Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *white chocolate cherry fudge*! It’s like a dreamy cloud of creamy sweetness with bursts of fruity cherry flavor that just dance on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone went wild! I was so excited to share it that I almost forgot to let it chill first. Trust me, you don’t want to skip that step! The way the rich white chocolate melts together with the juicy cherries is pure magic. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my dessert lineup!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Prepare the White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this fantastic white chocolate cherry fudge! It’s super simple and oh-so-rewarding. First things first, you’ll want to line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it so much easier to lift the fudge out later. Trust me on this one!
Now, grab a saucepan and toss in your 2 cups of white chocolate chips along with that 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Heat it over low heat, stirring constantly. You want to be patient here—the key is to melt everything together smoothly without burning it. Once it’s all melted and creamy, take it off the heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Oh, the smell is already heavenly!
Next, fold in your chopped cherries and, if you’re feeling nutty, add in those 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Mix it all together until the cherries are evenly distributed. Now, pour this luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; it’s all going to come together beautifully!
Now comes the hard part—let it chill! Pop the dish into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until it’s set. Once firm, cut it into squares and get ready for some serious flavor bliss. I promise, every bite is worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 15 minutes of active time!
- Only a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Deliciously creamy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Sweet bursts of cherry flavor balance perfectly with the richness of the white chocolate.
- Perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or just as a sweet treat for yourself.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or even a touch of sea salt on top for extra flair.
- Stays fresh in the refrigerator, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your white chocolate cherry fudge turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to keep in mind:
- Melting Magic: Be patient when melting the white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid any burning. You want it to be silky smooth, so take your time!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! It’s crucial for the fudge to set properly. Aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge, but if you can wait longer, it’ll be even better. Trust me, the texture improves with a bit more time!
- Chop Those Cherries: Make sure to chop the cherries evenly; this helps distribute their juicy goodness throughout the fudge. You want a cherry in every bite!
- Customize Your Nuts: If you’re adding nuts, consider toasting them lightly before mixing them in. This enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch!
- Storage Savvy: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep your fudge fresh and delicious for up to a week—if it lasts that long!
With these tips, you’re all set to create a delicious batch of white chocolate cherry fudge that will impress everyone. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities with this white chocolate cherry fudge are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Nuts Galore: Swap out the chopped nuts for your favorites! Pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts can add a delightful crunch and flavor twist.
- Berry Bliss: Instead of cherries, try using chopped strawberries or raspberries for a fresh fruity twist. They’ll give your fudge a beautiful color and a tart contrast to the sweetness!
- Spicy Surprise: For a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the mixture. It adds an unexpected kick that pairs surprisingly well with the white chocolate!
- Caramel Delight: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the fudge mixture before it sets for a luscious caramel swirl. It’s a sweet addition that takes the fudge to another level!
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing minty flavor. Perfect for the holiday season!
- Cookie Crumble: Crushed up cookies like Oreos or graham crackers can be mixed in or sprinkled on top for a fun texture and flavor boost.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! Each variation opens up a new world of flavor, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite. Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep your delicious white chocolate cherry fudge fresh and fabulous! Once it’s all set and cut into squares, the best way to store it is in an airtight container. This keeps the fudge moist and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
Just layer the fudge squares with parchment paper between them to avoid sticking, especially if you’ve got a few extra layers. You’ll want to keep your fudge in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week—though I doubt it’ll last that long!
If you ever find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), there’s no need to worry about reheating. This fudge is best enjoyed chilled, so just grab a square from the fridge whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. However, if you prefer it a little softer, you can let it sit out at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before diving in. But trust me, it’s just as delightful straight from the fridge!
So, whether you’re making it for a party or just treating yourself, you can enjoy this creamy decadence over several days. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a closer look at the estimated nutritional data for this delightful white chocolate cherry fudge! Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each delicious square:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
So, while you’re indulging in this creamy treat, you can enjoy it knowing it’s not just delicious, but also provides a little bit of everything! Just remember, moderation is key when it comes to those sweet cravings. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate for this fudge?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives this fudge its signature sweetness and creaminess, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness will vary, so you might want to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk accordingly.
What’s the best way to chop cherries for the fudge?
I recommend pitting the cherries first and then chopping them into small pieces. This helps distribute their juicy goodness more evenly throughout the fudge. You want those cherry bites to be a delightful surprise in every square!
Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this white chocolate cherry fudge in advance! It actually tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge is set when it feels firm to the touch and can be easily lifted out of the dish using the parchment paper. If you give it a gentle poke and it holds its shape, you’re good to go! It typically takes about 2 hours in the fridge, but longer is fine too.
Can I add more cherries to the fudge?
Definitely! If you’re a cherry lover like me, feel free to add more chopped cherries to your fudge. Just keep in mind that too many can make it a bit softer, so you might need to balance it with a little more chocolate or condensed milk. Go wild with those cherries!
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge: 7 Divine Tips for Success
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 16 squares 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious white chocolate cherry fudge recipe.
Składniki
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instrukcje
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add chopped cherries and nuts (if using) to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Adjust the amount of cherries based on your preference.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 square
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 30mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: white chocolate cherry fudge, fudge recipe, dessert recipes
