Dreamy White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Recipe for Sweet Moments
Every holiday gathering deserves a show-stopping white chocolate cherry fudge recipe that melts hearts and creates instant joy.
Sweet cherries dance through creamy white chocolate, creating a decadent treat that sparkles with festive charm.
Rich, velvety textures blend seamlessly with bursts of fruity brightness.
Each bite promises a luxurious experience that feels both indulgent and nostalgic.
The combination of smooth white chocolate and tart cherries delivers a sophisticated dessert perfect for special moments.
Elegant yet simple, this fudge will become your new seasonal signature.
Guests won’t be able to resist its irresistible allure.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3-4 hours 45 minutes
Calories: 290 kcal
Servings: 17
What Goes Into White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
For Base and Sweetness:
Sugar: Provides foundational sweetness and helps create smooth fudge texture.
Heavy Cream: Ensures rich, creamy consistency and balances sugar's intensity.
Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
For Flavor and Texture:
Maraschino Cherries: Delivers vibrant fruity bursts and beautiful pink-red color accents.
White Chocolate Chips: Creates silky, mellow backdrop for cherry flavors and contributes creamy structure.
Marshmallow Cream: Enhances soft, malleable texture and provides glossy sheen.
For Finishing and Color:
Salt: Brightens and balances overall sweetness profile.
Pink Food Coloring: Adds delicate, romantic blush tone to enhance visual appeal.
Tools to Make White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Smooth
Candy Thermometer: Essential for precisely tracking fudge mixture temperature during cooking.
Medium Saucepan: Key for cooking and mixing fudge ingredients smoothly.
8×8-Inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for creating uniform fudge squares.
Parchment Paper: Helps line pan and ensures easy fudge removal.
Spatula: Great for spreading fudge evenly and folding in cherries.
Paper Towels: Useful for drying maraschino cherries before adding to fudge.
Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting fudge into neat, even squares.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately.
Plate: Used for drying chopped cherries before mixing into fudge.
How to Prepare White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Easily
Sweet Cherry Dream Fudge
Pan Preparation Soft, parchment-lined surface ready to cradle your delightful creation.
Cherry Magic Gently blot maraschino cherries, letting them rest and dry completely to ensure perfect texture.
Fudge Foundation Lovingly combine butter, sugar, cream, and salt in a cozy saucepan, warming until everything melts and dances together.
Temperature Precision Watch carefully as the mixture bubbles and transforms, reaching the perfect silky consistency.
Creamy Transformation Whisk in white chocolate and marshmallow cream, creating a smooth, dreamy landscape of sweetness.
Color and Flavor Swirl in a whisper of pink, then fold cherries throughout for bursts of fruity delight.
Setting the Stage Pour the luxurious mixture into your prepared pan, allowing it to rest and solidify into a heavenly treat ready to be shared with loved ones.
Creative Ideas for White Chocolate Cherry Fudge Flavor
Sweet Texture Trick: Pat those cherries super dry to keep your fudge firm and prevent any unwanted mushiness. Water is the enemy of perfect fudge texture.
Cherry Flavor Boost: Consider soaking maraschino cherries in kirsch or cherry liqueur before chopping for an extra sophisticated flavor punch that elevates the entire dessert.
Storage Savvy: Wrap individual fudge pieces in wax paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to two weeks.
Creative Mix-Ins: Experiment with different add-ins like crushed pistachios, toasted almonds, or mini dark chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles that complement the white chocolate and cherry base.
Temperature Precision: Use a digital candy thermometer for the most accurate reading when cooking the fudge mixture, ensuring your texture is consistently smooth and perfectly set every single time.
Serve White Chocolate Cherry Fudge in Bite-Size Squares
Romantic Date Night Dessert: Create an intimate after-dinner experience by serving these delicate white chocolate cherry fudge squares on elegant small plates with champagne or dessert wine, perfect for sharing with your special someone.
Festive Party Platter: Arrange the fudge pieces on a decorative holiday tray, garnishing with fresh cherries and edible silver or gold sprinkles to transform them into stunning bite-sized party treats that will impress guests.
Gourmet Gift Packaging: Pack the fudge squares in pretty clear cellophane bags tied with silky ribbons, adding a small handwritten note for a personalized touch that makes these sweet morsels an excellent homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Tea Time Accompaniment: Serve these delightful fudge squares alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating a sophisticated mid-afternoon snack that feels like a luxurious mini-indulgence.
How to Store White Chocolate Cherry Fudge for Best Texture
Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate the fudge for faster setting, reducing wait time from 3-4 hours to about 1-2 hours. This method helps the fudge firm up quickly while maintaining its creamy texture.
Airtight Storage Magic: Keep the fudge in a sealed container between layers of wax paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Friendly Tip: Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge stays delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
Gift-Ready Packaging: Stack fudge squares in cute gift boxes or wrap in cellophane with a ribbon. Perfect for holiday treats or special homemade presents that showcase your culinary skills.
White chocolate cherry fudge is a luxurious dessert experience from classic Italian confectionery traditions. Sweet cherries and smooth white chocolate create a delightful blend that will charm guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups (474 ml) sugar
1 ½ cups (255 g) white chocolate chips
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup (177 ml) heavy cream
¾ cup + 2 tbsps (200 g) marshmallow cream
½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (dried between paper towels for 30 minutes)
½ tsp salt
1 drop pink food coloring
Instructions
Preparation: Craft a parchment paper lining in an 8×8-inch baking pan, extending edges for seamless removal.
Cherry Preparation: Delicately pat maraschino cherries dry, allowing them to air-settle and achieve optimal moisture reduction.
Fudge Base Construction: Meld butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring consistently until a vigorous boil emerges.
Temperature Precision: Attach a candy thermometer, continuously monitoring and stirring until the mixture reaches exactly 235°F for impeccable fudge consistency.
Mixture Integration: Remove from heat, swiftly incorporating white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream. Whisk energetically until achieving a seamless, lustrous composition.
Color and Texture Enhancement: Introduce a whisper of pink food coloring, gently swirling to create a uniform blush. Fold in dried cherry fragments with delicate movements.
Setting and Cooling: Pour the silky mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing with a spatula to eliminate potential air pockets. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 3-4 hours.
Serving Preparation: Once completely solidified, lift the fudge using parchment paper edges. Slice into elegant 1-inch cubes, revealing the embedded cherry treasures.
Notes
Prep Parchment Perfectly: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra edges for easy removal and clean cutting.
Dry Cherries Thoroughly: Blot maraschino cherries meticulously to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing watery fudge.
Watch Temperature Closely: Use a candy thermometer to hit exactly 235°F, which is crucial for achieving the perfect fudge consistency and smooth texture.
Cooling is Critical: Allow fudge to set completely at room temperature for 3-4 hours, giving it time to develop a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.