Candy Cane Fudge
This delicious, dairy-free Candy Cane Fudge is perfect for Christmas or any other special occasion. You’ll love how easy and quick it is to whip up a batch of these fantastic fudge squares for a fun dessert or to give as gifts to family and friends.

When the holidays roll around, there are always a lot of fun dessert recipes using the refreshing taste of peppermint. This candy cane fudge is one of our favorites because it’s got that delicious peppermint flavor, but it’s also really easy to make.
You’ll only need a few simple ingredients, and you can have your candy cane fudge ready to go in no time.
This recipe uses full-fat coconut milk as the base which gives the candy cane fudge a really rich, creamy texture. It also makes this recipe dairy-free along with being both gluten-free and vegetarian.
You’ll make a homemade sweetened condensed coconut milk by mixing coconut sugar and full-fat coconut milk together and cooking down until a thick milk mixture is formed.
If you’re looking for a delicious, addictive treat for your family or for gifts, this candy cane fudge is exactly what you need.
πWhy Youβll Love This Recipe
- The entire recipe is made with 4 simple ingredients.
- This fudge is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
- Whip up a batch to give as a fun Christmas gift.
- This decadent fudge has a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
π¬Ingredients Youβll Need
- Chocolate Chips – You’ll need dairy-free, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to make up the base of the chocolate flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes – Used to give this fudge a classic peppermint taste with a bit of crunch.
- Full Fat Coconut Milk – Adds a rich texture to the fudge that makes it creamy, dense, and free of dairy. You can also purchase a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Coconut Sugar – Helps sweeten the fudge with non-refined sugar.
- Chocolate Chips – You’ll need dairy-free, semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to make up the base of the chocolate flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes – Used to give this fudge a classic peppermint taste with a bit of crunch.
- Full Fat Coconut Milk – Adds a rich texture to the fudge that makes it creamy, dense, and free of dairy. You can also purchase a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Coconut Sugar – Helps sweeten the fudge with non-refined sugar.
π₯₯How To Make Vegan Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk
Combine coconut milk and coconut sugar in a pot over the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.



π«How To Make Dairy-Free Candy Cane Fudge
1οΈβ£Prepare the sweetened condensed coconut milk: Combine coconut milk and coconut sugar in a pot over the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
2οΈβ£Combine milk and chocolate: Mix chocolate chips and vegan condensed sweetened milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 2 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted.
3οΈβ£Fold in the candy canes: To the melted fudge mixture, add half of the crushed candy canes and stir until evenly distributed.
4οΈβ£Pour and set: Pour mixture into a 4″x4″ food storage container lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces on top.Β Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Cut into 18 pieces.
π©π»βπ³Recipe Tips & Flavor Variations
When melting the chocolate with the condensed milk, be sure to only microwave 30 seconds at a time and stir to keep it from burning.
Most fudge is set and ready to cut in 30 minutes, but it may take longer depending on how cold your fridge is.
If your fudge mixture is too runny, add some powdered sugar to thicken it.
If anything goes awry with your fudge, simply re-melt the mixture at any time and adjust the ingredients as needed.
For variations on the recipe, try substituting the crushed candy canes with other ingredients such as candy bits, fruit zest, nuts, nut butter, or 1 tsp extract of your choice.
π§Storing & Freezing
Storing: To store, wrap candy cane fudge in parchment paper or plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to one week.
Freezing: If you want to store the candy cane fudge for longer, freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
βFAQ
Yes, candy canes are vegetarian. They can contain gelatin which is derived from animal products, but there are some vegan candy canes on the market as well.
No, you don’t have to use dairy-free chocolate chips if they aren’t available to you or if you’re not dairy-free. Any type of chocolate chips will work in this recipe.
Yes, you can use candy canes with peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes. Just omit the step where you add the candy canes to the fudge mixture. Add about ΒΌ tsp peppermint extract to the melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk mixture.
πMore holiday gift recipe ideas
Homemade gifts are often the best gifts! If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these recipes:
- Cookie mix in a jar (vegan, gluten free)
- Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts (vegan, gluten free)
- Maple roasted almonds (vegan, gluten free)
- Rice crispy treat bars (vegetarian, gluten free)

Easy Candy Cane Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips dark or semi-sweet
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 14-oz can full fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the sweetened condensed coconut milk: Combine coconut milk and coconut sugar in a pot over the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Combine milk and chocolate: Mix chocolate chips and vegan condensed sweetened milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 2 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted.
- Fold in the candy canes: To the melted fudge mixture, add half of the crushed candy canes and stir until evenly distributed.
- Pour and set: Pour mixture into a 4"x4" food storage container lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces on top. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Cut into 18 pieces.
I want to say only one thing about this recipe.
it is absolutely delicious and as you say, truly addictive.
thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you so much, Hari! I’m thrilled that you loved it so much. Our family did too!
I like to try at least one new fudge recipe every year.This one will be the next!!
Oh, I’m so glad! Let me know how it turns out for you, Sue! π
Yum, perfect treat to share with my friends! I havenβt thought of making my own condense milk. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jeannie, my local store was sold out of vegan condensed milk so I decided to make my own. It turned out so well and was easy to make. I definitely recommend it!
This is a great simple recipe! Candy canes go perfectly with chocolate. π
Yes, such a perfect combination! π Happy holidays, and enjoy!
This is so mouth watering omg. I just bought organic candy canes and have all the ingredients in my pantry.
Hi Gabriela, I’m so glad that you’re going to make this fudge! I promise you won’t be disappointed. π Enjoy, and happy holidays!
I have so many leftover candy canes so this fudge is happening this weekend!! Thank you
Yay! Enjoy the fudge, and happy holidays to you, Emily! π
This is such a decadent chocolate treat! Fudge is one of my family’s favorite holiday desserts. I’m loving that it is dairy and grain free too!
Hi Jessie! My whole family loved this recipe. It was gone in a flash. π I hope your family enjoys it too!
I love fudge and simple recipes. Thanks!
You are so welcome, Gina! Happy holidays to you!
It sounds and looks fantastic! A couple more 10k hikes like the one yesterday and I’ll probably make room for more treats!:)) I would feel guilty to miss on this fudge! Haha
Thanks, Mihaela! Wow, I’d say you’ve definitely earned yourself a treat after that hike. π Enjoy!
Oh my, this looks so good. I might switch the candy cane for mint leaves to cut down on added sugars. Didn’t know you could make vegan sweetened condensed milk like that!
Nathalia | NathaliaFit – Fitness & Wellness Blog
Hi Nathalia, thanks so much for visiting the blog! Substituting mint leaves is a fantastic idea. You could also try using peppermint extract if you have some on hand. Let me know how it turns out!