White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
This creamy white chocolate cherry fudge blends sweet maraschino cherries, white chocolate chips, marshmallow cream, and a hint of pink for a festive, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for gifting or celebrations.
64 Servings
Ingredients
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and dried for 30 minutes
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
- 1 drop pink food coloring optional
Instructions
Prepare the baking pan.
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it extends slightly over the edges for easy removal.
Prepare the cherries.
- Dice the maraschino cherries into small pieces. Lay them out on a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to dry for approximately 30 minutes. This step prevents excess moisture from affecting the consistency of the fudge.
Begin the fudge base.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture begins to boil.
Cook to the proper temperature.
- Once boiling, insert a candy thermometer. Continue stirring and cooking until the mixture reaches 235°F (soft-ball stage).
Incorporate white chocolate and marshmallow.
- Immediately remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream, alternating additions to allow even melting and full incorporation. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Add color and cherries.
- If using, stir in a single drop of pink food coloring to tint the fudge. Fold in the dried cherry pieces, mixing gently to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
Set the fudge.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the surface with a spatula and allow it to set at room temperature for 3–4 hours, or until firm.
Slice and serve.
- Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife. Serve immediately or store as needed.
Notes
This fudge is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify that each ingredient—particularly the maraschino cherries, food coloring, white chocolate chips, and marshmallow cream—are labeled gluten-free. Always double-check packaging, as gluten can occasionally be present in flavorings or stabilizers.