Peppermint Swirl Fudge offers a delightful blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors that scream holiday cheer. This creamy, luscious treat features a decadent chocolate base swirled with festive white chocolate and finished off with crushed peppermint candies. It’s an easy-to-make holiday treat perfect for gifting or enjoying during seasonal celebrations. The combination of textures and flavors makes this fudge a must-try during the festive season.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Fudge

This Peppermint Swirl Fudge is not just any dessert; it’s a holiday showstopper! Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick to prepare, making it an Easy Peppermint Fudge Recipe for busy days.
Perfect for gifting, adding a personal touch to your holiday cheer.
Rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors create a delightful balance.
Can be made in advance, ideal for holiday meal prep.
Versatile: Use it as a base for other Chocolate Peppermint Dessert Ideas.
Suitable for vegetarian diets, making it accessible for everyone.

Ingredients for Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Gather these items:

2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Pinch of salt
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
½ tablespoon unsalted butter
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1–2 drops red gel food coloring
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

How to Make Peppermint Swirl Fudge Step-by-Step

Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly coat with nonstick spray and place on a flat surface.
Step 2: In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and room temperature sweetened condensed milk. Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler) and stir constantly until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: In a separate heatproof bowl, combine white chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk. Melt gently over a double boiler, stirring until fully smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and 1–2 drops of red gel food coloring. Swirl gently to create streaks without fully blending the color.
Step 4: Pour about three-quarters of the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the red peppermint mixture across the surface, then add the remaining chocolate mixture in the gaps. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating figure-eight patterns without overmixing.
Step 5: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the surface of the swirled fudge. Press gently to help them adhere to the top layer.
Step 6: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until fully set and firm. Once chilled, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 25 squares with a sharp knife.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Keep these in mind:

Use a double boiler to ensure the chocolate melts evenly without burning.
For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly.
Allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
This recipe is a No-Bake Peppermint Swirl Fudge delight, so no oven is required!

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Swirl Fudge

Here are a few ideas:

Serve as a delightful dessert at holiday parties.
Pair with your favorite hot beverage like cocoa or coffee.
Include as part of a festive treat platter featuring other Delicious Peppermint Treats for Parties.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Swirl Fudge

To store, place the fudge in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. For meal prep, you can cut the fudge into squares and freeze them for later enjoyment, ensuring a quick treat when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Swirl Fudge

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Swirl Fudge?

The secret lies in tempering the chocolate correctly and ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I make Peppermint Swirl Fudge ahead of time?

Absolutely! This fudge can be made several days in advance, making it a perfect holiday treat that can be enjoyed when the festivities begin.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Swirl Fudge?

To avoid issues, make sure not to overheat the chocolate and ensure that the mixtures are well combined while swirling, but don’t overmix to keep the distinct layers.

Variations of Peppermint Swirl Fudge You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:

Substitute half of the white chocolate with crushed Oreo cookies for a unique twist.
Add a layer of peppermint bark on top for an extra minty crunch.
Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.