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
Scale
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.
