Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (18 oz) white chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candies (candy canes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Step 3: Stir the peppermint extract into the melted fudge mixture. Immediately divide the mixture evenly into two separate heatproof bowls.
- Step 4: Add the red gel food coloring to one of the bowls and stir thoroughly until the color is vibrant and uniformly distributed throughout the fudge.
- Step 5: Spoon alternating dollops of the white fudge and the red fudge into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently create a swirl pattern by dragging the tip through the colors 2-3 times, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 6: Immediately sprinkle the reserved crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top of the fudge. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm, before lifting it out of the pan and cutting into 1-inch squares.
Notes
- For optimal freshness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture, store the cut fudge pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Since reheating will melt your beautiful swirl, allow the cut fudge squares to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if they have been refrigerated, which ensures a perfectly soft, non-waxy bite.
- These festive squares make a wonderful edible gift; stack them in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or serve them chilled alongside an espresso or a steaming mug of dark hot chocolate.
- The key to a beautiful swirl is speed; work quickly when dividing and coloring the fudge, and use the knife gently, as overmixing the two colors will quickly turn the batch a dull pink instead of a vibrant pattern.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American