Description

This luscious White Chocolate Cherry Fudge combines the creamy richness of white chocolate and marshmallow cream with the sweet, tangy burst of maraschino cherries. Perfectly smooth and vibrantly pink, this delightful fudge is a fantastic treat for holidays, parties, or any time you crave a decadent homemade sweet. The recipe makes 25 servings and is straightforward to prepare with simple ingredients and no baking required.

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the edges for easy removal later. Set the pan aside.
Dry the Cherries: Pat the chopped maraschino cherries dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible, which helps the fudge set better.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar and butter completely melt together.
Heat to Soft-Ball Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil, then insert a candy thermometer. Stir frequently and cook until the thermometer reaches 235°F, the soft-ball stage, which is crucial for proper fudge texture.
Add White Chocolate & Marshmallow Cream: Remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
Color and Add Cherries: Add one drop of pink food coloring and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the color. Gently fold in the dried chopped cherries to ensure they are well incorporated without breaking them up.
Set in Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Allow to Set: Let the fudge set at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or until firm to the touch.
Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 1-inch squares and serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Drying the maraschino cherries is essential to prevent excess moisture from affecting the fudge texture.
Cook the sugar mixture to the soft-ball stage for the perfect creamy fudge consistency; this is about 235°F on a candy thermometer.
If you don’t have marshmallow cream, you can substitute an equal amount of marshmallows but allow them to melt fully.
Use a high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American