Pin it
I whipped up this Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge when I needed something fancy for holiday gifts. Those bright red cherries peeking through the velvety white fudge look so festive! It's now turned into my go-to Christmas treat. Everyone begs for the instructions after tasting that silky white chocolate mixed with juicy cherries.
What You'll Need for Delightful Results
- White Chocolate Chips: 3 cups of premium quality chips for that perfect fudge shine.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can 14 oz the magic behind that wonderful texture.
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup to make everything extra smooth.
- Almond Extract: ½ tsp for that unique flavor twist.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ tsp real stuff only please.
- Maraschino Cherries: 1 cup chopped and thoroughly dried the star ingredient!
- Salt: A tiny dash to boost all flavors.
Creating Your Sweet Masterpiece
- Getting Started
- Line an 8x8 pan with parchment leaving extra hanging off the edges so you can pull it out easily later.
- Melt It Down
- Combine chocolate chips condensed milk and butter in a saucepan. Keep stirring on medium low until everything looks creamy and smooth.
- Flavor Boosters
- Remove from heat then mix in both extracts and that small dash of salt they'll make your taste buds dance.
- Cherry Addition
- Carefully fold in those gorgeous red cherries don't stir too hard or you'll end up with pink fudge unless that's what you want!
- Pan Time
- Dump the mixture in and level the surface with your spatula for a neat finish.
- Cool It Down
- Stick it in the fridge for at least 4 hours waiting is definitely the toughest step!
- Cutting Time
- Use the paper edges to pull out your creation slice into squares and watch them quickly vanish.
Insider Secrets for Perfect Fudge
- Quality Matters: Don't skimp on white chocolate chips the flavor really comes through.
- Dry Those Cherries: Make sure they're super dry or your fudge might turn out too soft.
- Storage Smarts: Keep in the refrigerator but let it sit out briefly before eating for the best flavor experience.
Pin it
A Cherished Family Tradition
Making this fudge always takes me back to baking with my mom during the holidays. The kitchen fills up with vanilla and almond scents while those cherries look like tiny gems in the white fudge. It's become such an important part of our Christmas customs and watching everyone smile after their first bite makes all the work totally worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why's my fudge turning pink?
If cherries aren't dried properly or are mixed too much, the juice can color the fudge. Make sure to pat them dry and stir gently.
- → Can I swap white chocolate for milk chocolate?
You can, but the cherry flavor won't stand out as much. White chocolate highlights the cherries better.
- → Why won't my fudge set right?
Be sure you're using real white chocolate, not candy melts. Also, use sweetened condensed milk—not evaporated milk.
- → How long can I keep the fudge?
It'll stay fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for about two weeks. Let it sit at room temp briefly before eating.
- → Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.