Dreamy Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe 🍒

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent maraschino cherry white chocolate fudge that sparkles like edible jewelry.

Tiny crimson gems peek through creamy white layers, creating a visual symphony of color and texture.

Memories of childhood treats dance alongside elegant dessert vibes in this charming confection.

Rich white chocolate melts into silky smoothness, embracing bright cherry bits with luxurious warmth.

Delicate pink hints suggest playful indulgence without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.

Each square promises a moment of pure bliss that whispers sophisticated comfort.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet impressive dessert that turns ordinary ingredients into extraordinary magic.

Grab a slice and let pure deliciousness sweep you into dessert paradise.

Why Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Is So Dreamy

• Whip Up Quick Dessert: This maraschino cherry white chocolate fudge comes together effortlessly with minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a fast sweet treat.
• Create Show-Stopping Texture: The combination of creamy white chocolate, sweet condensed milk, and chopped cherries delivers a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience that looks professionally crafted.
• Celebrate Versatile Occasions: Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, preparing a Valentine's Day dessert, or craving a special weekend indulgence, this fudge fits multiple celebration scenarios with its elegant appearance and delightful flavor profile.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adjusting cherry quantities, adding optional almond extract, or garnishing with extra white chocolate drizzle, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences.

Ingredients List For Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy base that provides rich, sweet flavor and smooth texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy fudge consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic background flavor.
• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that adds subtle nutty complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Maraschino Cherries, Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds vibrant color, sweet-tart flavor, and fun pink tint to the fudge.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.
• Paper Towels: Used for drying cherries to prevent excess moisture in the fudge.

Steps To Make Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

Step 1: Prep Cherry Pieces

Grab your maraschino cherries and drain them completely. Use paper towels to blot away excess moisture. Chop the cherries into tiny, delightful bits. Set these ruby-red morsels aside for later magic.

Step 2: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

Grab a medium saucepan and combine white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk. Place over low heat and stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, creamy dream. Once melted, remove from heat. Splash in vanilla extract and a hint of almond extract. For a soft pink whisper, mix in a touch of maraschino cherry juice. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Marry Cherries and Chocolate

Gently fold your chopped cherry pieces into the luxurious white chocolate mixture. Ensure each cherry morsel is lovingly embraced by the creamy chocolate.

Step 4: Prepare Fudge Canvas

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting. Pour the dreamy fudge mixture into the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula until it’s perfectly even. For extra charm, scatter a few more cherry pieces on top or drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Slide the pan into the refrigerator. Let the fudge rest and firm up for at least 3 hours. This is when the magic happens and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once the fudge is completely set, lift it out using the parchment paper handles. Slice into bite-sized squares. Serve these delectable treats and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Tips For Creamy Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

• Drain and Dry Cherries Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from maraschino cherries to prevent a watery fudge texture and ensure crisp, clean flavor integration.
• Control Chocolate Melting Temperature: Use low, gentle heat when melting white chocolate to prevent scorching, stirring constantly for a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Customize Cherry Intensity: Adjust maraschino cherry juice amount to control the pink tint and flavor depth, creating a personalized fudge experience.
• Perfect Chilling Technique: Refrigerate fudge for at least 3 hours to achieve a firm, clean-cutting texture that holds its shape beautifully.
• Optional Flavor Boosters: Experiment with almond extract for a subtle nutty undertone or add a white chocolate drizzle to enhance visual appeal and richness.

Storage Advice For Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

• Preserve your delightful maraschino cherry white chocolate fudge with care.
• Store the fudge in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate for up to one week, keeping the treats fresh and delicious.
• For longer storage, freeze the fudge in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to three months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
• Keep the fudge away from direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent melting and preserve its perfect consistency.

