Name: Dreamy Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 17
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups/525 g white chocolate chips; 1 can/14 oz/400 g sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup/150 g maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped; 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp almond extract; 1 pinch salt; Extra chopped maraschino cherries; White chocolate drizzle

Sweet and creamy white chocolate fudge dancing with maraschino cherry flavor will transport you to dessert paradise.

Bursts of vibrant red cherries peek through the smooth, white chocolate base.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of rich, velvety texture and bright fruity notes.

These delectable squares melt effortlessly on your tongue, creating an irresistible treat.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a confection that looks as stunning as it tastes.

The recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible homemade dessert that’s sure to become a instant favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 238 kcal

Servings: 17

What Ingredients You Need For Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

For Chocolate Base:

White Chocolate Chips: Creamy foundation that provides rich, sweet flavor and smooth texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds silky smoothness and helps bind ingredients together perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, classic undertones.
Almond Extract: Optional but adds delightful nutty depth to the fudge.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavor notes.

For Cherries:

Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant fruity burst that adds pop of color and sweet-tart flavor.
Maraschino Cherry Juice: Creates soft pink hue and amplifies cherry essence throughout fudge.

For Preparation Support:

Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of finished fudge.
Paper Towels: Essential for perfectly drying cherries to prevent excess moisture.

Kitchen Tools For Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

8×8-inch baking dish: Essential for setting and shaping the fudge.
Parchment paper: Creates a non-stick surface and helps easily remove the fudge.
Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting chocolate and mixing ingredients smoothly.
Spatula: Helps fold cherries and smooth the fudge surface evenly.
Paper towels: Used to drain and dry maraschino cherries thoroughly.
Sharp knife: Needed for cutting fudge into clean, precise squares.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

Prep Colorful Cherries

Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat completely dry. Chop into tiny pieces, creating vibrant ruby-like bits ready to sparkle in your fudge.

Create Creamy Chocolate Base

Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan. Melt slowly over gentle heat, stirring continuously until silky smooth. Remove from stove and enhance with vanilla and optional almond extract for depth of flavor.

Blend Cherry Pieces

Fold chopped cherries into white chocolate mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure each bite contains delightful fruity bursts.

Shape and Decorate

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Pour fudge mixture, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Optional: Sprinkle extra cherry pieces or drizzle white chocolate on top for elegant presentation.

Chill and Set

Refrigerate for minimum three hours until fudge becomes firm and perfectly sliceable. The waiting time allows flavors to meld and texture to solidify.

Slice and Enjoy

Remove fudge from pan using parchment paper. Cut into bite-sized squares, revealing beautiful cherry-studded white chocolate treat perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Tips That Work For Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

Cherry Splash Technique: Pat maraschino cherries extremely dry to prevent excess moisture from making fudge runny, ensuring a perfect texture and consistent set.
Flavor Boost Trick: Add a splash of almond extract for deeper, more complex cherry-white chocolate flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
Make-Ahead Magic: This fudge can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making it perfect for party planning or gifting.
Gluten-Free Version: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use appropriate white chocolate chips.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free white chocolate and use coconut condensed milk.
Lower Sugar Variation: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and reduced-sugar condensed milk for a lighter treat.

Sweet Picnic Delights: Pack these fudge squares in cute mini paper cups for outdoor gatherings, creating a charming dessert presentation that's perfect for summer parties.
Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the fudge pieces on a white ceramic plate with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar, transforming them into an elegant after-dinner treat.
Gifting Gourmet Treat: Wrap individual fudge squares in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon, making delightful homemade gifts for friends, teachers, or holiday exchanges that showcase your personal touch.
Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cup of chamomile tea or vanilla latte, complementing the sweet white chocolate and cherry flavors with a warm, comforting beverage.

Easy Storage For Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge

Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer pieces between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer Magic: Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge stays delicious for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Room Temperature Tips: Let fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Don't leave out for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.
Gift-Ready Packaging: Stack fudge pieces in cute mason jars or decorative tins lined with parchment paper. Tie with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that looks as sweet as it tastes.

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.