As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of candy canes. But did you know there are a myriad of different desserts to make with candy canes? These striped sweets are not just for hanging on the Christmas tree or stuffing in stockings; they can also be transformed into delightful festive desserts. From peppermint bark to candy cane cookies, let’s explore some delicious ways to use up your candy cane stash and add a minty twist to your holiday treats.
From brownies with a crunchy twist to creamy candy cane cheesecake, minty chocolate chip cookies, and rich peppermint mocha cupcakes. With their distinctive red and white stripes and unmistakable peppermint zing, candy canes bring a festive touch to any dessert they grace.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to infuse a bit of holiday magic into your kitchen, we have a delectable array of recipes that will tickle your taste buds.
So, don your apron and gather your ingredients as we dive into a world of mouthwatering creations that will make this holiday season special. Let’s prepare to whip up some delectable delights and create sweet memories together!
What can you make out of candy canes?
Candy canes offer endless creative possibilities. They’re versatile for crafting festive decorations, adding a minty twist to desserts like cupcakes and cookies, and enhancing hot chocolate. Engage in fun crafts like making candy cane reindeer or sleighs, and consider gifting candy cane-themed treats or ornaments. Let your creativity shine!
When it comes to candy canes, there are quite a few things you can make! Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
Decorations
Candy canes can be used to make festive decorations. You can create a candy cane wreath by arranging and gluing them together in a circular shape. Candy canes can also be used to make candy cane ornaments for your Christmas tree.
Desserts
Candy canes are a great addition to various desserts. You can crush them up and sprinkle them on top of cupcakes or cookies for a minty twist. Another popular dessert is peppermint bark, where you melt chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before letting it harden.
Hot Drinks
Candy canes can be used to flavor hot drinks like hot chocolate. Simply crush some candy canes and stir them into your hot chocolate to add a minty flavor. It’s a perfect treat to warm up during the colder months.
Crafts
Candy canes can be used for fun and easy crafts. You can create candy cane reindeer by adding eyes, a nose, and antlers to a candy cane. Another craft idea is to use candy canes to make sleighs by attaching small candy bars or gum to the candy cane.
Gifts
Candy canes make great gifts, especially during the holiday season. You can create candy cane sleighs filled with small candies or chocolates and top them with a small toy or gift card. Candy cane ornaments also make lovely gifts.
These are just a few simple ideas to help you get creative with candy canes. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with them!
How many different flavors of candy cane?
During the holiday season, candy canes offer a range of flavors. Candy canes come in a surprising variety of flavors, not just the familiar peppermint. While peppermint is the classic taste many people recognize, many other options exist.
Some candy canes have fruity flavors like cherry, raspberry, or lemon. These can be sweet and a little tangy, adding a burst of fruity goodness. Then, there are candy canes that taste like special treats, such as chocolate or cinnamon. These flavors can be rich and comforting, like savoring a favorite dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might come across candy canes with unique and fun tastes like blueberry or watermelon. These can be a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
What’s more, some companies get creative with candy cane flavors. They might make limited-edition versions for certain times of the year or special holidays. This means you might stumble upon a taste only available for a short time, adding a touch of excitement to your candy cane experience.
So, whether you’re a fan of the classic peppermint or eager to try something new and exciting, there’s a wide world of candy cane flavors waiting for you to explore and enjoy! Be bold, pick up a few different ones, and discover your favorites. Happy tasting!
What do you do with leftover candy canes?
Leftover candy canes can be repurposed in creative ways. Crush and sprinkle them over desserts, stir them into hot beverages for a minty twist, or incorporate them into baking for a sweet surprise. They can also make charming gift decorations or be saved for next year’s holiday.
Snack on them
One easy way to use up leftover candy canes is to simply enjoy them as a snack. You can unwrap the candy cane and savor the sweet and minty flavor.
Decorate desserts
Crushed candy canes make a fantastic topping for various desserts. Sprinkle the crushed candy cane pieces over ice cream, cakes, cupcakes, or cookies to add a festive touch and a pop of flavor.
Stir into hot chocolate
Adding crushed candy canes to a mug of hot chocolate gives it a burst of minty sweetness. Stir the crushed candy cane into your hot chocolate for a delicious twist.
