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Celebrate National Candy Cane Day with Sweet & Pepperminty Creations!

Celebrate National Candy Cane Day with Sweet & Pepperminty Creations!

Celebrate National Candy Cane Day with Sweet & Pepperminty Creations!

Candy Cane Day is here, and what better way to enjoy the post-holiday festivities than with peppermint-infused treats? Using Babycakes appliances and TRU Espresso & Coffee machines, we’ve whipped up 10 candy cane-centered recipes and a bonus favorite that are fun, festive, and oh-so-delicious. Let’s turn your kitchen into a peppermint wonderland!

The Origins of National Candy Cane Day

National Candy Cane Day is celebrated annually on December 26th, the day after Christmas. While the exact origins of the holiday remain unclear, it’s widely recognized as a fun way to keep the festive spirit alive while savoring those leftover holiday treats—especially candy canes! This quirky holiday gives everyone an excuse to enjoy the iconic red-and-white-striped sweet that has come to symbolize the holiday season.

The History of the Candy Cane

  • Early Roots: The candy cane is believed to have originated in 1670 in Cologne, Germany, when a choirmaster handed out sugar sticks to children during church services. He bent the sticks into a cane shape to resemble a shepherd’s staff, tying it to the nativity story.
  • Colorful Addition: The original candy canes were plain white. The signature red stripes and peppermint flavor didn’t appear until the early 20th century, thanks to American candy makers.
  • Mass Production: In the 1920s, a machine was invented to automate the process of shaping and adding stripes to candy canes, making them widely available during the holiday season.

Fun Tidbits About Candy Canes

  1. Peppermint Power: Peppermint oil, the primary flavor in candy canes, is believed to have soothing properties for digestion and headaches. It’s a sweet treat and a potential remedy!
  2. World Record: The largest candy cane ever made was over 51 feet long and created in Geneva, Ohio in 2012. That’s longer than a school bus!
  3. Iconic Shape: The "J" shape is said to represent Jesus, while the red stripes symbolize his sacrifice and the white stripes his purity. Others simply love the festive design!
  4. Sweet Versatility: Candy canes aren’t just for eating—they’re often used as Christmas tree decorations, stirrers for hot cocoa, or crushed for recipes like the ones in this blog.
  5. Favorite Flavor: While peppermint is the classic choice, modern candy canes come in countless flavors, from fruity varieties to unusual ones like pickle, bacon, and even bubblegum!
  6. Candy Cane Production: Each year, over 1.76 billion candy canes are produced, enough to circle the globe multiple times if laid end-to-end.

Fun Ideas for Candy Cane Day

  • Crafty Creations: use leftover candy canes for DIY crafts, like wreaths, ornaments, or even peppermint-scented candles.
  • Sharing is Caring: gift candy cane-themed treats to friends and neighbors to spread some post-Christmas cheer.
  • Get Creative in the Kitchen: candy canes can add a festive flair to recipes like the ones featured below!!!

A Select Brands Favorite: The Peppermint Affogato

Celebrate National Candy Cane Day with a festive spin on a classic Italian dessert! Our Peppermint Affogato is the perfect treat for coffee lovers who want a hint of holiday magic in every bite. With just a few ingredients and your trusty TRU Espresso Machine, you can whip up this creamy, minty delight in minutes.

What You’ll Need (Serves 1)

  • Vanilla ice cream: 1 generous scoop of your favorite creamy vanilla.
  • Espresso: 1 freshly brewed shot (TRU Espresso Machine recommended!).
  • Candy cane: Crushed into small festive pieces.
  • Optional add-ons: A dollop of whipped cream and a few drops of peppermint extract for extra minty flair.

How to Make It

  1. Brew the Espresso
    Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso with your TRU Espresso Machine. Let it cool slightly—you want it warm but not so hot that it immediately melts the ice cream.
  2. Scoop and Sprinkle
    Place one luscious scoop of vanilla ice cream into a small bowl or cup. Sprinkle a few pieces of crushed candy cane on top for a peppermint crunch.
  3. Mint It Up
    For extra minty magic, add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the ice cream. This step is optional but takes the holiday vibes up a notch!
  4. Pour and Marvel
    Slowly pour the warm espresso shot over the ice cream. Watch as it melts into a creamy, coffee-mint masterpiece.
  5. Top It Off
    Crown your creation with a swirl of whipped cream and a final sprinkle of crushed candy cane. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
  6. Serve and Enjoy
    Serve immediately with a spoon and enjoy the delightful combination of cool, creamy ice cream and warm, bold espresso.

