White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

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There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about fudge, and when you add the vibrant tartness of cherries to the creamy richness of white chocolate, it becomes a treat I can never resist. This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is my go-to when I want to impress during the holidays or simply brighten up a gray afternoon. It takes minimal effort but delivers that classic candy shop feel with a modern, fruity twist.

I first made this fudge on a whim one winter, trying to use up leftover white chocolate and a bag of tart cherries. The result? A creamy, melt-in-your-mouth square of happiness with pops of cherry goodness. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or sneaking a bite after dinner, this fudge never lasts long.

Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

• It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.
• The bright cherries cut the sweetness of the white chocolate perfectly.
• No baking required — just melt, mix, and chill.
• It’s gorgeous on a dessert tray and easy to wrap for gifts.
• It has that perfect balance of creamy, chewy, and tart.

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

I prefer using dried tart cherries for this recipe because they offer a lovely contrast to the sweet white chocolate. You can also use maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry) for a more candy-like flavor and bright color. Frozen cherries are not ideal, as they introduce too much moisture.

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Options for Substitutions

• Chocolate: Swap white chocolate with vanilla baking chips or almond bark for a similar result.
• Cherries: Try dried cranberries, raspberries, or even chopped strawberries for variation.
• Add-ins: Want crunch? Add chopped almonds, pistachios, or pecans.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk works beautifully for a dairy-free option.

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Ingredients for this White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: The base of the fudge, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Choose high-quality chips for the best flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Binds everything together while adding richness and sweetness. It’s what gives fudge its signature dense, smooth texture.
• Butter: Just a small amount adds depth and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and complements both the white chocolate and cherries.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor.
• Dried Tart Cherries: The star ingredient that cuts through the sweetness with a burst of tangy flavor and chewy texture.

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Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray.

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Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until everything is fully melted and smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent scorching.

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Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined. The fudge mixture should be thick and glossy.

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Step 4: Fold in the Cherries

Add the dried tart cherries to the fudge mixture and gently fold them in to evenly distribute. Be careful not to overmix or press too hard, which can crush the cherries.

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Step 5: Pour and Spread

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. You can press a few extra cherries on top for presentation if you like.

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Step 6: Chill Until Firm

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill for at least 3 hours, or until completely firm. For best results, let it sit overnight.

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Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the blade between slices.

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How Long to Prepare the White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

Preparation Time: The active time for making this fudge is only about 10 to 15 minutes. Melting the white chocolate and combining everything is quick, especially since there’s no baking involved.

Chill Time: The most time-consuming part is waiting for the fudge to set. You’ll need at least 3 hours in the refrigerator, but I recommend leaving it overnight for perfectly firm, sliceable squares.

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Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

• Use high-quality white chocolate: Cheap white chocolate can seize or separate. Stick to baking-grade chips or bars.
• Low heat only: White chocolate burns easily. Always melt it over low heat and stir constantly.
• Dry the cherries if needed: If your cherries are sticky or moist, pat them dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the fudge.
• Chill completely: Don’t rush the chilling process. Fudge needs time to fully set for clean cuts.
• Use a sharp knife for slicing: Run it under warm water and wipe clean between cuts for neat pieces.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overheating the chocolate: This can lead to a grainy texture or burnt taste.
• Adding wet cherries: This introduces moisture and can prevent the fudge from setting.
• Not lining the pan: Makes it difficult to remove and cut the fudge neatly.
• Rushing the cooling process: Placing it in the freezer to speed things up might cause condensation, affecting the texture.

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What to Serve With White Chocolate Cherry Fudge?

1. Hot Coffee or Espresso

The bitter edge of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy fudge.

2. Sparkling Wine or Champagne

If you’re serving it at a party, the bubbles and acidity of sparkling wine enhance the fudge’s cherry notes.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert, serve fudge pieces on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Mixed Nut Platter

Balance the sweetness with a platter of roasted and salted nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews.

5. Dark Chocolate Squares

A few pieces of dark chocolate next to the white fudge adds contrast and depth to your dessert tray.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: You can keep the fudge at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the fudge in a sealed container. It will keep well for about 2 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Freezer: Yes, this fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Piece – assuming 16 servings)

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 35mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries have too much moisture and can make the fudge soggy. Stick with dried or well-drained maraschino cherries.

Is it possible to make this fudge dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free white chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk. It still turns out creamy and delicious.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely. Chopped pistachios, almonds, or macadamia nuts add a great crunch and pair well with cherries.

How do I cut the fudge neatly?

Use a very sharp knife, preferably warmed under hot water and wiped dry. Cut in one clean motion without sawing.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13 inch pan. Make sure the fudge is evenly spread and well-chilled before slicing.

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Conclusion

White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is that perfect little indulgence — creamy, sweet, and slightly tart with just the right amount of chewiness. It’s a show-stopper for holidays, makes a thoughtful homemade gift, and is dangerously easy to keep coming back to for “just one more bite.” Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this simple yet elegant recipe is bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

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