If you’re looking for a festive and indulgent treat, Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge is the perfect recipe to try. This luscious fudge combines the creamy goodness of white chocolate with the bright, tart flavor of maraschino cherries. The result is a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to special celebrations. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible treat!
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge
To make this easy and delicious fudge, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 cups white chocolate chips (or white chocolate chunks)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drain the cherries and pat dry with a paper towel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for added creaminess)
- Sprinkles or extra maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions for Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the fudge once it’s set and cool.
2. Melt the White Chocolate:
In a large, heatproof bowl, add the white chocolate chips and butter. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or melt in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
3. Combine Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Once the white chocolate is melted, pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir it together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Flavoring:
Stir in the vanilla extract and optional almond extract to enhance the flavor. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
5. Incorporate the Maraschino Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as you want the cherries to remain intact for a burst of flavor in each bite.
6. Set the Fudge:
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle the top with a few additional chopped cherries or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
7. Chill the Fudge:
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours or until it is firm to the touch. Once set, lift the parchment paper from the pan and cut the fudge into small squares.
Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge
- Drain and Dry the Cherries: To prevent the fudge from becoming too watery, make sure to drain and blot the maraschino cherries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Use High-Quality White Chocolate: The flavor of white chocolate is key to this recipe, so use high-quality chocolate chips or bars for the best results.
- Customize Your Fudge: If you want to add extra texture, consider folding in crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios, or even mini chocolate chips.
- Make Ahead: This fudge can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge
Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The smooth white chocolate provides a rich backdrop for the pop of tartness from the cherries, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing a gift box of homemade goodies or simply craving a sweet snack, this fudge is sure to satisfy.
This fudge is also incredibly versatile. While it’s ideal for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, it can be made for any occasion. The festive pop of red from the maraschino cherries makes it a visually appealing treat, and the smooth texture is a joy to bite into.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge is a show-stopping treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its creamy white chocolate base and the burst of maraschino cherry flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your holiday or year-round recipe collection. Easy to make, yet elegant enough for any occasion, this fudge is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Serving and Storage Tips for Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge
Serving Tips:
- Perfect for Parties: Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge is a great addition to any dessert table. Cut the fudge into small, bite-sized squares to make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Gift Idea: Wrap the fudge in decorative cellophane or place it in a cute tin to gift to friends and family. It’s a thoughtful and delicious homemade treat that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
- Pair with Other Sweets: Serve this fudge alongside other festive desserts like cookies, brownies, or chocolate bark for a variety of treats that complement each other.
- Temperature: While it’s best served cold for a firm texture, you can allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a slightly softer bite.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The fudge will stay fresh and maintain its creamy texture.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the fudge for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the fudge in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
- Avoid Humidity: To ensure the fudge stays firm and smooth, store it in a cool, dry place. Excess moisture can cause the fudge to soften or become sticky.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can keep your Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge fresh and ready to enjoy for days (or weeks) to come!
1. Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
While this recipe is specifically for white chocolate fudge, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate if you prefer a different flavor. Keep in mind that dark or milk chocolate will result in a different texture and taste, and you may need to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk based on the chocolate you use.
2. How can I prevent the fudge from becoming too soft?
To prevent the fudge from becoming too soft, make sure to properly drain and dry the maraschino cherries before adding them to the mixture. Excess moisture from the cherries can affect the fudge’s consistency. Additionally, ensure the fudge is refrigerated for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to set properly.
3. Can I add nuts or other ingredients to this fudge recipe?
Absolutely! Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge is versatile, and you can customize it by adding crushed nuts (like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts), mini chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes. Just be sure to fold in any extras gently to maintain the smooth texture of the fudge.
4. How long does Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge stay fresh?
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this fudge will stay fresh for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to maintain their quality.
Print
Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 small squares 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge is a sweet and creamy delight that combines the smooth richness of white chocolate with the vibrant flavor and color of maraschino cherries. It’s a beautiful and festive treat that’s perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or whenever you want a simple, no-bake indulgence.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (525 g) white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup (150 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice (optional, for a light pink hue)
- 1 pinch of salt
For garnish (optional):
- Extra chopped cherries
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries:
- Drain the maraschino cherries well and pat them dry using paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Chop them into small pieces and set aside.
- Melt the white chocolate:
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), salt, and the maraschino cherry juice if you want a light pink tint.
- Fold in the cherries:
- Gently fold the chopped cherries into the fudge mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Set the fudge:
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Garnish with extra chopped cherries or a white chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours, or until it is firm and set.
- Cut and serve:
- Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into small squares and serve.
Notes
- Dry the cherries: It’s important to pat the cherries completely dry to prevent excess liquid from affecting the texture of the fudge.
- Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Color: For a deeper pink color, add 1–2 drops of red food coloring to the fudge mixture.