Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *white chocolate cherry fudge*! It’s like a little bite of heaven, combining the sweet, creamy goodness of white chocolate with the delightful tartness of cherries. Seriously, every time I make this fudge, it disappears faster than I can cut it into squares! What I love most about this recipe is how *incredibly simple* it is. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up—just a few basic ingredients and a little patience while it chills. It’s perfect for parties, gifts, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Trust me, once you taste this fudgy delight, you’ll be making it on repeat! So, are you ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Ingredients for White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or frozen, your choice!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab an 8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the fudge out later!
- In a medium saucepan, combine your 2 cups of white chocolate chips and 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk. Set the heat to low and stir gently. You want to melt the chocolate and mix it into that creamy goodness until it’s smooth—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once it’s all melted and looks like a silky dream, remove it from the heat. Now, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Oh, that smell is just heavenly!
- Next, gently fold in your 1 cup of chopped cherries. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to get them evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
- Now, pour that luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite will have that perfect balance of chocolate and cherry.
- Here comes the hardest part: refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. I know, waiting is tough, but trust me, it’s worth it! You want it to set perfectly so you can cut it into delicious squares.
- Once it’s nice and firm, take it out of the fridge and cut it into squares. Feel free to nibble on the edges—you’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—just a few simple steps and you’re done!
- Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves these sweet little bites!
- Deliciously sweet and tart, a flavor combo that’s simply irresistible.
- No baking required—just melt, mix, and chill!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *white chocolate cherry fudge* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips:
- Melting White Chocolate: Use a double boiler if you have one! It gives you more control over the heat, preventing the chocolate from seizing up. If you don’t have a double boiler, just keep the heat super low and stir constantly. White chocolate can be a bit temperamental, so be patient!
- Get the Right Texture: You want that fudge to be nice and creamy, so make sure you mix it until it’s completely smooth before adding the cherries. If it feels too thick, a tiny splash of milk can help loosen it up a bit.
- Cherries to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of cherries based on your preference. If you love that fruity burst, go ahead and add a little more! Just keep in mind that too many might make it a bit softer, but hey, who doesn’t love more cherries?
- Let it Chill: Remember, patience is key! The longer you let it chill, the firmer it will set. If you can, give it a little extra time in the fridge—up to 4 hours is even better for that perfect bite.
- Cutting the Fudge: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a warm, damp cloth between cuts. It helps keep those edges nice and tidy, making your fudge look as good as it tastes!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delicious fudge ever. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations of White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your *white chocolate cherry fudge*! Here are some fun variations that will take your fudge game to the next level:
- Mixed Berries Fudge: Swap out the cherries for a combination of raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. You’ll get a vibrant, colorful fudge that’s bursting with fruity flavors!
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to give your fudge a delightful crunch. Just fold them in gently with the cherries for that perfect texture.
- Coconut Bliss: Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist! The chewy texture of coconut pairs beautifully with the creamy white chocolate. You can even top it with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added flavor.
- Minty Fresh: For a refreshing spin, add a few drops of peppermint extract instead of vanilla. It’s like a winter wonderland in every bite—perfect for the holidays!
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top before refrigerating and swirl it in for a decadent touch. Who can resist caramel and chocolate together? Not me!
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like almond or orange to give your fudge a unique flavor profile. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique twists! That’s the beauty of fudge—it’s all about personalizing it to your taste. Get creative and enjoy the delicious journey!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *white chocolate cherry fudge* is super simple, and I’ve got you covered! Just pop those delicious squares into an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and help maintain that lovely creamy texture. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week—if they last that long, that is! I mean, who can resist that sweet, tart goodness?
Now, if you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), there’s no need to worry about reheating. This fudge is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, so just grab a piece and savor that delightful flavor! But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can microwave a piece for just a few seconds to soften it slightly—just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a melty mess! Enjoy your fudge, and don’t forget to share… or not!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into your delightful *white chocolate cherry fudge*, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Just keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just an estimate. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutrition for one piece of fudge:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
So, there you have it! Enjoy your fudge guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something sweet and delicious. Remember, moderation is key, but a little indulgence now and then is part of the fun, right?
FAQ About White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the sweetness of white chocolate, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile a bit, but hey, variety is the spice of life!
What if I don’t have cherries?
No worries at all! You can substitute with other fruits like raspberries or dried cranberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if you’re using something tart!
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge should feel firm to the touch after chilling for at least 2 hours. If it still feels soft, give it some extra time in the fridge. Patience is key here!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure you have a bigger baking dish, and keep an eye on the melting process. You might need to adjust the chilling time a little longer if you make a larger batch, but it’s totally worth it!
How should I serve the fudge?
I love serving it chilled straight from the fridge, but you can also let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a softer texture. Either way, it’s sure to impress your guests!
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge: 7 Irresistible Sweet Bites
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious white chocolate cherry fudge that combines sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.
- Gently fold in chopped cherries.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Adjust the amount of cherries to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: white chocolate cherry fudge, fudge recipe, dessert
