There’s something incredibly joyful about making sweet treats, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug for the soul! My absolute favorite has to be *white chocolate cherry fudge*. This creamy, dreamy dessert is just bursting with flavor and feels like a little piece of happiness in every bite. I can still remember the first time I made fudge with my grandma when I was a kid—sweet laughter, sticky fingers, and that magical moment when the fudge first sets! This treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just need a little indulgence in your day. Trust me, once you try this fudge, it’ll become a cherished memory in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare *White Chocolate Cherry Fudge*
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s get that pan ready! I always line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper—this little trick is a game changer. It makes removing and cutting the fudge so much easier later on. Just cut the parchment to fit and let it hang over the edges a bit. This way, you can simply lift the fudge out once it’s set. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Melt the Ingredients
Now, let’s melt those delicious white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together. Grab a saucepan and set it over low heat. Toss in the white chocolate chips and the condensed milk, and stir, stir, stir! You want to keep it moving gently to avoid burning, and soon you’ll have a lovely, smooth mixture that smells heavenly. Don’t rush this part; take your time to get it just right!
Step 3: Combine with Cherries and Nuts
Once your chocolate mixture is all melted and smooth, it’s time to fold in the dried cherries and those optional chopped nuts if you’re feeling adventurous! I love this step because it adds a delightful texture and burst of flavor. Just be gentle when you fold everything together—you’re creating a beautiful blend of creamy and fruity goodness!
Step 4: Spread and Chill
Now comes the fun part—spread that luscious mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to make sure it’s nice and even. Once it’s all in there, pop it in the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This is crucial, folks! Chilling helps the fudge set perfectly, so don’t skip this step! It’s worth the wait, I promise.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
After the fudge has chilled and set, it’s time for the grand reveal! Lift it out of the pan using those parchment paper edges, and place it on a cutting board. Now, cut it into squares—how big or small is totally up to you! I like to serve mine with a sprinkle of extra dried cherries on top or even a drizzle of chocolate if I’m feeling fancy. Enjoy every bite, and get ready to share this sweet treat with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
- Rich, creamy flavor that combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of cherries.
- No baking required, making it a super simple treat you can whip up anytime.
- Versatile for any occasion—great for holidays, parties, or just a sweet pick-me-up during the week.
- Beautifully colorful with the addition of cherries, making it a visually appealing dessert.
- Customizable with different nuts or ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for sharing or gifting—everyone will want a piece of this delicious fudge!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect *white chocolate cherry fudge* is all about a few simple tricks! Trust me, these tips will elevate your fudge game and ensure every batch turns out delicious.
- Quality Ingredients: Use good quality white chocolate chips! The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor of your fudge. I always go for brands that contain cocoa butter for that creamy texture.
- Low and Slow: When melting the chocolate and condensed milk, stick to low heat. This prevents burning and helps you achieve that silky smooth consistency. Patience is key here, so take it easy!
- Don’t Overmix: When you fold in the cherries and nuts, be gentle! You want to preserve that creamy texture and not break down the cherries or nuts too much. Just a few folds until everything is combined will do the trick.
- Let It Chill: Seriously, don’t rush the chilling process! Giving your fudge at least 2 hours in the fridge makes all the difference in achieving that perfect set. It’s hard to wait, but it’s so worth it!
- Storage Tips: Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for a bit longer. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be whipping up the best fudge in no time! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about *white chocolate cherry fudge* is how easy it is to customize! You can really let your creativity shine here, and I can’t wait to share some of my favorite variations with you!
- Nuts Galore: Switch things up by using different nuts! Try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts for a unique twist. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch!
- Fresh Cherries: For a fresh burst of flavor, consider using fresh cherries instead of dried. Just chop them up and fold them in, but be mindful of the extra moisture—maybe reduce the sweetened condensed milk a tad!
- Chocolate Swirl: Feeling decadent? Melt some dark or milk chocolate and swirl it into the white chocolate mixture before it sets. The contrast of flavors will be absolutely divine!
- Coconut Cream: Want a tropical vibe? Add some shredded coconut to the mix! It pairs beautifully with the white chocolate and cherries for a sweet, chewy texture.
- Flavor Infusions: Spice things up by adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. Just a teaspoon can make a world of difference!
- Seasonal Spices: If you’re making this fudge around the holidays, why not sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg? It’ll give your fudge a cozy, festive touch!
- Nut Butters: For a creamy twist, fold in a couple of tablespoons of your favorite nut butter, like peanut or almond butter. It adds a delicious richness that’s hard to resist!
With these variations, you can create a new fudge masterpiece every time you make it! Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made your delicious *white chocolate cherry fudge*, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible! The best way to store your fudge is in an airtight container. Just pop it in there and keep it at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re like me and find it hard to resist, it might not even last that long!
If you want to keep it for a bit longer, you can store it in the fridge. Just be sure it’s in that airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any weird fridge smells. It’ll stay good for about two weeks in the fridge.
And here’s a little secret: if you somehow manage to have leftovers, you can freeze your fudge! Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—just serve it chilled and savor every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in *white chocolate cherry fudge*, it’s always good to know what you’re getting! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per square (based on typical values):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation and share it with friends to spread the joy! Happy indulging!
Share Your Experience
I’d absolutely love to hear how your *white chocolate cherry fudge* turns out! Did it bring a smile to your face like it does for me? Maybe you added your own twist to the recipe? Whatever your experience, I encourage you to share it in the comments below. Your stories and feedback not only brighten my day but also inspire other readers looking to whip up this delicious treat!
If you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating! It really helps others find this creamy delight and join in on the fudge fun. And remember, the kitchen is all about experimenting and having a good time, so let’s celebrate our fudge-making adventures together!
Print
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and creamy treat made with white chocolate and cherries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir until smooth and combined.
- Remove from heat and fold in dried cherries and nuts.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use fresh cherries for a different taste.
- Experiment with different types of nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: white chocolate cherry fudge
