Description
This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge recipe combines creamy white chocolate and sweet maraschino cherries for a rich, delightful treat. The fudge is made by cooking a smooth sugar and cream base to the perfect soft-ball stage, then blending in luscious white chocolate, marshmallow cream, and a hint of pink food coloring for a festive look. It sets to a firm, bite-sized confection perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Base
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, dried between paper towels for 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
- 1 drop pink food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of fudge later.
- Dry Cherries: Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing fudge from becoming too soft.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir consistently until the butter and sugar have completely melted into a smooth mixture.
- Cook to Soft-ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil, then insert a candy thermometer. Stir frequently and monitor the temperature until it reaches 235°F, known as the soft-ball stage, which ensures the fudge will set properly.
- Add Chocolate and Marshmallow Cream: Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately stir in white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Color and Cherries: Add one drop of pink food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Gently fold in the dried chopped cherries to spread them throughout the fudge without breaking them up.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Set Fudge: Let the fudge set at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours until firm enough to cut.
- Cut and Serve: Once completely set, cut the fudge into 1-inch squares and serve as a delicious homemade treat.
Notes
- Drying the maraschino cherries is crucial to prevent extra moisture from softening the fudge.
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage of 235°F for perfect texture.
- Room temperature setting allows the fudge to firm up gradually for the best consistency; avoid refrigeration which may cause crystallization.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can toast dried cherries lightly before folding them in.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
