Mint Chocolate Fudge Delight

$- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (or chocolate mints) These main ingredients create a rich and creamy fudge. The semi-sweet chocolate chips form the base, while the sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess. The cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor. Peppermint extract brings a refreshing taste, and salt balances all the flavors. - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting If you want to add some crunch, include walnuts or pecans. They give a nice texture contrast. Dusting with cocoa powder or powdered sugar makes the fudge look fancy and adds a touch of sweetness. - 8-inch square baking pan - Parchment paper - Medium saucepan - Wooden spoon or silicone spatula - Sifter (for cocoa powder, if desired) - Sharp knife (for cutting the fudge) You need an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper. This helps you lift the fudge out easily. A medium saucepan is perfect for melting the chocolate. Use a wooden spoon or spatula for smooth mixing. A sifter helps to evenly add cocoa powder, and a sharp knife is key for cutting neat squares. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by getting an 8-inch square baking pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the fudge out later. In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it with a wooden spoon until the chocolate melts. Keep stirring until it is smooth and glossy. Once melted, take off the heat. Sift in 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well until everything is mixed and the fudge looks dark and rich. Now, fold in 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure they are spread evenly. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Next, put the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the fudge set and become firm. After the fudge sets, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Cut it into squares of your choice. For a fun touch, dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. This adds sweetness and makes it look nice. To get a smooth fudge texture, start with good chocolate. Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt them slowly over medium heat. Stir gently and don’t rush this step. If you heat it too fast, the chocolate may seize. Once melted, sift in the cocoa powder. This helps avoid lumps. Mix until everything is well combined. When you add ingredients, do it step by step. After melting the chocolate, add the cocoa powder first. Then mix in the peppermint extract and salt. Stir well to blend. Next, fold in the crushed peppermint candies. Use a spatula so you don’t break them too much. This keeps the crunch. If you add nuts, do it at the end to keep them whole. For a great look, cut the fudge into even squares. Dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch. Use a decorative platter to serve. You can add extra crushed peppermint candies on top. A drizzle of melted chocolate also looks fancy. This makes your fudge not just taste good but look amazing too! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of chocolate chips significantly affects the flavor of your fudge. Opt for premium semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best results. Chill Thoroughly: Ensure that the fudge is completely chilled and firm before cutting. This will help you achieve cleaner edges and prevent the fudge from crumbling. Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your fudge by adding different mix-ins such as crushed nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique flavor twist. Store Properly: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It can last up to two weeks, making it perfect for gifting! {{image_4}} You can make your fudge even better by adding nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. You can also try almonds or hazelnuts. Just fold in about half a cup of your chosen nuts when mixing in the crushed peppermint candies. This adds texture and flavor to your fudge. Mixing in other flavors can change your fudge game. Instead of peppermint extract, try using vanilla or orange extract. Just keep the same amount, one teaspoon. This gives you a fresh twist on the classic mint chocolate fudge. If you want a vegan or dairy-free treat, you can swap some ingredients. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. This keeps the fudge creamy and rich while making it friendly for all diets. Follow the same steps for melting and mixing, and enjoy a delicious fudge that everyone can share. To keep your mint chocolate fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the fudge squares. This keeps them from sticking together. Place the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If you want to keep it in the fridge, that’s fine too. Just ensure it’s well sealed. Homemade fudge can last quite a while. When stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to two weeks. If you refrigerate it, the shelf life extends to about three weeks. However, for the best taste and texture, try to enjoy it sooner rather than later. Freezing fudge is simple and keeps it tasty. Cut the fudge into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place the squares in a freezer bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your mint chocolate delight anytime! Yes, you can use other types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips add a rich flavor. Milk chocolate chips make the fudge sweeter. Each type gives a unique taste. Experiment and see what you like best! If your fudge is too soft, chill it longer. You can also add more cocoa powder. This helps firm up the fudge. If it doesn't set, heat it gently and add more chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, then cool again. If you don’t have crushed peppermint candies, use chocolate mints. You can also chop up mint-flavored chocolates. Crushed cookies can add a nice crunch too. Be creative and find what flavors you enjoy! Absolutely! You can skip the nuts entirely. The fudge will still taste great. If you want texture, try adding more peppermint candies. This keeps the fudge fun and tasty without nuts. To lower the sugar, use dark chocolate chips with less sugar. You can also reduce the sweetened condensed milk. Another option is to use unsweetened cocoa powder. Adjust to your taste for a healthier treat! You learned how to make tasty Mint Chocolate Fudge with simple steps. We covered the key ingredients, preparation, and storage tips. You can make it your own with different flavors or nuts. Remember, follow the tips for a smooth texture and perfect cut. Enjoy your homemade fudge with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Mint Chocolate Fudge Delight

A rich and creamy chocolate fudge infused with refreshing peppermint and topped with crushed candies.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 2 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed peppermint candies (or chocolate mints)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
to taste for dusting cocoa powder or powdered sugar

Instructions

Start by preparing an 8-inch square baking pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing the edges to extend over the sides.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips melt completely.
Once melted, take the saucepan off the heat. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, then add the peppermint extract and salt. Stir thoroughly until well blended.
Carefully fold in the crushed peppermint candies and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out into an even layer, smoothing the top.
Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until it becomes firm.
After the fudge has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into squares.
Lightly dust the top of the fudge squares with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for decoration.

Notes

For an extra flourish, consider garnishing with additional crushed peppermint candies on top or a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate.

Keyword chocolate, dessert, fudge, mint