Description
This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is a decadent, creamy treat combining the sweetness of white chocolate with the tangy bite of maraschino cherries. Smooth marshmallow cream and rich butter blend seamlessly to create a luscious texture, while a touch of pink food coloring adds a festive hue, perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, dried between several paper towels for about 30 minutes
Fudge Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream
- 1 drop pink food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Finely chop the maraschino cherries and place them between several layers of paper towels to dry out any excess moisture for approximately 30 minutes. This step prevents the fudge from becoming too wet.
- Melt Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter has melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. Bring mixture to a gentle boil and allow to cook for about 5 minutes while stirring, ensuring the sugar reaches the soft-ball stage to achieve the right fudge texture.
- Add White Chocolate and Marshmallow Cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until completely melted and smooth. This will create a creamy, glossy fudge base.
- Incorporate Cherries and Color: Stir in the dried chopped cherries and add one drop of pink food coloring. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute both the cherries and the color throughout the fudge.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into a prepared, greased or parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan. Spread evenly with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Serve: Once set, cut the fudge into 36 small squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Drying the cherries thoroughly is crucial to avoid excess moisture that can affect the fudge’s texture.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips to ensure a smooth and rich flavor.
- Adjust the pink food coloring quantity to achieve your desired shade.
- Fudge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cherries.
