Sweet Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe – A Dreamy Treat!

Sweet memories swirl around this decadent maraschino cherry white chocolate fudge that promises pure indulgence.

Rich cream and smooth white chocolate create a luxurious canvas for vibrant red cherries.

Clusters of bright fruit peek through creamy layers, tempting anyone who loves delightful confections.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between tangy cherries and silky chocolate notes.

Delicate pieces melt softly, releasing bursts of fruity sweetness that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean you can craft this stunning treat without stress.

One taste will transport you to a world of pure confectionery bliss – so gather your ingredients and let’s begin this delicious adventure.

Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge with a Creamy Finish

• Hassle-Free Dessert Creation
• This white chocolate cherry fudge requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Colorful maraschino cherries and creamy white chocolate create a delightful dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, ideal for holiday gatherings or casual weekend treats.
• Skip complicated baking processes with this effortless recipe that only needs melting, mixing, and chilling, saving time and reducing kitchen stress while delivering delicious results.

Ingredients Needed for Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: Smooth base for creamy fudge texture, high-quality brands ensure better flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency, unsalted preferred for better control of sweetness.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Primary binding agent for fudge, provides intense sweetness and creamy texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor booster, adds depth and warmth to the fudge.
• Almond Extract: Optional complementary flavor, provides subtle nutty undertone.

• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red fruits adding color and sweet-tart burst, chopped for even distribution through fudge.

• Colorful Sprinkles: Festive touch for visual appeal, optional decoration for fudge surface.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cherry and White Chocolate Fudge

Step 1: Line The Baking Vessel

Grab a parchment paper and carefully press it into an 8-inch square baking dish, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides. This trick helps effortless fudge removal after setting.

Step 2: Melt White Chocolate Base

• White chocolate chips
• Butter

Utilize double boiler technique by placing bowl over simmering water or microwave in short bursts. Stir consistently until achieving silky smooth consistency.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Elements

Pour sweetened condensed milk into melted chocolate mixture. Whisk thoroughly until creating a uniform, glossy texture without lumps.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Optional almond extract

Mix gently to distribute aromatic elements throughout chocolate base.

Step 5: Incorporate Cherry Gems

Softly fold chopped maraschino cherries into mixture. Use delicate motion to prevent breaking cherry pieces, maintaining vibrant color and texture.

Step 6: Transfer And Decorate

Pour fudge into prepared pan. Spread evenly using spatula. Optionally sprinkle additional cherry bits or colorful decorative elements across surface.

Step 7: Chill And Set

Place pan in refrigerator for minimum 2-3 hours. Confirm firmness by gentle touch. Once set, lift parchment and slice into delectable bite-sized squares.

Tips for Smooth Texture and Sweet Cherry Balance

• Soften Cherries First: Pat maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the fudge runny, ensuring a perfect texture and consistent setting.
• Customize Cherry Distribution: Strategically place some cherry pieces on top of the fudge before chilling for a visually appealing presentation that highlights the fruity ingredient.
• Control Melting Technique: Use low and slow heat when melting white chocolate to prevent scorching, stirring constantly and removing from heat occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy-free white chocolate chips and vegan condensed milk for a plant-based version that accommodates different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Enhance Storage Longevity: Store fudge in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to one week, keeping pieces separated to maintain individual texture and prevent sticking.

How to Store and Reheat Fudge Without Drying It Out

• Store fudge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Wrap fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator for several hours before serving to maintain its creamy consistency.
• Bring refrigerated or thawed fudge to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to enhance its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What to Pair with Maraschino Cherry Fudge for Dessert Platters

• Pair this sweet white chocolate cherry fudge with beverages and accompaniments that balance its richness and enhance its delicate taste profile.
• Select a crisp, dry champagne with light bubbles to cut through the fudge's sweetness and provide a sophisticated contrast.
• Enjoy a medium-roast coffee with subtle almond or hazelnut undertones that echo the dessert's creamy white chocolate and hint of almond extract.
• Choose a slightly sweet, effervescent Italian prosecco that complements the cherry's fruity notes and cleanses the palate between rich fudge bites.

Recipe Variations to Twist Cherry Fudge Flavors

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace standard white chocolate chips with gluten-free white chocolate chips and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Substitute white chocolate chips with dairy-free white chocolate alternatives and use coconut condensed milk instead of traditional sweetened condensed milk.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Treat: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free condensed milk alternative for a reduced-sugar version.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Add chopped toasted almonds or pistachios to the fudge mixture for extra texture and a complementary flavor profile to the cherries.

Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of childhood dance through this Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge, blending creamy white chocolate with delicate cherry notes. Festive and indulgent, this quick dessert brings nostalgic joy and delightful flavor to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (525 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (150 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 pinch of salt

Garnish (Optional):

• Extra chopped cherries
• White chocolate drizzle

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.
2. Create a double boiler or use microwave to gently melt white chocolate chips and butter, stirring consistently until smooth and glossy without any lumps.
3. Pour sweetened condensed milk into the melted chocolate mixture, whisking carefully to create a uniform, creamy texture without overmixing.
4. Infuse additional flavor by incorporating vanilla and almond extracts, stirring until completely integrated throughout the mixture.
5. Carefully fold chopped maraschino cherries into the fudge base, distributing them evenly while maintaining their structural integrity to preserve color and texture.
6. Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a level surface, garnishing with additional cherries or decorative sprinkles if desired.
7. Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for approximately 2-3 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop a firm, slice-able consistency before cutting into bite-sized squares.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing the cherries to maintain their vibrant color and prevent bleeding into the white chocolate base.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother, creamier texture that melts more evenly.
• Pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the fudge too soft or runny.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and check chocolate chip packaging.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg