiece.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Maybe added a hint of espresso powder?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find even more dessert inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 25 small squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, rich, and beautifully swirled with white and semi-sweet chocolate, this Peppermint Swirl Fudge is the ultimate festive treat. With crunchy candy cane topping and a hint of peppermint extract, it’s perfect for the holidays—or any time you’re craving a sweet minty bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups white chocolate (chopped or chips)

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (divided)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon peppermint extract

¼ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. In one bowl, combine ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, and 1 tablespoon butter. In a second bowl, combine the remaining condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate, and 1 tablespoon butter.

3. Melt both mixtures separately in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or use a double boiler until smooth.

4. Stir vanilla extract into the white chocolate mixture and peppermint extract into the semi-sweet mixture.

5. Alternate spoonfuls of each mixture into the prepared pan. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the two chocolates together for a marbled look.

6. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top and press gently so they adhere.

7. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until completely firm.

8. Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment and cut into squares.