Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares – Easy Homemade Dessert Recipe

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mandy

Posted on December 29, 2025

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Dessert Recipes

December 29, 2025

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There’s just something magical about the scent of sweet cream cheese, silky white chocolate, and a punch of cool Irish mint swirling through the kitchen. If you close your eyes, you can almost hear the gentle Irish rain tapping the window and feel the coziness radiating from the oven. The first time I made these Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares, I was chasing a memory—trying to bottle up that joyful, green-tinged spirit of St. Patrick’s Day from my childhood. You know, the kind where you’d wake up to green pancakes and a leprechaun note slipped under your cereal bowl.

My grandma used to whip up the creamiest cheesecakes for every holiday, but on St. Paddy’s, she’d sneak in a splash of mint (and a glug of Irish cream, shh) just for fun. The first bite took me right back to her sunny kitchen—where the fudge would set just enough to slice, and the kids would jostle for the corner pieces. There’s a moment, as you cut into these fudge squares, when you pause, inhale that sweet-mint aroma, and just smile because you know you’ve hit the jackpot. The green swirls look like lucky clovers in dessert form.

Honestly, my family can’t keep their hands off these fudge squares. I caught my husband sneaking one before dinner (he tried to act innocent—didn’t work). Even my picky eater declared, “This tastes like a shamrock shake and cheesecake got married!” These creamy squares are dangerously easy to whip up, making them perfect for potlucks, school parties, or just for brightening up your Pinterest board with a little festive flair. If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm, minty hug (with a pop of cheerful color), you’re going to want to bookmark this one. After testing this recipe more times than I’ll admit (in the name of research, of course), these fudge squares are now a family tradition for St. Patrick’s—and honestly, any time I need a little extra luck!

Why You’ll Love These Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares

There’s a reason these fudge squares have become a must-bake in my house every March (and sometimes in July when I get a craving). Years of making, tweaking, and sharing this recipe mean you get a treat that’s been through the wringer, in the best way. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade desserts, you’ll love how approachable—and downright dreamy—these fudge squares are.

Quick & Easy: The whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect for when you want to whip up something festive, fast.
Simple Ingredients: No need for specialty shopping—just good old white chocolate, cream cheese, and a dash of Irish cream or mint extract. Stuff you probably have on hand, especially around the holidays.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: The green swirls make these a showstopper for any party table, potluck, or office treat box. They look like you spent hours, but they’re a cinch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the creamy texture and fun color, adults swoon over the cheesecake flavor and minty finish. I’ve never had leftovers last more than a day.
Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of tangy cream cheese, smooth chocolate, and cool mint is pure comfort food magic—think cheesecake meets fudge, with a little Irish twist.

What sets my version apart? I blend the cream cheese until it’s ultra-smooth and fold in just enough white chocolate to make every bite rich, but not heavy. A swirl of green gel coloring means every square looks like a little piece of luck. And let’s face it, a splash of Irish cream (or mint extract for the kids) gives these fudge bars a flavor you won’t find in the store-bought stuff.

This recipe isn’t just “good”—it’s the kind that has people asking you for the recipe before they’ve even finished chewing. It’s comfort food with a wink, festive enough for a big party but easy enough for a weekday treat. If you want a dessert that makes people smile, this is it. And if you want to impress without stress? These fudge squares are your new secret weapon.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, honest ingredients to create a fudge square that’s creamy, luscious, and full of minty cheer. Most of these are pantry staples—just a couple of fun additions for that signature St. Patrick’s flair. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fudge Base:
- 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli for meltability)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
- 4 oz (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia is my go-to, but any block-style cream cheese works)
- 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes (adds richness)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt (balances the sweetness)
For the Mint Cheesecake Swirl:
- 1/2 tsp pure mint extract (not peppermint—mint is softer, but peppermint works in a pinch)
- 1–2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur (optional, for an adult twist; sub with milk for a kid-friendly version)
- Green gel food coloring (a few drops for that festive color—liquid coloring works, but gel gives a bolder hue)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints (for sprinkling on top—totally optional, but adds a fun crunch)
- Gold sanding sugar or festive sprinkles (to make them extra Pinterest-worthy!)

Ingredient Tips:

Use block-style cream cheese, not whipped or spreadable. The texture is key for creamy, sliceable fudge.
If you need a gluten-free version, check your chocolate chips and mint extract. Most are safe, but double-check labels.
For a dairy-free version, swap in vegan cream cheese and coconut sweetened condensed milk (the flavor will be a little different but still tasty!).
In a pinch, semi-sweet chocolate chips work for a chocolate-mint version—just skip the food coloring and add a tad more mint extract.

