Here’s a delightful recipe for White Chocolate Cherry Fudge, perfect for any occasion where you want to indulge in something sweet, creamy, and with a hint of fruity tartness.

This fudge combines the creamy richness of white chocolate with the vibrant taste of cherries, creating a perfect balance. It’s an easy-to-make treat that will impress your family and friends with its delicious flavor and beautiful appearance. The combination of cherries and white chocolate not only tastes wonderful but also makes for a visually stunning dessert.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

3 cups of white chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but it enhances the cherry flavor)
1 cup dried cherries, chopped

1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans, optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions for Making White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.

Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and nuts (if using).
Pour and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Cut and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade White Chocolate Cherry Fudge!

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Quality Ingredients: The taste of your fudge significantly depends on the quality of the white chocolate you use. Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor. Cheap white chocolate can affect the texture and taste of your fudge.

Consistent Low Heat: When melting your chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk and butter, ensure the heat is low and consistent. White chocolate can seize or burn easily, which will affect the smoothness of your fudge. Stirring constantly is key to prevent this.

Chop Cherries Finely: To ensure even distribution throughout the fudge, chop your dried cherries finely. This not only makes every bite filled with flavor but also prevents the cherries from sinking to the bottom.

Use a Double Boiler: If you’re not comfortable melting chocolate over direct heat, use a double boiler. This method can help prevent the chocolate from getting too hot and seizing.

Set Time: While the recipe calls for at least 4 hours of chilling time, overnight setting in the refrigerator can make your fudge even firmer, making it easier to cut into perfect squares.

Experiment with Extracts: Vanilla and almond extracts are suggested, but don’t be afraid to experiment with others like orange or peppermint for a different twist on the flavor profile.

Toast the Nuts: If you decide to add nuts, toasting them beforehand can enhance their flavor and add an extra crunch to your fudge.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Platters: White Chocolate Cherry Fudge makes a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter. Its festive colors and rich taste can complement other holiday treats like cookies and candies.

Gift Giving: Fudge makes a heartfelt and homemade gift. Place pieces of fudge in a decorative box or tin, layering between wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Attach a personal note for a special touch.

Dessert Trays: For parties or family gatherings, serve the fudge on dessert trays alongside other bite-sized treats like macarons and truffles for an elegant presentation.

With Coffee or Tea: A piece of White Chocolate Cherry Fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the fudge complements the bitterness of the coffee or the herbal notes of tea.

Ice Cream Topping: Chop the fudge into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for vanilla or cherry ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure it is kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent melting.

Refrigerate for Longevity: For longer storage, place the fudge in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 weeks when refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing: White Chocolate Cherry Fudge freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a zip-lock freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Separate Layers: If stacking the fudge in a container, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer to prevent the pieces from sticking together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried? Using fresh cherries in this recipe is not recommended as they contain more moisture, which can affect the texture of the fudge. Dried cherries provide a concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture.

Why did my fudge turn out too soft? If your fudge is too soft, it might not have been chilled long enough, or the chocolate to sweetened condensed milk ratio was off. Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and allow sufficient chilling time.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of bars? Yes, you can use white chocolate chips instead of bars. Ensure they are of good quality for the best taste and texture.

My fudge is grainy. What went wrong? Graininess can occur if the chocolate mixture gets too hot and seizes or if it’s stirred too vigorously after melting. Gentle heat and patience are key to smooth fudge.

How do I cut the fudge without it cracking? For smooth cuts, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before cutting. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to ensure neat squares.

Can I make this fudge with dark chocolate? Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with dark chocolate, but the flavor profile will be significantly different. You may also need to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate.

Is it necessary to use almond extract? While almond extract adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the cherries, it’s not essential. You can omit it or replace it with another extract of your choice.

White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

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Here's a delightful recipe for White Chocolate Cherry Fudge, perfect for any occasion where you want to indulge in something sweet, creamy, and with a hint of fruity tartness.

Ingredients

3 cups of white chocolate chips
1 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional, but it enhances the cherry flavor
1 cup dried cherries chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans, optional

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and nuts (if using).
Pour and Chill: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
Cut and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade White Chocolate Cherry Fudge!