Creative Variations Of Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

• Cherry Chocolate Chip Crunch: Add crispy rice cereal to the fudge mixture for extra texture and a satisfying crunch that complements the sweet white chocolate and cherries.
• Nutty Cherry Delight: Incorporate chopped almonds or pistachios into the fudge for a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the creamy white chocolate base.
• Boozy Cherry Treat: Soak the maraschino cherries in amaretto or kirsch liqueur before adding them to the fudge for an adult-friendly version with sophisticated flavor notes.
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Contrast: Drizzle dark chocolate over the white chocolate fudge to create a beautiful color contrast and add a slightly bitter depth to the sweet cherry treat.

Questions About Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Answered

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

No, fresh cherries won’t work as well. Maraschino cherries provide the right sweetness and texture for this fudge recipe. Their unique flavor and color are essential to the final result.

• Why do I need to drain and pat dry the cherries?

Excess liquid from the cherries can make your fudge too wet and prevent it from setting properly. Drying them ensures a perfect, firm fudge texture and prevents separation of ingredients.

• Is almond extract necessary for the recipe?

Almond extract is optional but recommended. It adds a delightful depth of flavor that complements the white chocolate and cherries, creating a more complex and interesting taste profile.

• What if I don't have a square baking dish?

You can use any similar-sized rectangular pan. The key is to have parchment paper for easy removal and to ensure the fudge sets evenly. An 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan will work perfectly.

What Goes Well With Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: Complement the sweet white chocolate and fruity maraschino cherries with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé. The bubbles and light berry notes will enhance the fudge's delicate flavor profile.
• Match with Almond Biscotti: Serve alongside crisp almond biscotti for a delightful textural contrast. The crunchy cookie will provide a perfect counterpoint to the smooth, creamy fudge.
• Create a Dessert Plate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream next to the fudge squares. The cold, creamy vanilla will beautifully highlight the white chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Brew Chamomile Tea: Offer a soothing cup of chamomile tea to balance the rich sweetness of the fudge. Its delicate floral notes will cleanse the palate between bites.

Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Creamy maraschino cherry white chocolate fudge brings festive sweetness to holiday dessert tables with luxurious charm. Delightful crimson cherries swirled through rich white chocolate create an irresistible treat for special celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (525 g) white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (150 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• 1 pinch of salt

Garnish (Optional):

• Extra chopped maraschino cherries
• White chocolate drizzle

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Instructions

1. Meticulously drain maraschino cherries, removing excess moisture with paper towels. Carefully dice the cherries into delicate, uniform pieces and reserve for later incorporation.
2. Create a velvety chocolate base by gently melting white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over minimal heat. Continuously stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency. Remove from thermal source and introduce vanilla extract, almond extract, salt, and optional cherry juice for a subtle rosy hue.
3. Delicately integrate the chopped cherries throughout the fudge mixture, ensuring an even distribution of vibrant crimson fragments within the creamy white landscape.
4. Prepare a square baking vessel by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to extend beyond the edges for effortless extraction. Transfer the luxurious fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create a pristine finish. Optionally embellish with additional cherry pieces or a delicate white chocolate drizzle.
5. Refrigerate the fudge for a minimum of three hours, allowing it to solidify into a firm, sliceable confection. The cooling process will transform the mixture into a stable, elegant dessert.
6. Once completely set, elevate the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper handles. Slice into petite, uniform squares, revealing the embedded cherry treasures within the creamy white chocolate canvas.

Notes

• Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the fudge soggy and compromising its smooth texture.
• Pat cherries completely dry with paper towels to ensure a clean, crisp cherry flavor without watering down the white chocolate base.
• Chop cherries into uniform small pieces for even distribution and a consistent taste in every bite of fudge.
• Use low heat when melting chocolate to prevent scorching and maintain a silky smooth consistency.
• Add a splash of maraschino cherry juice for a subtle pink hue and enhanced cherry flavor without overwhelming the white chocolate.
• Fold cherries gently to keep the fudge’s delicate structure intact and prevent breaking the chocolate mixture.
• Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of perfect fudge squares.
• Chill the fudge completely for at least 3 hours to achieve the ideal firm, slice-able texture.
• Experiment with optional garnishes like white chocolate drizzle or extra cherry pieces for a more decorative presentation.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg