Indulge in the nostalgic sweetness of White Chocolate Cherry Fudge, a soft and creamy treat bursting with maraschino cherry flavor and velvety white chocolate richness. This easy-to-make candy is perfect for holidays or anytime you’re craving something sweet and pretty.
A hint of marshmallow cream gives this fudge a lighter texture than traditional versions, making each bite fluffy, smooth, and slightly chewy. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, with a beautiful pink hue that adds charm to every square.
What You’ll Need for This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
- Maraschino cherries – Finely chopped and dried for a bright, juicy pop of fruit flavor in every bite.
- White chocolate chips – Melted into the fudge base, they create a creamy, rich sweetness that defines the flavor.
- Marshmallow cream – The secret ingredient that gives this fudge a pillowy, fluffy texture.
- Unsalted butter – Adds depth and a silky finish while balancing the sweetness.
- Sugar – Provides structure and sweetness, helping to create the smooth, candy-like consistency.
- Heavy cream – Brings richness and creaminess to the fudge mixture.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and keeps the sweetness from overwhelming.
- Pink food coloring – Just a drop adds a festive and inviting blush to the finished fudge.
Let’s Make It: White Chocolate Cherry Fudge in Simple Steps
Begin by drying the maraschino cherries—this is essential to prevent soggy fudge. While they rest, line your pan and prep your ingredients.
Melt butter, sugar, cream, and salt together in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Use a candy thermometer and remove from heat once it reaches 235°F.
Stir in white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until smooth, then add the pink food coloring and cherries.
Pour the fudge into your prepared pan, smoothing the top, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 3 hours. Once set, slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
To keep your fudge from becoming too soft, make sure the cherries are thoroughly dried—this step is key. Blotting with multiple layers of paper towels and letting them sit out for 30 minutes makes a big difference.
For a twist, try using almond extract instead of food coloring to enhance the cherry flavor with a nutty backdrop. Or swap the maraschino cherries for dried cherries if you want a more tart and chewy texture.
Add chopped nuts like pistachios or pecans for extra crunch and a contrast to the soft fudge. This also makes the fudge more visually interesting and festive.
Keeping It Sweet: Storing Your Cherry Fudge
Store White Chocolate Cherry Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it, though be sure to bring it to room temp before serving for the best flavor.
Fudge can also be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries thoroughly dried
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 drop pink food coloring
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal. Place the chopped maraschino cherries on a plate lined with paper towels, gently pressing to extract as much liquid as possible and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the butter and sugar are fully dissolved, then bring it to a rolling boil. Immediately insert a candy thermometer and cook, stirring often, until the temperature reaches 235°F. Once the desired temperature is achieved, remove the pan from the heat source. Gradually stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until both are completely melted and incorporated. Blend in the drop of pink food coloring to achieve a delicate hue. Fold in the prepared cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Transfer the fudge into the lined baking dish, spreading it evenly into the corners. Let it rest at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours until fully set. Before serving, cut into 1-inch squares.
