Unwrap the Magic: Dive into Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge!

Craving a treat that screams indulgence, festive cheer, and utterly delicious simplicity? Look no further! Forget complicated desserts and endless hours in the kitchen. We’re about to introduce you to a recipe that will steal your heart (and your taste buds) with its dazzling flavor and velvety texture. Get ready to create the most enchanting `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` you’ve ever tasted – a truly effortless masterpiece perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring every single bite. This isn’t just fudge; it’s a little square of pure joy, destined to become your new favorite sweet escape.

Why You’ll Love This Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: No candy thermometer, no complex steps! This recipe for `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` is designed for success, even for beginner bakers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a professional-tasting treat.
Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Experience the perfect harmony of rich, decadent bittersweet chocolate and bright, refreshing peppermint. The crunch of crushed peppermints provides a delightful textural contrast, making every bite an adventure for your palate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, or just a Tuesday evening craving, this fudge fits right in. It’s elegant enough for a dessert platter yet comforting enough for a cozy night in.
Gifting Gold: Homemade treats are the best! This `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` makes a thoughtful and impressive gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Package it in a beautiful box, and you’ve got a present made from the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge

🥛 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
🍬 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
🧂 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
☁️ 1 cup mini marshmallows
🍫 1 cup 60% bittersweet chocolate chips
🌿 ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
💖 ¼ cup finely crushed peppermints
✨ Flaky sea salt

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge

Pan Perfection: First things first, grab an 8-by-8 inch baking pan. Line it generously with parchment paper, making sure to leave a handy one-inch overhang on all sides. This isn’t just for looks; it’s your secret weapon for effortlessly lifting out your set `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` later!
The Boiling Point: In a sturdy medium-sized saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Place it over medium-high heat. Stir continuously as you bring the mixture to a gentle, rolling boil. Keep stirring for precisely 3 minutes – this crucial step builds the perfect foundation for your fudge’s incredible texture.
Melt into Magic: As soon as your 3 minutes are up, immediately whisk the saucepan off the heat. Without a moment’s hesitation, enthusiastically stir in the mini marshmallows, bittersweet chocolate chips, and that glorious pure peppermint extract. Keep stirring like a maestro until everything has beautifully melted together into a wonderfully smooth, truly velvety chocolate mixture. This is where the magic of your `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` truly comes alive!
Spread the Sweetness: Don’t delay! Pour the warm, enticing fudge mixture directly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, aiming for a perfectly even, flat layer across the bottom.
Peppermint Perfection: Now for the festive flourish! Generously sprinkle the finely crushed peppermints over the top of the warm fudge. Give them a gentle press down with your hand or the back of a spoon to ensure they adhere well and become part of your beautiful `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge`. Let your creation cool slightly at room temperature to begin setting.
Chill Out & Set: Once cooled slightly, transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Let it chill there for about 1 hour, or until the fudge is wonderfully firm and perfectly set. Patience is a virtue, and it’s well rewarded here!
Serve with Sparkle: When it’s firm, use the parchment paper overhang to easily lift the entire block of `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` from the pan. For an elevated touch, sprinkle a delicate pinch of flaky sea salt over the top – it beautifully enhances the flavors. Finally, cut your fudge into delightful, bite-sized pieces. Remember to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation, if you can!

Presenting and Serving Your Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge

The beauty of this `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` lies not just in its taste, but also in its versatility for presentation! Here are some delightful ways to serve and showcase your homemade masterpiece:

Classic Squares: The simplest and most elegant way is to cut the fudge into perfect bite-sized squares. Arrange them on a festive platter for a stunning dessert spread.
Heart-Shaped Delights: For Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion, use small heart-shaped cookie cutters to create charming `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` pieces.
Fudge Bites on Skewers: Cut small cubes of fudge and alternate them on mini skewers with fresh raspberries or small marshmallows for a fun, interactive dessert.
Crumble Topping: Roughly chop leftover fudge and sprinkle it over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chocolate milkshake for an ultimate indulgence.
Gifting Perfection: Place cut pieces of `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` into clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or into decorative tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Coffee & Hot Chocolate Companion: Serve a small square alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for an elevated beverage experience.

For the absolute best flavor and texture, always allow your `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This softens it slightly, making it even more melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Storage Tips for Your Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge

To keep your `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` tasting its best and maintaining its delightful texture, proper storage is key. Once your fudge has been cut into pieces, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store this container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it’s tempting to eat it all at once, chilling helps preserve its freshness and prevents it from becoming too soft. For the ultimate enjoyment, remember the golden rule: always allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging. This brief resting period helps it regain its perfect, creamy consistency, ensuring every bite of your `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` is as heavenly as the first.

