Add some festive cheer to your holiday dessert spread with Grinch Peppermint Fudge! This creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat is as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Its vibrant green color, sweet peppermint flavor, and signature red heart sprinkle make it a standout addition to your cookie and candy plates. Easy to prepare and perfect for gifting or sharing, this fudge is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Grinch Peppermint Fudge
- Festive Appearance: Bright green fudge with a whimsical red heart sprinkle, inspired by the Grinch.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Creamy white chocolate paired with refreshing peppermint is always a hit.
- Great for Gifting: Perfect for sharing at parties or as a homemade holiday gift.
Ingredients Notes
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 bag (11 oz) white chocolate morsels
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 drop green gel food coloring
- Green sugar and red heart sprinkles for garnish
How To Make Grinch Peppermint Fudge
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
Step 2: Set Up the Mixing Bowl
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white chocolate morsels, marshmallow cream, peppermint extract, and green gel food coloring. This will form the base of your fudge.
Step 3: Cook the Sugar Mixture
- In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, continue to cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Combine and Mix
- Carefully pour the hot sugar mixture over the white chocolate mixture in your bowl.
- Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until the white chocolate morsels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Pour and Decorate
- Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Immediately sprinkle green sugar and add red heart sprinkles on top. Gently press the sprinkles into the fudge to ensure they stick.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- 8-inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Arrange the fudge pieces on a festive tray or candy plate. Perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet treat alongside hot cocoa.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For the freshest fudge, keep the large block intact in a zip-top bag and slice as needed.
Variations
- Different Colors: Use red food coloring for a festive red fudge, or alternate layers of red and green for a striped effect.
- Candy Cane Topping: Replace the green sugar and red hearts with crushed candy canes for extra peppermint flair.
- Chocolate Peppermint Fudge: Add a layer of dark chocolate fudge beneath the peppermint layer for a two-tone treat.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in crushed pistachios or walnuts for added texture.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without altering the fudge’s consistency.
- Quick Decorating: Add sprinkles immediately after pouring the fudge to ensure they stick before the top sets.
- Heavy Saucepan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning the sugar mixture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Alton Brown: Use a candy thermometer to ensure your sugar mixture reaches the right temperature if you’re unsure about timing.
- Ree Drummond: Stir constantly when boiling the sugar mixture to avoid graininess in the final fudge.
- Nigella Lawson: Always refrigerate fudge overnight for the best texture and easiest slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this fudge without marshmallow cream?
Marshmallow cream helps give the fudge its smooth texture, but you can substitute with 1 ½ cups of mini marshmallows if needed.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but the fudge will lose its bright green color and have a milk chocolate peppermint flavor instead.
3. What if I don’t have green sugar or heart sprinkles?
You can skip the decorations or use any festive sprinkles you have on hand. Crushed peppermint candies also work well.
4. How do I avoid grainy fudge?
Stir constantly during boiling, and ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before pouring it over the white chocolate.
5. Can I freeze the fudge?
Yes, wrap the entire block or individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This Grinch Peppermint Fudge is a show-stopping addition to your holiday dessert lineup. Its festive appearance and refreshing peppermint flavor make it a fun, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for the season. Give it a try and spread some holiday cheer!