These ingredients are easy to find in almost any grocery store, and you can swap in what you have on hand if you’re in a pinch. No need for specialty shops—just good, classic baking supplies and a little Irish spirit!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up these Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares—just a few trusty kitchen tools. Here’s what I grab before starting (and a couple of handy alternatives if you’re missing something):

8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan (for classic fudge thickness—if you only have a 9×9, the bars will be a bit thinner, but still delicious)
Parchment paper (makes lifting the fudge out a breeze—if you don’t have any, line the pan with foil and lightly butter it)
Medium microwave-safe bowl (for melting the chocolate and butter—double-boiler works too if you prefer stovetop)
Hand mixer or stand mixer (for beating the cream cheese smooth—old-fashioned elbow grease and a sturdy whisk work in a pinch, but a mixer is easier)
Spatula (for folding and swirling—if you’re short on spatulas, a sturdy spoon is fine)
Measuring cups and spoons (accuracy is your friend with fudge!)
Toothpick or skewer (for making the pretty green swirls—optional, but fun!)

Personal tip: I’ve used everything from glass Pyrex pans to nonstick metal ones—both work, but parchment makes cleanup so much easier. If you have an offset spatula, it helps spread the fudge evenly, but a butter knife works, too.

Budget-friendly note: Don’t sweat if you’re missing a mixer or specialty tools. I’ve made these with just a bowl and spoon while traveling (and they still disappeared fast!). Just let your cream cheese soften well for easier mixing, and you’re golden.

How to Make Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares

Prep the pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly butter the sides if you like easy clean-up. (Takes: 2 minutes)
Soften the cream cheese: Let 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. It should feel soft but not melted—press a finger in and it should leave a gentle dent. (Prep tip: Too cold and it’ll clump. Too soft and it gets runny.)
Melt the fudge base: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted (about 1.5–2 minutes total). (Or melt on the stovetop over a double boiler—gentle heat is key, or the chocolate can seize!)
Beat the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until creamy and lump-free (about 1–2 minutes on medium speed). Add 1/4 tsp kosher salt and mix to combine. (A stand mixer works too. No mixer? Use a sturdy whisk, but be patient!)
Combine the fudge: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cream cheese. Beat on low speed until fully combined and silky. Scrape the sides of the bowl to catch any sneaky cream cheese lumps. (If you see little dots, keep mixing until smooth.)
Flavor and color: Stir in 1/2 tsp mint extract and 1–2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur (if using). Taste a tiny bit—if you want more mint, add a drop or two more. For that festive look, drop in a few dabs of green gel food coloring and gently swirl with a spatula or toothpick. (Don’t overmix or you’ll lose the swirls!)
Spread and swirl: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Add extra food coloring drops on top and use a toothpick to create pretty swirls. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips, chopped Andes mints, or gold sprinkles over the top if desired. (Takes: 3 minutes)
Set the fudge: Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours, or until firm. For the cleanest cuts, let it set overnight. (If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the freezer for 45–60 minutes, but check often!)
Slice and serve: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment handles. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to slice into 16–20 squares. (The fudge is soft and creamy, so a gentle hand helps. If it sticks, dip the knife in hot water and dry before slicing.)

Troubleshooting Notes:

If the fudge seems too soft, chill longer. If it’s too firm to slice, let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before cutting.
White chocolate can scorch in the microwave—go slow and stir often!
For super-sharp swirls, avoid overmixing after adding the color.

Personal tip: I like to cut the fudge into 1-inch (2.5 cm) squares for sharing, but my husband always grabs the biggest piece! And honestly, a corner piece with extra swirl is pure luck.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

After making batch after batch of these Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares, I’ve picked up a few tricks (and learned from more than a few kitchen mishaps). Here’s how to make your fudge come out perfect every time:

Gentle Melting: White chocolate is notorious for seizing if overheated. I always use 50% power in the microwave and stir every 30 seconds. If you see any lumps, stop microwaving and just keep stirring—the residual heat usually does the trick.
Room Temp Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese will leave stubborn lumps. I learned that the hard way on a rushed morning. If you forget to set it out, microwave in 5-second bursts (still wrapped) until just soft.
Don’t Overmix the Swirl: Once you add the food coloring, just swirl enough to get pretty ribbons of green. Overmixing turns the fudge a uniform color—still tasty, but not as eye-catching.
Clean Knife, Clean Cuts: For those Pinterest-perfect squares, wipe your knife between every cut. Trust me, it makes a world of difference (and keeps the edges neat for gifting or sharing).
Chill Time: Fudge always feels too soft when you first spread it in the pan. Let it chill completely before slicing—overnight is best for super-clean cuts. If you try to rush, it’ll be sticky and messy (I’ve made this mistake more times than I care to admit!).
For a Firmer Fudge: Add an extra ounce or two of white chocolate chips if you want a denser, more candy-like texture. I like the classic creamy version, but a little extra chocolate makes it sturdy for lunchboxes.
Timing: You can make the fudge ahead by a few days. Just keep it chilled and covered tightly. It actually tastes creamier the next day.

