Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Irresistible Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe for Holidays

Sweet memories often bloom around homemade cranberry white chocolate fudge that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Delicate crimson berries dance through creamy white chocolate, creating a festive treat perfect for winter gatherings.

Seasonal ingredients combine in this simple confection that looks impressive yet requires minimal cooking skills.

Soft textures and contrasting flavors make each bite a delightful surprise.

Minimal effort yields maximum pleasure with this delectable dessert that feels like a luxurious indulgence.

Whip up this stunning fudge and watch faces light up with pure delight.

Reasons to Try Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

  • Craft Quickly: Whip up this delightful fudge with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a fast dessert solution.
  • Wow Holiday Guests: Stunning white and red color combination makes this treat an eye-catching addition to festive gatherings, guaranteed to impress friends and family.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding nuts or adjusting cranberry amounts, giving bakers creative freedom to personalize their sweet creation.
  • No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free dessert that sets perfectly in the refrigerator, making it ideal for those wanting a low-effort treat.

Key Ingredients for White Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate Base:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Smooth and sweet chocolate that creates the rich fudge foundation.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the fudge and adds sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to complement the white chocolate.
Texture and Garnish:
  • Dried Cranberries, Chopped Nuts: Provide delightful bursts of tartness and crunch to contrast the creamy fudge.
Preparation Support:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove and slice the fudge from the pan.

Making Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides completely for easy removal of the fudge later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan.

Melt slowly over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, silky mixture.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Gently fold in:
  • Dried cranberries
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Step 4: Set and Chill

Pour the luscious mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.

Carefully transfer the pan to the refrigerator.

Step 5: Solidify Fudge

Allow the fudge to chill and set completely, which typically takes 2-3 hours.

The fudge should become firm and hold its shape when touched.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the fudge from the refrigerator.

Lift the parchment paper to transfer the entire block to a cutting board.

Slice into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife.

Serve and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet white chocolate and tangy cranberries.

Tips for Smooth and Creamy Fudge

  • Use low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning or seizing of white chocolate chips.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of white chocolate and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Lightly coat dried cranberries in flour before mixing to help them distribute evenly throughout the fudge.
  • Ensure condensed milk is fully incorporated to create smooth, creamy fudge without graininess.
  • Keep fudge refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Creative Spins on Cranberry Fudge

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace white chocolate chips with coconut cream and dairy-free white chocolate alternative. Use almond milk condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Swap regular nuts with toasted pecans or almonds. Add extra chopped nuts on top for more texture and crunch.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips and stevia-sweetened condensed milk. Reduce cranberry quantity for lower carbohydrate content.
  • Seasonal Berry Swap: Replace cranberries with dried cherries, chopped dried blueberries, or orange-infused dried fruit for different flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions for Fudge Treats

  • Holiday Platter Perfection: Arrange fudge squares on a festive ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary for elegant winter presentation.
  • Dessert Companion Delight: Pair these sweet squares with hot cocoa, espresso, or a crisp white wine for a sophisticated flavor experience.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual fudge pieces in cellophane with a rustic twine bow, creating charming homemade treats perfect for holiday gifting.
  • Textural Topping Twist: Sprinkle additional chopped dried cranberries or crushed pistachios over the fudge squares for extra crunch and visual appeal.

How to Keep Fudge Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days.
  • Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Keep at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring the area is cool and dry to maintain freshness.
  • Remove frozen fudge from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften gradually.

FAQs

  • Are white chocolate chips necessary for this recipe?

Yes, they are the primary ingredient that gives the fudge its creamy texture and sweet flavor.

  • Can I use fresh or dried cranberries?

Both work well, but dried cranberries are recommended as they have less moisture and won’t affect the fudge’s consistency.

  • Is it okay to skip the nuts?

Absolutely! Nuts are optional, and you can make the fudge without them if you prefer or have allergies.

  • How long will this fudge stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge will keep for up to 2 weeks.

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Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Creamy cranberry white chocolate fudge delivers sweet-tart holiday magic in one irresistible treat. Festive North American dessert combines rich chocolate with tangy cranberries, promising pure indulgence for seasonal celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by carefully lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
  2. Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melting over low heat while continuously stirring to prevent scorching.
  3. Carefully remove the melted mixture from heat, incorporating vanilla extract with smooth, gentle movements.
  4. Gently fold dried cranberries and chopped nuts into the creamy white chocolate base, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread and level the surface with precision.
  6. Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the texture becomes firm and completely set.
  7. Once fully chilled, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and place on a cutting board.
  8. Slice the fudge into uniform squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for crisp edges.
  9. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips to ensure a smooth, creamy texture that melts evenly without burning.
  • Chop dried cranberries into smaller pieces to distribute them more uniformly throughout the fudge, creating a balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that complements the sweet white chocolate.
  • For a gluten-free version, double-check that all ingredients, especially white chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 184
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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