Vegan Marshmallow Peppermint Fudge

Did you know that candy canes are vegan? They’re made of mostly sugar and corn syrup and peppermint flavoring. This vegan peppermint fudge is a favorite recipe during the holiday season. You can make it with the kids and prepare a big batch for gift-giving.

This fudge recipe uses white chocolate for the base. It can be difficult to come across vegan white chocolate, but it’s not impossible! You can order it online, or check your local specialty market. I have found it at Whole Foods around the holiday season as well.

For this fudge, you only need 5 ingredients.

• Vegan marshmallows – My favorite brand is from Trader Joe’s. They’re gluten-free, vegan, and reasonably priced.
• Vegan vanilla frosting – If you’re feeling ambitious you can make or own. Or, check out the Simple Mills brand which has a really tasty vegan vanilla frosting.
• White baking chocolate – Check your local market first. If you can’t find it, there are many places to purchase vegan white baking chocolate online. I like Pascha and Enjoy Life brands.
• Powered sugar – This is one ingredient you can’t substitute. It’s responsible for the texture and sweetness in the fudge.
• Candy canes – The star of the show! You’ll be hand-crushing the candy canes into bite-sized pieces for this fudge.

Optional add-ins for this fudge recipe

• Chocolate Chips: Adding semi-sweet chocolate chips to your vanilla fudge recipe can create a classic, well-loved flavor combination. The chips melt partially, creating pockets of rich chocolate taste throughout the fudge.
• Cookie Crumbs: Crushed cookies such as Oreos or graham crackers can add a crunchy texture to your fudge. They also infuse a unique flavor, making the fudge more complex and exciting.
• Nuts: Whether it’s almonds, pecans, or walnuts, nuts add a healthy crunch to your fudge. They also contribute healthy fats and protein, making your treat somewhat nutritious.
• Dried Fruit: Adding dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, or apricots can bring a tart sweetness to balance the rich flavor of the fudge. They also contribute chewy texture contrasts.
• Caramel Swirl: Adding a caramel swirl to your fudge can bring a new dimension of flavor. The rich, buttery taste of caramel pairs well with the sweetness of the fudge.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkling of sea salt on top of your fudge can enhance the sweetness while adding a slight savory touch. It can also give an interesting crunch and a gourmet feel.
• Sprinkles: These can add a fun, colorful touch to your fudge, making it more appealing especially for kids. They also provide a slight crunch to the texture.
• Espresso Powder: A little espresso powder can give your fudge a coffee kick. It accentuates the sweetness while lending a deep, rich flavor. So, not exactly kid-friendly, but still tasty!

Creative ways to use this vegan marshmallow peppermint fudge

• Fudge Gift Tins: Pack homemade fudge into decorative tins for a sweet holiday gift. You can use a variety of flavors to create a delightful assortment.
• Fudge Popsicles: Freeze fudge with a popsicle stick inserted, making a delicious treat for the warmer days or for kids’ parties.
• Fudge-Filled Cookies: Upgrade your regular cookies by stuffing them with small pieces of fudge before baking.
• Fudge Cake Decorations: Use fudge to craft creative cake decorations, like unique shapes or letters to personalize your desserts.
• Fudge and Nut Mix: Combine fudge with mixed nuts for a sweet and salty snack mix.
• Fudge-Dipped Fruit: Dip fresh fruit slices into melted fudge for a healthier dessert option.
• Fudge Hot Chocolate Stirrers: Put a piece of fudge on a stick to stir into your hot chocolate, creating a richer taste.
• Fudge-Filled Pancakes: Put small chunks of fudge into your pancake batter for a surprise chocolatey burst in every bite.
• Fudge Ice Cream Toppings: Melt fudge and pour it over ice cream for a homemade sundae.

You can also experiment with this recipe and add some unique flavors to mix it up. Try a shaking of cinnamon for a more festive fudge. Or, add some holiday-themed sprinkles to dress it up. After wrapping it up in a pretty gift tin, you have a simple holiday gift that’s friendly for kids and adults. Who doesn’t love fudge?