Personal story: The first time I tried this recipe, I was impatient and sliced too soon—ended up with gooey, sticky pieces. Now I always make it the night before a party, and it slices like a dream. The little things make all the difference!

Variations & Adaptations

One of my favorite things about these Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares is how easy they are to customize. You can tweak them for different tastes, dietary needs, or just to match whatever you have in the pantry. Here are a few tried-and-true variations:

Gluten-Free Version: Most fudge ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chocolate chips and flavorings. I’ve made these for gluten-free friends using Enjoy Life white chocolate chips and they turned out perfectly.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use vegan cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Tofutti), coconut sweetened condensed milk, and dairy-free white chocolate. The flavor will be a little coconutty, but still rich and creamy. I made these for a dairy-sensitive neighbor and they got rave reviews!
Chocolate-Mint Fudge: Swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, skip the food coloring, and add a touch more mint extract for a bolder flavor. The result is like an Andes mint in fudge form—so good after dinner.
No Irish Cream Option: For a kid-friendly version, simply replace Irish cream liqueur with regular milk or half-and-half and add an extra drop of mint extract.
Seasonal Swaps: For Christmas, use red and green coloring and peppermint extract. For Easter, swirl in pastel colors and a little lemon extract. It’s a year-round crowd-pleaser!
Nuts & Crunch: Stir in 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate sandwich cookie pieces for crunch and flavor variety.

Personal twist: I love making a half-and-half pan—half classic mint, half chocolate-mint swirl. It’s always the first thing gone at parties!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares are as fun to serve as they are to eat. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Serving Temperature: Serve chilled for the creamiest bite, but you can let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes if you prefer a softer texture. They hold up well on a dessert table for a few hours (just keep them out of direct sunlight if you’re outdoors).
Presentation Tips: Cut into small squares or rectangles and arrange on a white platter for the green swirls to pop. Add a sprinkle of gold sanding sugar for extra sparkle—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties or gift boxes.
Pairings: These fudge bars go great with hot Irish tea, coffee, or even a creamy Irish coffee (for the grown-ups, of course). They also shine alongside chocolate cupcakes or a scoop of mint chip ice cream.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: No reheating needed, but if you want a slightly softer bite, leave them at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.
Flavor Development: The minty cheesecake flavor actually deepens after a day or two in the fridge. I always stash a few in the back for late-night cravings!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at what you’re enjoying with each Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Square (estimates per square, assuming 16 squares per batch):

Calories: 170
Total Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Sugar: 18 g
Protein: 2 g

Health Benefits: The cream cheese adds a little protein and calcium, and the fudge is naturally gluten-free (just double-check your add-ins). Using full-fat cream cheese means a creamy texture without the need for stabilizers or fillers. If you need lower sugar, try swapping in sugar-free white chocolate chips.

Dietary Considerations: Contains dairy (cream cheese, chocolate, butter), so not suitable for vegan diets unless adapted. Also contains potential allergens (milk, soy in chocolate). Always check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with allergies!

From a wellness perspective, these fudge squares are definitely a treat, but a little goes a long way. I find that a small square satisfies my sweet tooth and adds that fun, festive touch to any celebration.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a St. Patrick’s Day dessert that’s creamy, festive, and unbelievably easy, these Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares are just the ticket. They’ve got all the nostalgia of grandma’s cheesecake, but with a modern, minty twist and that eye-catching swirl everyone loves.

Don’t be afraid to make them your own—swap flavors, add a fun topping, or tweak the color to match your party. I love this recipe because it brings a little luck and a lot of smiles to my kitchen every time I make it. I hope it does the same for you!

If you try these fudge squares, let me know in the comments below—share your tweaks, your party wins, or even your baking disasters (we’ve all been there!). Pin it, share it, and spread the cheer—because everyone deserves a little taste of Irish magic!

FAQs About Creamy St. Patrick’s Irish Mint Cheesecake Fudge Squares

Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract?

Yes, you can use peppermint extract, but start with less—about 1/4 teaspoon. Peppermint is stronger than classic mint, so add to taste for the flavor you like.

How do I make these fudge squares without Irish cream liqueur?

Just substitute regular milk or half-and-half for the Irish cream. Add an extra drop of mint extract for flavor if you like. The fudge will still be creamy and delicious (and kid-friendly).

Why is my fudge too soft or sticky?

This usually means it needs more chilling time. Let the pan chill overnight for the cleanest, firmest squares. If it’s still too soft, try adding a bit more white chocolate next time.

Can these fudge squares be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge. Store tightly covered and slice just before serving for best results.

Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?

Yes, just skip any nut-based garnishes or add-ins. The base recipe contains no nuts, but always check labels on your chocolate and extracts for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

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