White Chocolate Cherry Fudge: A Sweet and Festive Treat
Looking for a sweet, creamy dessert with a pop of color and flavor? This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is a delightful treat that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just to satisfy a craving for something rich and indulgent. Combining the creamy smoothness of white chocolate with the bright, juicy sweetness of maraschino cherries, this fudge is not only delicious but also beautifully eye-catching with its pink hue.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes classic fudge and gives it a fruity twist with the addition of chopped maraschino cherries. The fudge itself is decadently rich and creamy thanks to white chocolate and marshmallow cream, while the cherries provide a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. Plus, the soft pink color makes it perfect for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or even baby showers!
The best part? It’s simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort, yet it looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (dried between paper towels for 30 minutes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
- 1 drop pink food coloring
Directions:
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later.
- Dry the cherries: Place the finely chopped maraschino cherries on a plate and pat them thoroughly with paper towels. Allow them to sit and dry for about 30 minutes. Removing the excess moisture is crucial to prevent the fudge from becoming too soft.
- Cook the fudge mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring until the butter and sugar have melted. Continue stirring as the mixture comes to a boil.
- Check the temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the thermometer reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage). This ensures the fudge will set properly once cooled.
- Mix in the white chocolate and marshmallow: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add color and cherries: Stir in the drop of pink food coloring until it is evenly distributed, giving the fudge a lovely pink hue. Gently fold in the chopped, dried cherries.
- Pour and set: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Let the fudge sit at room temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing it to fully set.
- Cut and serve: Once the fudge has set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Setting Time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 25-30 pieces
Calories per Serving: 120 kcal
Tips for Perfect Fudge:
- Drying the cherries: Be sure to thoroughly pat the cherries dry to prevent adding excess moisture to the fudge. Too much liquid can affect the texture.
- Soft-ball stage: Using a candy thermometer ensures the fudge reaches the perfect temperature (235°F) for setting. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should form a soft, pliable ball.
- Storage: Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Perfect for Gifting or Festive Occasions
This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is ideal for gifting during the holiday season, or for serving at parties and gatherings. The combination of creamy white chocolate and bright red cherries makes it a beautiful and festive dessert. Wrap a few pieces in decorative boxes or bags for a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will adore!
Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or sharing with loved ones, this fudge is a delightful sweet treat that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the perfect bite of creamy, fruity indulgence!
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White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 25-30 1x
Description
This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is a delightful, sweet treat that combines the richness of white chocolate with the subtle tartness of maraschino cherries. The smooth and creamy texture, paired with the vibrant pink hue from the food coloring, makes this fudge not only a delicious indulgence but also a visually stunning addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (dried between paper towels for 30 minutes)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
1 drop pink food coloring
Instructions
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Place the diced cherries on a plate and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. It’s essential to remove as much liquid as possible to avoid excess moisture in the fudge.
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar and butter have melted.
Bring the mixture to a boil and insert a candy thermometer. Stir frequently while cooking the fudge.
When the thermometer reads 235°F (soft-ball stage), remove the pan from the heat.
Slowly stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until fully melted and smooth.
Add the pink food coloring and stir until evenly distributed.
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they are well incorporated.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 3-4 hours.
Once set, cut the fudge into 1-inch squares before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120