White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is pure joy in every bite: ultra-creamy white chocolate swirled with pops of vibrant dried and maraschino cherries, all folded together with a hint of almond, then finished with a touch of toasted almonds for crunch. Each little square is both decadent and beautiful, bursting with nostalgic holiday flair, yet so easy you’ll want to make it all year round. Whether you’re looking for the perfect festive treat to share or a quick no-bake dessert that will wow every sweet tooth at the table, this gorgeous fudge is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making show-stopper desserts, less is often more—and this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge proves it. Each ingredient is handpicked for maximum flavor payoff and irresistible texture, so gather these simple staples for a truly unforgettable treat.
- White chocolate chips: Choose a high-quality brand, as this forms the creamy base and dictates the fudge’s luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that binds it all together, bringing sweetness and silkiness with zero fuss.
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates the other flavors and keeps the fudge from tasting flat.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and classic sweetness, rounding out the white chocolate beautifully.
- Almond extract: Provides a subtle, fragrant lift that pairs perfectly with cherries—it’s the secret to that irresistible “bakery” flavor.
- Chopped dried cherries: These chewy, tart bites create visual drama and an extra burst of cherry flavor with every piece.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (well drained and patted dry): Their candy-sweet, jewel-red chunks look stunning and add bright pops of juiciness—just be sure they’re dry to avoid a soggy fudge!
- Chopped toasted almonds (optional): Bring nutty crunch and balance out the sweetness—toast them for the very best flavor.
How to Make White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease it too—this simple trick ensures your White Chocolate Cherry Fudge pops out with perfect, clean edges every time, and cleanup is a dream.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Patience is key here—stir consistently and gently until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture turns shiny and silky smooth. This forms the rich, creamy canvas for your fudge.
Step 3: Infuse with Flavor
Once everything is smoothly melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing thoroughly so the warmth of the fudge absorbs all those cozy flavors. Even at this stage, you’ll catch that amazing cherry-almond bakery scent wafting up!
Step 4: Add Cherries and Nuts
Now, gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, well-drained maraschino cherries, and, if using, those toasty almonds. Try not to overmix—just enough so every bite gets a taste of everything. The vibrant colors and textures make the fudge look as cheerful as it tastes.
Step 5: Set and Chill
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge is fully set and firm to the touch. This is when all the magic happens—the flavors meld and the texture becomes sliceable perfection.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
When your White Chocolate Cherry Fudge has completely chilled, lift it out with the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut it into small, neat squares. Snap a photo if you like—they’re almost too pretty to eat!
How to Serve White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Garnishes
Take your presentation to the next level by sprinkling the tops with a few extra chopped almonds or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for a stunning, grown-up look. If you want shimmer and fun, add a dusting of edible glitter or drizzle with a little white chocolate before slicing.
Side Dishes
Since White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is creamy and indulgent, it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk. Add it to a dessert platter alongside fresh berries or simple butter cookies for a showy spread that’s sure to spark conversation.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual squares in wax paper for elegant homemade gifts, or stack the fudge in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon. For holiday parties, serve each piece in a mini cupcake liner or on a pretty tiered stand—these little touches make your fudge feel extra-special and irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Layer parchment or wax paper between the pieces to prevent them from sticking together—this keeps them perfectly fresh and makes grab-and-go snacking easy.
Freezing
To make the magic last even longer, you can freeze the fudge! Wrap the block tightly in plastic, then foil, and slip it into a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. This makes it a great treat to prep ahead for holidays or surprise guests.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so you don’t need to reheat it. If you prefer a softer texture, let the pieces sit out for 15 to 20 minutes after removing them from the fridge. Melting or microwaving is not recommended, as it can affect both the flavor and consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chocolate for this fudge?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives White Chocolate Cherry Fudge its signature creamy sweetness, you can swap in milk or even dark chocolate chips for a totally different vibe. The process stays the same—just watch the melting step closely, as darker chocolate can scorch more easily.
What’s the best way to dry maraschino cherries?
After draining the cherries, spread them out on a few layers of paper towel and gently press another layer on top. Let them sit for several minutes to wick away as much liquid as possible—this will keep your fudge perfectly set and eliminate any sogginess.
Can I mix in other fruits or nuts?
For sure! Dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped pistachios all work wonderfully here. Get creative and try pairing or swapping ingredients to make the fudge completely your own—White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is truly versatile!
How long does it take this fudge to set?
Most batches set up nicely in about 3 hours in the fridge, but for the cleanest, sharpest cuts, refrigerate overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the tray in the freezer for an hour, but don’t forget it—over-freezing may crystallize the sugars.
Is White Chocolate Cherry Fudge gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all the main ingredients contain no wheat or gluten. Just double-check your vanilla and almond extracts, as well as your white chocolate chips, to be sure they weren’t processed on shared equipment if you’re highly sensitive.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is like a tiny celebration: creamy, studded with cherries, and so simple to make at home. If you’re looking for a treat that’s both crowd-friendly and special enough for gifting, this recipe has your name on it. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll be one of your favorite little indulgences, season after season!
Print
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and creamy decadence of White Chocolate Cherry Fudge. This delightful no-bake treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special homemade gift.
Ingredients
White Chocolate Fudge:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Add-Ins:
- 3/4 cup chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (well drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fudge Mixture: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Flavor and Fold: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries, maraschino cherries, and toasted almonds if using.
- Set and Chill: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve: Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
- Make sure maraschino cherries are very well drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the fudge.
- You can substitute dried cranberries or pistachios for a different flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
