White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a treat that’s both creamy and bursting with bursts of fruity charm, this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe is honestly one of the easiest delights to make at home. Imagine luscious white chocolate swirled into a rich, velvety base, studded with vibrant maraschino cherries that add just the right pop of color and chewy sweetness. It’s a perfect chewy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that brings sunshine to any dessert table and feels like a special occasion wrapped up in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy butter creating that smooth texture, to the sugar and cream forming the rich, soft fudge base. The white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream add luxurious sweetness and body, while those maraschino cherries bring both delightful flavor and a festive look.

• Maraschino cherries, 1/2 cup finely chopped: Make sure to dry them well on paper towels to prevent extra moisture from thinning the fudge.
• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Using room temperature butter helps it melt evenly into the mixture.
• Sugar, 2 cups: The essential sweetener that helps achieve the perfect fudge texture.
• Heavy cream, 3/4 cup: Adds a silky richness that makes the fudge melt in your mouth.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the sweetness.
• White chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups: The star ingredient delivering that unmistakable creamy white chocolate flavor.
• Marshmallow cream, 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons: Provides a light, fluffy texture that helps the fudge set perfectly smooth.
• Pink food coloring, 1 drop: Just a touch for a pretty, blush-toned fudge that feels extra special.

How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures you can easily lift the fudge out once it sets without any sticking or mess. Setting this foundation early makes all the difference in getting clean, perfect squares later.

Step 2: Dry the Cherries

Pat your finely chopped maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to soak up excess moisture. This little step prevents the fudge from becoming too soft and watery, so your final bite keeps that lovely chewy fruit texture amidst the creamy fudge.

Step 3: Melt Butter, Sugar, and Cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Heat over medium-high, stirring constantly until both the butter and sugar have fully melted. This warm, bubbling mixture is the base of your fudge’s lusciousness—take your time to get it just right.

Step 4: Boil to Soft-Ball Stage

Bring this blend to a gentle boil, then clip on a candy thermometer. Keep stirring often, as it thickens and cooks, until the thermometer registers 235°F. This precise temperature, known as the soft-ball stage, ensures your fudge will have that ideal chewy consistency.

Step 5: Add White Chocolate and Marshmallow Cream

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is silky smooth, with no lumps in sight. This step builds the creamy, velvety body that makes this fudge so irresistible.

Step 6: Color and Fold in Cherries

Add a single drop of pink food coloring to give your fudge a gorgeous rosy tint, then gently fold in those dried cherries. You want to distribute the fruity color and flavor evenly without crushing the tender cherries, preserving their juicy bursts in every bite.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth

Pour the luscious fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners, creating a flat surface that will set into uniform squares. This final shaping moment is satisfying and helps the fudge cool consistently.

Step 8: Let It Set

Allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours. This patience is well worth it, as your fudge firms up nicely without becoming hard, maintaining that perfect soft chewiness that defines a good fudge.

Step 9: Cut and Enjoy

Once the fudge is fully set, lift it out with the parchment paper and slice into 1-inch squares. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking a few for yourself whenever a sweet craving hits.

How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling a few extra finely chopped maraschino cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of your fudge squares. This gives each piece a festive look and an additional burst of fresh cherry flavor that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a sparkling glass of rosé. The creamy sweetness complements beverages beautifully, balancing flavors while giving you that little moment of indulgence that linger on your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering your White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe in a decorative box with parchment paper or wrapping individual pieces in colorful wax paper ribbons for gifts that feel handmade and heartfelt. You can also create a dessert platter mixing it with nuts and dried fruits, letting guests enjoy a variety of textures in one elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure it’s sealed well to retain its softness and prevent the white chocolate from blooming or drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make this fudge in advance or save some for later, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. Frozen fudge can last up to three months and thaw beautifully without losing its signature creamy texture.

Reheating

There’s usually no need to reheat fudge, but if you prefer it softer, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or gently warm pieces in the microwave for a few seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or it can become a melty mess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries have a higher water content that can change the fudge’s texture, making it less firm. Maraschino cherries, when dried, provide a sweet, chewy bite without extra moisture, which works best for this recipe.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer is best for accuracy, you can test for the soft-ball stage by dropping a small amount of the hot mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball you can shape with your fingers, you’re good to go!

Can I substitute regular chocolate for white chocolate chips?

You can, but it will change the flavor and color significantly. Regular chocolate will give you a more traditional fudge taste, but the signature creamy sweetness and color of this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe comes from the white chocolate.

Does the fudge need to be refrigerated?

No, storing fudge at room temperature in an airtight container is perfect. Refrigeration can make fudge firmer and sometimes change the texture in ways that may be less enjoyable.

Can I add nuts to this fudge?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a fantastic crunch and richness. Just fold them in with the cherries before pouring the fudge into the pan.

Final Thoughts

Making this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe is like inviting a little celebration into your kitchen. Its creamy texture, sweet cherry pops, and easy preparation make it a favorite for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who wants a homemade treat that feels luxurious without any fuss. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with fudge all over again.

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