Use as a stirrer
Candy canes can also serve as decorative and edible stirrers for hot beverages like coffee or tea. Place a whole candy cane into your mug and use it to stir, allowing the minty flavor to infuse into your drink.
Make flavored sugar
Crushed candy canes can be mixed with granulated sugar to create flavored sugar. Simply blend the crushed candy canes with sugar in a food processor, and you’ll have a delightful mint-infused sugar to use in baking or as a sweetener for beverages.
Gift or decorate
If you have a surplus of candy canes, you can use them to create festive decorations or package them up as a sweet handmade gift. Tie a bunch of candy canes together with a ribbon or use them as embellishments for wreaths, trees, or holiday-themed crafts.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can get creative with your leftover candy canes. The key is to enjoy them in a way that brings you joy and deliciousness while reducing waste.
Desserts to make with candy canes
You can create a variety of delightful desserts using candy canes. Options include Candy Cane Bark with melted chocolate and crushed canes, offering a blend of rich chocolate and mint. Candy Cane Cheesecake infuses creamy cheesecake with a minty twist, while Candy Cane Brownies provide a fudgy treat with a delightful contrast. For a cold option, blend crushed canes into vanilla ice cream for a mint-infused indulgence. These desserts offer a range of flavors and textures, all enhanced by the iconic taste of candy canes, catering to different sweet tooth preferences.
Here are some delightful desserts you can make using candy canes:
Candy Cane Brownies
Dive into the scrumptious world of Candy Cane Brownies! Imagine fudgy, chocolatey goodness infused with a delightful crunch of crushed candy canes. These treats offer a perfect balance of rich and minty, creating a festive flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. A holiday favorite!
Candy Cane Cheesecake
Treat yourself to a slice of Candy Cane Cheesecake, a creamy indulgence with a festive twist. Imagine smooth, velvety cheesecake infused with the delightful crunch of crushed candy canes. Each bite is a perfect blend of creamy and minty, delivering a sweet sensation that’s sure to brighten your holiday celebrations!
Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies
Savor the delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint with Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Cookies. These cookies are bursting with chocolate chips and infused with peppermint and candy cane pieces. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and minty, making them a comforting, festive treat for cookie lovers!
Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Indulge in Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes, a delightful blend of rich coffee, chocolate, and refreshing peppermint. Topped with creamy frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, they offer a perfect balance of flavors. Each bite is a cozy, festive treat that warms the heart and pleases the palate.
Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
Experience the delightful harmony of rich chocolate and cool mint with Candy Cane Chocolate Bark. Melted chocolate, sprinkled with crushed candy canes, creates a sweet, crunchy treat. Break it into festive pieces and savor the perfect blend of flavors, bringing a touch of holiday magic to your taste buds.
Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
Treat yourself to Candy Cane Sugar Cookies, a holiday classic with a delightful twist. These cookies are soft, buttery, and infused with a hint of refreshing peppermint. Topped with crushed candy canes, they offer a perfect blend of sweet and minty, making them a festive favorite for all cookie lovers!
Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
Indulge in the Chocolate Peppermint Truffles, a decadent fusion of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. These velvety, bite-sized delights are rolled in crushed candy canes, offering a delightful crunch with every creamy bite. It’s a heavenly treat that marries the best of both worlds – sweet and minty!
Candy Cane Ice Cream Sundae
The Candy Cane Ice Cream Sundae is a chilly delight, combining creamy vanilla ice cream with a luscious drizzle of chocolate sauce. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, it’s a sweet, cool treat that brings a touch of holiday magic to your taste buds!
Peppermint Marshmallow Pops
Peppermint Marshmallow Pops are a delightful blend of fluffy marshmallows and rich chocolate, with a refreshing peppermint twist. Dipped in smooth chocolate and coated with crushed candy canes, they’re a sweet, festive treat. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft, crunchy, and minty goodness, guaranteed to bring smiles!
Candy Cane Meringue Kisses
Candy Cane Meringue Kisses are sweet, airy delights with a gentle crunch and a touch of minty freshness. These bite-sized treats melt in your mouth, leaving a delightful peppermint flavor. Topped with crushed candy canes, they’re a festive joy, perfect for adding a sprinkle of holiday magic to any gathering.
These desserts offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, all enhanced by the festive touch of candy canes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to add a touch of holiday magic to your kitchen, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds!