FAQs About Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for this `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` recipe?: Yes, you can! While 60% bittersweet chocolate chips offer a rich, balanced flavor, you can experiment with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter fudge, or even milk chocolate for a milder taste. Adjust sugar if needed.
2. Is kosher salt or flaky sea salt essential, or can I use table salt?: Kosher salt is preferred in the recipe for its pure flavor and larger crystals that dissolve well. Flaky sea salt is a finishing touch that enhances flavor and adds visual appeal. You can use regular table salt (halve the amount) in the fudge mixture if necessary, but the flaky sea salt topping is highly recommended for that gourmet touch.
3. My `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` didn’t set. What went wrong?: The most common reasons for unset fudge are not boiling the mixture for the full 3 minutes or not letting it chill long enough. Ensure the mixture reaches a full boil and is stirred consistently for the specified time, then allow it to chill for at least an hour, or longer if needed, in the refrigerator.
4. Can I make this fudge without the peppermint extract or crushed peppermints?: Absolutely! If you prefer a pure chocolate fudge, simply omit the peppermint extract and crushed peppermints. You’ll still have a delicious, creamy chocolate fudge, though it won’t be the festive `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` described here.
5. How can I make this `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` even more festive?: Consider adding a few drops of red food coloring to the fudge mixture for a pink hue, or swirling in some white chocolate before chilling. You could also sprinkle edible glitter on top with the crushed peppermints!
6. Do I need a candy thermometer for this `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge` recipe?: No, that’s one of the best parts! This particular recipe is designed to be fuss-free and does not require a candy thermometer. Just follow the boiling time precisely, and you’ll achieve perfect results.
7. Can I double the recipe for `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge`?: Yes, you can double the recipe. If you do, use a larger saucepan and a 9×13 inch baking pan. Be aware that the boiling time might need to be extended slightly (by a minute or two) to ensure proper consistency, as larger quantities take longer to heat.
8. What’s the best way to crush peppermints finely?: The easiest way is to place them in a zip-top bag, seal it, and then crush them using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy pan. You can also pulse them briefly in a food processor.
9. Why does the recipe call for evaporated milk instead of regular milk?: Evaporated milk is crucial because it has less water content and a richer, creamier consistency than regular milk. This helps achieve the fudge’s desired thick, smooth, and velvety texture without adding excess moisture that could prevent it from setting correctly.
10. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this `Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge`?: Certainly! Once you’ve stirred in the marshmallows, chocolate chips, and extract, you can fold in about ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), pretzel pieces, or even mini chocolate chips before spreading the fudge into the pan.

Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge

Indulge in this delightful Velvet Heart Peppermint Chocolate Fudge, a perfect sweet treat for any occasion, especially Valentine's Day. It's easy to make, featuring a rich chocolate base with a refreshing hint of peppermint and a satisfying crunch from crushed peppermints.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1 30

Servings 24 pieces

Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

8-by-8 inch baking pan
Parchment Paper
Medium-sized saucepan
Spatula

Ingredients

Fudge Base

1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
1.25 cups granulated sugar
0.5 tsp kosher salt
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup 60% bittersweet chocolate chips
0.5 tsp pure peppermint extract

Toppings

0.25 cup finely crushed peppermints
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Prep Your Pan: Begin by lining an 8-by-8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a convenient one-inch overhang on all sides; this will be your secret weapon for easily lifting out the fudge later!
Boil & Blend: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Place it over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously for exactly 3 minutes. This quick step is essential for the fudge's perfect texture!
Melt & Mix: Immediately take the saucepan off the heat. Quickly stir in the mini marshmallows, bittersweet chocolate chips, and pure peppermint extract. Keep stirring until everything is beautifully melted and wonderfully smooth, creating a velvety chocolate mixture.
Spread the Love: Without delay, pour the warm fudge into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a lovely flat layer.
Add Your Topping: Generously sprinkle the crushed peppermints over the fudge. Gently press them down a little to ensure they adhere well. Let the fudge cool slightly at room temperature.
Chill & Set: Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill for about 1 hour, or until the fudge is perfectly firm and set.
Serve with Style: Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to effortlessly lift the entire fudge block from the pan. Sprinkle with a delicate pinch of flaky sea salt for an elevated touch, then cut it into delightful bite-sized pieces. Remember to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Remember to enjoy this sweet treat in moderation! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 160
Total Carbs: 25g
Net Carbs: 24g
Fats: 7g
Protein: 2g