Andes Mint Fudge

Andes Mint Fudge is one of those desserts that looks a little fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. It combines creamy chocolate fudge with the cool taste of mint and pieces of Andes mints for extra chocolate-mint flavor in every bite. There is no candy thermometer to worry about, and the chocolate can be melted gently in the microwave, making this a good recipe when you want homemade fudge without spending much time in the kitchen.

The finished fudge is rich, soft and creamy with that familiar combination of chocolate and mint. Cut it into small squares because this is definitely a sweet treat, not something you need a huge piece of.

What You Can Do Better

The biggest difference between good fudge and overly hard or greasy fudge is how you handle the chocolate. Melt it slowly and stir often instead of trying to get everything completely melted as quickly as possible. Good-quality chocolate chips also make a noticeable difference in the final texture and flavor.

For a stronger mint flavor, add a little peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture. If you prefer a milder mint taste, let the Andes pieces do most of the work. You can also keep the fudge plain on top or scatter extra chopped Andes mints over it before chilling.

Ingredients

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How to Make Andes Mint Fudge

1. Prepare the pan

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little paper hanging over the sides. This makes it much easier to lift the finished fudge out of the pan. Lightly grease the parchment if you want extra insurance against sticking.

2. Melt the chocolate

Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 20- to 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one. Continue until the chocolate is almost completely melted, then stir until the remaining pieces disappear into a smooth mixture.

Do not overheat the chocolate. It is better to use gentle heat and a little patience than to end up with chocolate that has become thick or oily.

3. Add the mint flavor

Stir in the peppermint extract. Add about one-third of the chopped Andes mints and gently fold them through the warm fudge. Some of the pieces will soften slightly, which adds little pockets of mint flavor throughout the fudge.

4. Fill the pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped Andes mints over the top and gently press them into the surface so they stay in place once the fudge sets.

5. Chill until firm

Cover the pan and refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the fudge is firm enough to cut cleanly. If you have more time, you can let it chill longer.

6. Cut and serve

Use the parchment paper to lift the fudge from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small squares with a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices.

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Recipe Notes

• Use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. They are not interchangeable in this recipe.
• Do not rush the melting process. Chocolate can scorch quickly when heated for too long.
• If you cannot find Andes baking chips, regular Andes Crème de Menthe candies can be chopped into small pieces.
• For a more noticeable mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but avoid adding too much because peppermint extract can become overpowering.
• For smaller party-size pieces, cut the fudge into 25 small squares instead of 16 larger pieces.

How to Store Andes Mint Fudge

Keep the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, or refrigerate it if your kitchen is warm. Refrigerated fudge will become firmer, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

You can also freeze the fudge in an airtight freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper so the pieces do not stick together.

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Can I Make This Fudge Without a Microwave?

Yes. Place the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan and warm them over low heat. Stir frequently until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove it from the heat before adding the peppermint extract and Andes pieces. The important thing is to keep the heat low and avoid boiling the mixture.

Why Is My Fudge Too Soft?

Fudge can seem soft immediately after making it because it needs time to cool and firm up. Give it a full chilling period before deciding that something went wrong. If it is still unusually soft after several hours in the refrigerator, the chocolate-to-liquid ratio may have been affected by inaccurate measurements or the use of a different type of chocolate.

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Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an estimate based on cutting the recipe into 16 pieces. Actual values will vary depending on the chocolate chips, condensed milk and Andes candies used.

Andes Mint Fudge Recipe at a Glance