Why You’ll Love It

This Peppermint Affogato is the perfect way to elevate your National Candy Cane Day celebrations—or any day you want a quick, indulgent dessert. It’s easy to make, looks stunning, and is sure to impress your guests (or treat yourself!).

So grab your candy canes, fire up the TRU Espresso Machine, and indulge in this creamy, minty, caffeinated treat. Cheers to peppermint perfection!

10 more favorite Candy Cane inspired recipes we know you’ll love!

1. Candy Cane Cupcakes

Light, fluffy cupcakes infused with peppermint extract and topped with crushed candy canes!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  1. Mix peppermint extract into your vanilla cupcake batter.
  2. Bake using the Babycakes Cupcake Maker.
  3. Frost with buttercream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive finish.

2. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake Pops

Rich chocolate cake pops with a hint of peppermint and a candy cane crunch coating!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  1. Add peppermint extract to your chocolate cake batter.
  2. Bake in the Cake Pop Maker.
  3. Dip in melted white chocolate and roll in crushed candy canes.

3. Candy Cane Latte

A festive twist on your daily latte, complete with a candy cane stirrer!

You’ll Need:

  • TRU Espresso Machine
  • Milk of choice
  • Espresso shot
  • Peppermint extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Whole candy cane

Instructions:

  1. Brew a shot of espresso with the TRU machine.
  2. Steam your milk and stir in a drop of peppermint extract.
  3. Top with whipped cream and use a candy cane as a stirrer.

4. Candy Cane Waffles

Crispy waffles with peppermint swirls, perfect for a holiday brunch!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  1. Fold crushed candy canes into the waffle batter.
  2. Cook in the Babycakes Waffle Maker until golden.
  3. Top with whipped cream and extra candy cane pieces.

5. Candy Cane Espresso Martini

Shake up the holiday vibes with a candy cane-inspired cocktail!

You’ll Need:

  • TRU Espresso Machine
  • Espresso shot
  • Vodka
  • Coffee liqueur
  • Peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy cane for rim

Instructions:

  1. Brew an espresso shot.
  2. Shake espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a drop of peppermint extract with ice.
  3. Rim your glass with crushed candy canes and serve.
  4. Make sure to drink responsibly! 

6. Peppermint Mocha Muffins

The perfect pairing for your morning coffee—soft muffins with a peppermint mocha twist!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  1. Add a shot of espresso and a dash of peppermint extract to your chocolate muffin batter.
  2. Bake in the Cupcake Maker.
  3. Top with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.

7. Candy Cane-Inspired Tiramisu

An easy, no-bake dessert with layers of peppermint cream, coffee-soaked cookies, and crushed candy canes!

You’ll Need:

  • TRU Espresso Machine
  • Ladyfingers or shortbread cookies
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Peppermint extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes

Instructions:

  1. Brew coffee using the TRU Espresso Machine and soak the cookies in it.
  2. Layer mascarpone mixed with peppermint extract, coffee-soaked cookies, and whipped cream.
  3. Top with crushed candy canes and chill before serving.

8. Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Waffles

A dessert-for-breakfast waffle creation drizzled with chocolate and topped with marshmallows!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  1. Add crushed candy canes to your chocolate waffle batter and cook in the Waffle Maker.
  2. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, top with marshmallows, and sprinkle extra candy canes on top.

9. Peppermint Espresso Cream Puffs

Decadent cream puffs with a peppermint espresso filling!

You’ll Need:

Instructions:

  1. Make puffs in the Cake Pop Maker.
  2. Whip heavy cream with a shot of espresso and a drop of peppermint extract.
  3. Fill the puffs with the espresso cream and dust with crushed candy canes.

10. Candy Cane Frosted Donuts

The perfect peppermint treat for any time of day!

You’ll Need:

  • Babycakes Donut Maker
  • Vanilla donut batter
  • Peppermint extract
  • White chocolate frosting
  • Crushed candy canes

Instructions:

  1. Add peppermint extract to your donut batter and bake using the Donut Maker.
  2. Dip donuts in melted white chocolate and top with crushed candy canes.

Wrap Up the Day with Pepperminty Cheer!

National Candy Cane Day is a great excuse to experiment in the kitchen and turn your favorite appliances into tools for festive fun! Whether it’s a latte to sip by the fire, waffles for a cozy brunch, or a creative spin on classic desserts, Babycakes and TRU Espresso machines make every recipe easy and delightful.

Which recipe will you try first? Share your creations on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured! 🎄☕🍬

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