This easy homemade Peppermint Fudge is smooth and creamy with crunchy peppermint candy pieces in every bite! It’s a decadent holiday treat that everyone will want in their stocking. Plus, this fudge recipe is super easy to make and is naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free, vegan dairy-free and easily paleo, low carb or keto.
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Updated December 2021
Easy Peppermint Fudge for the Holidays
This minty fudge is so easy to make, you don’t even have to touch your stove or oven! If you want a low-stress Christmas dessert or need a last-minute holiday gift, this fudge recipe couldn’t have come at a better time. It only takes 5 minutes to put together and 30 minutes to set up in the freezer.
This peppermint fudge recipe is vegan, dairy-free and easily paleo if you leave out the peppermint candies. You can also make it low-carb if you’d like! It’s a beautiful-looking treat filled with chocolate and peppermint goodness. My family loves fudge and says it makes the best holiday treat! More fudge recipes we love to make include Easy Fudge, White Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Vegan Fudge and this Easy Peanut Butter Fudge.
Recipe Ingredients
It doesn’t take a ton of ingredients to make this fudge. Most of the items have a simple substitution so you won’t have to worry about making a trip to the grocery store.
- Coconut Butter
- Refined Coconut Oil: You can use vegan butter instead, or ghee if you’re not dairy-free.
- Maple Syrup: Keep your fudge keto-friendly by subbing the pure maple syrup with yacon syrup or Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup.
- Creamy Cashew Butter: Feel free to use another nut butter, if desired.
- Cacao Powder: You could also use unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Peppermint Extract
- Vanilla Extract
- Fine Salt
Optional topping (leave out for paleo or keto)
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Candy canes work great!
How to Make Peppermint Fudge
This is probably the easiest homemade fudge you’ll ever make. All you need is a microwave, a freezer, and a little over half an hour to complete your Christmas fudge.
- Prepare for Baking: Line a 9×5” loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Make Fudge: Melt coconut butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave in 20 second increments or in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the maple syrup and cashew butter until smooth. Add cacao powder, peppermint extract, vanilla and salt, and whisk until smooth and combined.
- Top with optional Peppermint Pieces & Chill: Transfer the mixture into the lined pan in a smooth and even layer. Add optional crushed candies evenly over the top and place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes, or until fudge is set.
- Cut & Serve: Remove your fudge from the pan and use a sharp knife to cut it into even squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Line the Pan: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper will help you pull your fudge right out when it’s finished. Be sure not to skip this step, or it may stick to the pan.
- Mix Candies into Fudge: You can never have enough peppermint crunch, in my opinion. Make your fudge even mintier by mixing in some crushed peppermint in addition to sprinkling it on top.
- Don’t Cook on High Heat: If you’re melting your oils over the stove, be sure the burner is set no hotter than medium-low.
- Crush Peppermints in a Bag: The easiest (and cleanest) way to crush your peppermint candies is by putting them in a sealed plastic bag and using a rolling pin or a wooden spoon to crush them up.
How to Store Homemade Fudge
Once your fudge has set in the freezer, you can transfer it to the fridge. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container. You can layer the fudge with parchment paper to keep it from sticking to itself. This fudge will stay fresh in the fridge for two weeks!
Can I Freeze Fudge?
Want to store your peppermint fudge for longer? You can keep it in the freezer for extended storage. It’s perfect for making in advance! Frozen fudge will last for up to 6 months, if stored properly. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
More easy peppermint recipes you will love:
This easy homemade Peppermint Fudge is smooth and creamy with crunchy peppermint candy pieces in every bite! It's a decadent holiday treat that everyone will want in their stocking. Plus, this fudge recipe is super easy to make and is naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free, vegan dairy-free and easily paleo, low carb or keto.
- 1 cup coconut butter also known as (coconut manna)
- 1/4 cup organic refined coconut oil , may sub with vegan butter, or ghee if not dairy-free
- 1/2 cup maple syrup , for low carb/keto, sub with Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup or yacon syrup
- 1/2 cup creamy cashew butter or sub with another nut butter
- 1/3 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes (use compliant brands or omit, if desired)
Line a 9x5” loaf pan with parchment paper.
Melt coconut butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave in 20 second increments or in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Whisk in the maple syrup and cashew butter until smooth. Add cacao powder, peppermint extract, vanilla and salt, and whisk until smooth and combined.
Transfer the mixture into the lined pan in a smooth and even layer. Add optional crushed candies evenly over the top and place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes, or until fudge is set.
Remove your fudge from the pan and use a sharp knife to cut it into even squares.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Did you try this recipe?
Angie -
This fudge is so delicious!
Melissa -
These are absolutely amazing Kelly! What a fun idea and a great recipe. Pinned 🙂
Chastity -
The colors are so pretty! I’m getting ready to make fudge today.
Helen -
It’s so pretty and festive! I don’t think I’ve actually ever made fudge, but I’ve been meaning to try it. I think I’ll need to add this to my list this year!