Chocolate and peppermint are a classic combination, and this fudge is about as simple as homemade treats get.
The original Natural Health Kingdom recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, peppermint extract and a little sea salt. Melt everything together, pour it into a pan, chill, and cut into pieces.
At a glance:
- Prep time: About 10 minutes
- Chill time: About 3 hours
- Total time: About 3 hours 10 minutes
- Makes: 1 pan of fudge
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup low-fat sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
How to make peppermint fudge
1. Melt the chocolate and condensed milk
Add the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk to a medium saucepan.
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring regularly, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Keep the heat low so the chocolate doesn’t scorch.
2. Add the flavourings
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Add the vanilla extract, peppermint extract and sea salt.
3. Mix well
Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
The peppermint should be noticeable without overwhelming the chocolate.
4. Prepare the pan
Pour the mixture into a non-greased 8 x 8-inch pan.
Spread it into an even layer.
5. Chill
Refrigerate the pan for about 3 hours, or until the fudge is firm.
6. Cut and serve
Once completely chilled and set, cut the fudge into small pieces and serve.
How much peppermint should you use?
Peppermint extract is powerful, so a little goes a long way.
The original recipe uses 1 teaspoon, which gives the fudge a clear mint flavour.
For a gentler mint taste, you can reduce the amount slightly.
Choosing your chocolate
Semi-sweet chocolate gives the fudge a good balance between sweetness and cocoa flavour.
Chocolate chips are convenient, and chopped chocolate also works well.
Whichever you use, melt it gently and stir regularly.
Why the sea salt?
The small amount of sea salt in the original recipe helps balance the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavour.
You do not need much.
Cutting neat pieces
For cleaner cuts, make sure the fudge is fully chilled before slicing.
Use a sharp knife and cut it into small squares.
If the fudge is very firm, allow it to stand for a few minutes before cutting.
Make-ahead and storage
Peppermint fudge is well suited to making ahead.
Keep the finished fudge covered in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving if it has become very firm.
Because the recipe contains dairy, keep it properly chilled and don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
It is an easy homemade chocolate-and-mint treat.
Easy variations
More chocolate: Add a small amount of finely chopped dark chocolate to the mixture before chilling.
Gentler peppermint: Reduce the peppermint extract slightly.
Extra mint: Add a little crushed peppermint candy to the top before the fudge sets.
Chocolate topping: Drizzle a little melted chocolate over the chilled fudge.
Serving ideas
Peppermint fudge works well:
- with coffee or tea
- as a small after-dinner treat
- on a dessert platter
- as part of a party spread
- as a homemade gift
Small pieces are usually enough because the flavour is rich.
The bottom line
This peppermint fudge is quick to prepare, needs only five ingredients and requires no baking.
Chocolate, peppermint, vanilla and a little salt come together in a simple chilled treat.
It is fudge. It is supposed to be a treat — and that’s perfectly fine.