If you have a sweet tooth and love a perfect balance of creamy and fruity, you simply must try this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe. Imagine rich, velvety white chocolate swirled with juicy bits of maraschino cherries, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. It’s a wonderfully simple dessert that feels luxurious and festive, perfect for gifting or just indulging yourself on any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in both flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that luscious, smooth fudge with bursts of cherry sweetness and a tender bite.
- Finely chopped maraschino cherries: Adds vibrant bursts of fruity flavor and a splash of color that brightens every bite.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and a creamy base that helps the fudge set perfectly.
- Sugar: Sweetens the fudge while contributing to its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Heavy cream: Brings moisture and luscious creaminess, ensuring the fudge isn’t dry or crumbly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors subtly.
- White chocolate chips: The star ingredient that gives the fudge its signature creamy white chocolate flavor.
- Marshmallow cream: Adds a fluffy texture and helps keep the fudge irresistibly soft.
- Pink food coloring (optional): Just a drop makes your fudge pretty pink, elevating its visual appeal, especially for special occasions.
How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries and Pan
Start by finely chopping half a cup of maraschino cherries and patting them dry. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the fudge texture. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper to make removing the fudge extra easy once it’s set.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. This step is essential because it melts everything together, creating the perfect base for your fudge.
Step 3: Add White Chocolate and Marshmallow Cream
Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until melted and silky smooth. If you want your fudge to have a lovely pink hue, stir in a drop of pink food coloring here.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold the finely chopped maraschino cherries into the warm fudge mixture, ensuring that the fruit is evenly distributed without breaking it down too much.
Step 5: Set and Chill
Pour the fudge evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the fudge for at least two hours, or until firm. Once set, cut it into squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your fudge, try sprinkling finely chopped cherries on top before the fudge sets for an extra pop of color and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter can add sparkle and make the fudge even more festive.
Side Dishes
This fudge shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, cutting through the sweetness with a warm, comforting contrast. It can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap the fudge squares in colorful parchment paper and tie them with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. Alternatively, arrange the fudge on a pretty plate or in a glass jar layered with other treats for a dazzling dessert table display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Storing it this way preserves the delicate texture while keeping it fresh and ready to snack on anytime.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Your White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent melting or losing that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have much more moisture, which can affect the fudge’s texture. Maraschino cherries are ideal because they’re drier and sweeter, helping the fudge set properly and adding that classic flavor.
What if I don’t have marshmallow cream? Can I skip it?
Marshmallow cream adds softness and chewiness to the fudge. Omitting it will change the texture, making it more like a traditional firm fudge. You can try substituting with mini marshmallows melted into the mix, but the finished result might be slightly different.
Is pink food coloring necessary?
Nope, it’s completely optional! The fudge tastes just as wonderful without it. The food coloring simply adds a fun, festive touch, perfect for holidays or parties.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This version relies heavily on dairy ingredients like butter, cream, and white chocolate chips. To make it vegan, you’d need specialized dairy-free substitutes, but keep in mind it might alter the texture and taste quite a bit.
How long does the fudge take to set?
Typically, the fudge needs about two hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly. For best results, it’s good to let it chill longer if you have the time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade fudge, and this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe hits the mark perfectly with luscious creaminess and bright cherry bursts. Whether you’re making a delightful treat for yourself or sharing it with friends, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge recipe delivers a rich, creamy treat combining smooth white chocolate with bursts of sweet maraschino cherries. Perfect for festive occasions or anytime you crave a decadent, fruity fudge that’s easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
Flavoring and Add-ins
- ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry)
- 1 drop pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries: Thoroughly pat dry the finely chopped maraschino cherries using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the fudge sets properly.
- Melt butter and combine sugar with cream: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Add sugar, heavy cream, and salt; stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Simmer mixture: Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensuring it reaches the soft-ball stage for proper fudge consistency.
- Add white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream: Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy fudge base.
- Add cherries and color: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. If desired, add a drop of pink food coloring for a subtle color enhancement and mix well.
- Pour and set fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan, spreading evenly. Let it cool at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator to set fully, approximately 2 hours.
- Cut and serve: Once firm, remove fudge from pan and cut into 16 even squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-patted dry to avoid fudge becoming too soft.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control during simmering.
- Allow fudge to fully cool and set in the refrigerator for best texture.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cherry extract.
