White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

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If you’re looking for the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and tart fruitiness, White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is the treat you didn’t know you needed. This easy-to-make dessert brings together smooth white chocolate and bursts of cherry flavor in every bite. It’s a vibrant, indulgent fudge that looks as impressive as it tastes.

With its beautiful pink hue and juicy cherries peeking through, this fudge is ideal for festive occasions, holiday parties, or simply as a sweet pick-me-up any time of year. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it an ideal recipe for beginners and experienced home bakers alike.

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Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

This fudge isn’t just pretty to look at – it’s rich, smooth, and packed with flavor. The white chocolate base offers a creamy, buttery sweetness, while the cherries provide a tart, fruity contrast that balances the richness perfectly. It also sets up beautifully, making it easy to slice into perfect squares for gift boxes or dessert trays.

Whether you’re making it for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just because, this fudge is bound to impress your friends and family. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, meaning you can make it ahead of time without any stress.

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use in White Chocolate Cherry Fudge?

You can use either fresh, frozen, or jarred cherries for this recipe, depending on availability and personal preference. Jarred maraschino cherries are a popular option because they’re already sweetened and easy to chop. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your fudge.

If you’re using frozen or fresh cherries, make sure they are pitted and chopped. Frozen cherries should be thawed and blotted dry before mixing into the fudge to prevent it from becoming too soft or watery.

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Ingredients for the White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

To make this deliciously creamy fudge, each ingredient plays a unique role:

• White Chocolate Chips – The base of the fudge; provides smooth texture and sweet vanilla flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Gives the fudge its rich, creamy consistency and helps it set perfectly.
• Butter – Adds an extra layer of creaminess and prevents the chocolate from seizing.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor and brings out the sweetness of the cherries.
• Maraschino Cherries – Adds a pop of color and tangy-sweet flavor throughout the fudge.
• Salt – Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and intensify the chocolate.

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How To Make the White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries and blot them dry with paper towels. Chop them into small pieces and set aside. Removing excess moisture is key to keeping your fudge from becoming too soft.

Step 2: Melt the Base Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over low heat. Stir continuously until everything is melted and smooth.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold the chopped cherries into the warm fudge mixture, being careful not to overmix or crush them.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Pour the fudge mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Spread it evenly and tap the pan lightly to remove air bubbles. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve immediately or store for later.

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How to Serve and Store White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

This recipe yields about 25 small squares, making it perfect for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers during the holidays or special gatherings.

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

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What to Serve With White Chocolate Cherry Fudge?

Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Pair this rich fudge with a side of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a refreshing contrast.

Sparkling Wine or Champagne

The fruity notes in sparkling wine complement the cherries perfectly, making it an ideal combo for celebrations.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Balance the sweetness of the fudge with something slightly more intense, like dark chocolate truffles.

Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso cuts through the sweetness and makes each bite more enjoyable.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a square of fudge on top of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert everyone will love.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, but you’ll need to pit, chop, and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your fudge.

Can I make this fudge in the microwave?
Absolutely. Combine the white chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

Why is my fudge not setting?
This usually happens if there’s too much moisture, especially from undrained cherries. Make sure all your ingredients are well-measured and your cherries are dry.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped pistachios or almonds add a nice crunch and complement the cherry flavor beautifully.

Is this fudge gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check that all your ingredients, especially the white chocolate chips and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free. For more gluten-free dessert options, visit our gluten-free recipes section.

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