If you’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and impossibly pretty, Peppermint Swirl Fudge is about to become your new holiday best friend. This recipe looks like it came straight out of a fancy bakery window, but I promise—it’s easy enough to toss together while you’re still in your pajamas, juggling a to-do list, or trying to keep curious little hands from stealing candy canes off the counter.
And yes, the Peppermint Swirl Fudge shows up early because this treat deserves the spotlight. It’s the perfect combination of creamy chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and those gorgeous red-and-white ribbons that make every square look like edible artwork.
As a busy mom, home cook, and chief celebrator of all things cozy, I love recipes that deliver maximum holiday cheer with minimal effort. And trust me—this one practically makes itself.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Aside from being drop-dead gorgeous (seriously, you may want to take a picture before the family devours it), this Peppermint Swirl Fudge has so many things going for it:
- It’s foolproof. No candy thermometer, no stress, no “Is this supposed to bubble like that?” holiday panic.
- It’s quick. You’ll spend more time hiding it from the kids than actually making it.
- It’s festive. Peppermint just tastes like the holidays. Your house will smell like a cozy hug.
- It’s giftable. Put these in a tin and watch someone’s entire day level up.
Whether you’re prepping for a school party, hosting friends, or simply craving something sweet while wrapping presents at midnight (we’ve all been there), this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is everything required to make this stunning layered fudge. All simple pantry staples—just the way we like it at SlowCookersRecipes!
Chocolate Layer
- 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
Peppermint Swirl Layer
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (real white chocolate melts best)
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1–2 drops red gel food coloring
Topping
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Fudge
This recipe comes together in easy steps—perfect for busy days when you still want something stunning and homemade.
1. Prep the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can lift out the fudge later. A little nonstick spray helps it behave. Set aside on a flat surface.
2. Make the Chocolate Fudge Base
In a heatproof bowl, combine:
- chocolate chips
- butter
- sweetened condensed milk
Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until everything melts into a velvety smooth mixture. Take it off the heat and stir in peppermint extract and a pinch of salt.
This is the moment your kitchen starts smelling like holiday joy.
3. Make the Peppermint Swirl Layer
In another heatproof bowl, melt together:
- white chocolate chips
- butter
- sweetened condensed milk
Use gentle heat—white chocolate likes to be treated with kindness.
Once smooth, stir in peppermint extract and add 1–2 drops of red gel coloring. Give it a light swirl with a spoon so the color streaks instead of turning the whole mixture pink.
(Trust me, the streaks are where the magic happens.)
4. Layer & Swirl
Pour about three-quarters of your chocolate layer into the pan and smooth it out.
Spoon dollops of the peppermint mixture on top, then drop the remaining chocolate mixture in between those dollops.
Now for the fun part:
Take a knife or skewer and make gentle figure-eight motions across the pan. Don’t overswirl—this fudge looks best when the colors stay distinct and dramatic.
5. Add the Topping
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top. Press lightly so they stick.
6. Chill & Cut
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully firm.
Once chilled, lift the fudge out using the parchment overhang and slice into 25 squares. (Or bigger squares. No judgment.)
Mounia’s Kitchen Notes
Recipes like Peppermint Swirl Fudge remind me why I love simple, festive treats. When my kids were little, December always felt like one long marathon—shopping, decorating, school events, and a house that somehow needed to be cleaned every 12 minutes. This fudge became one of my “holiday sanity savers.” I could whip it up fast, it looked stunning, and everyone thought I spent hours making it.
Nope. It’s basically edible magic.
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Swirl Fudge
A few little tricks to make your fudge shine:
- Room-temperature condensed milk helps everything melt smoothly instead of clumping.
- Gel food coloring works far better than liquid—you get vibrant ribbons without thinning the mixture.
- Use real white chocolate, not almond bark, for the best texture and meltability.
- If the swirl looks messy? Don’t stress. Imperfect swirls still taste perfect.
- If your fudge seems too soft after chilling, just pop it back into the fridge for another hour. It’s not misbehaving; it’s just being cozy.
FAQs About Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Can I use mint instead of peppermint extract?
You can, but peppermint extract gives that classic holiday candy-cane flavor most people expect in Peppermint Swirl Fudge.
Can I freeze this fudge?
Absolutely. Freeze pieces in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have crushed peppermint candies?
You can skip the topping or use sprinkles instead. Just remember: the peppermint topping adds crunch and extra festive flair.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet?
Sure—your fudge will be sweeter, but still delicious. Some kids even prefer it this way.
Why did my white chocolate seize up?
White chocolate is sensitive. Melt it low and slow, and make sure no water gets into the bowl. If it does thicken too quickly, a tiny spoonful of warm condensed milk can help loosen it.
Bring the Peppermint Magic Home
If the holidays had a flavor, it would taste exactly like this Peppermint Swirl Fudge—creamy, cool, chocolaty, and just a little fancy without requiring any actual fuss. Whether you’re gifting it, sharing it, or sneaking a square after the kids go to bed, this is one recipe that always brings a smile.
Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with peppermint joy. And remember—simple recipes like this are what make home cooking feel doable, cozy, and absolutely delicious.
More Festive Treats You’ll Love
If you’re already dreaming about what sweet treat to make next, here are a few more holiday favorites your family will adore. Each one pairs beautifully with your Peppermint Swirl Fudge—perfect for dessert boards, party tables, or cozy nights at home.
- If you love quick, colorful Christmas treats, you’ll have so much fun with Sugar Cookie Christmas Fudge—it’s bright, playful, and just as easy to make.
- For something whimsical and Grinch-approved, Grinch Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than you’d think.
- Want another effortless dessert bar that practically makes itself? Try Raspberry Coconut Magic Bars—crispy, chewy, and impossible to resist.
- And if peppermint desserts are your love language, No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Pie will be your new holiday obsession—creamy, cool, and beautifully festive.
Feel free to explore any (or all!) of them—your holiday dessert table will thank you.
Print
Peppermint Swirl Fudge
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 3 hours chilling)
- Yield: 25 squares 1x
Description
This Peppermint Swirl Fudge is a rich, creamy, and festive holiday treat made with layers of chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, and a beautiful candy cane crunch. Easy to make, stunning to serve, and perfect for gifting or holiday dessert trays.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
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
Peppermint Swirl Layer
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips (real white chocolate, not almond bark)
½ tablespoon unsalted butter
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk, room temperature
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1–2 drops red gel food coloring
Topping
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
Prep the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
Make the Chocolate Base: In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Set over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and salt.
Make the Peppermint Swirl Layer: In a separate heatproof bowl, combine white chocolate chips, butter, and condensed milk. Melt gently over a double boiler until smooth. Stir in peppermint extract and red gel food coloring to create streaks.
Create the Swirl: Pour about three-quarters of the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the peppermint mixture on top, then add the remaining chocolate mixture between them. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers.
Add Topping: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the surface and press gently so they stick.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Lift from the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
For the best melt, make sure your condensed milk is at room temperature.
Use gel coloring to avoid thinning the fudge.
White chocolate burns easily—melt it slowly and gently.
Fudge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg