Easy Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudge Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 73% of People Crave Sweeter Treats in Winter—But Hate Overly Complicated Recipes?

There’s something magical about the way winter awakens our sweet tooth. The colder months seem to whisper promises of cozy kitchens and indulgent desserts, yet so many of us shy away from elaborate baking projects. That’s where these Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudges come in—like little ruby-studded snowdrifts that melt on your tongue without melting your patience.

I discovered this recipe during one of those bleak January afternoons where the sky couldn’t decide between sleet and snow. My grandmother’s vintage cookie jar stood empty, and the thought of creaming butter or sifting flour felt as appealing as shoveling the driveway. But then I remembered the jar of maraschino cherries winking at me from the pantry shelf, their syrup like liquid garnets in the winter light.

Why This Fudge Defies Every Holiday Baking Stereotype

Most holiday treats demand precision: tempering chocolate, monitoring sugar stages, or praying your meringue doesn’t weep. But this fudge? It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. The white chocolate lends a creamy sweetness that plays beautifully against the tart pop of cherries, while the condensed milk creates that dreamy fudge texture without requiring a candy thermometer.

What makes these Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudges truly special is how they transform humble ingredients into something festive. That jar of cherries often relegated to cocktail hour becomes the star, their vibrant color staining the white chocolate with delicate pink swirls—like a winter sunset captured in confection form.

• 3-Ingredient Magic: White chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and maraschino cherries do all the heavy lifting
• No-Bake Bliss: Perfect for when your oven is already occupied with holiday roasts
• Gift-Ready Charm: These fudges look like they came from a specialty chocolatier

As I stirred the first batch together, the way the cherry juices ribboned through the melted white chocolate reminded me of childhood snow globes—each slice revealing its own unique landscape of red and white. And when my neighbor knocked on the door during a power outage later that evening, these fudges became the impromptu candlelit dessert that turned a gloomy night into something sweetly memorable.

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Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudges

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet white chocolate and those vibrant, ruby-red maraschino cherries. These fudges are like little bites of nostalgia—creamy, dreamy, and just a little bit playful. Perfect for gifting, holiday platters, or sneaking straight from the fridge when no one’s looking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups white chocolate chips – Go for a good-quality brand here—it makes all the difference in that silky-smooth texture.
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – The secret to ultra-creamy fudge. Don’t swap for evaporated milk—it won’t work the same!
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Softened, so it blends seamlessly into the mix.
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – A warm, fragrant touch to balance the sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract – Just a whisper—it deepens the cherry flavor beautifully.
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries – Pat them dry with a paper towel first to avoid excess liquid.
• 1/4 tsp salt – A tiny pinch to make all the flavors pop.
• Optional: red food coloring – A drop or two if you want that pretty pink blush!

Let’s Make Some Fudge Magic

Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later. A light spritz of cooking spray keeps everything from sticking—trust me, you’ll thank yourself when slicing!

Step 2: Melt It Down
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat (white chocolate burns so easily!), combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until everything is melted and glossy—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat the second it’s smooth.

Step 3: Flavor Time
Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, plus that pinch of salt. If using food coloring, add it now—just until you get that soft rose hue. Fold in the chopped cherries gently—you want them evenly distributed but not smashed.

Step 4: Set & Chill
Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes (this prevents condensation), then refrigerate for at least 3 hours—overnight is even better for clean cuts.

Conclusion

There you have it—a simple yet decadent recipe for Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Fudges that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to try them! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up these creamy, cherry-studded treats in no time. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these fudges are pure bliss.

Ready to give this recipe a try? Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creation with us in the comments or on social media—we’d love to see your fudge masterpieces! And if you’re craving more sweet inspiration, check out our other dessert recipes for more delicious ideas.

FAQs

Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! While white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of maraschino cherries, you can easily swap it for dark or milk chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary.

How long do these fudges stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these fudges will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, they can also be frozen for up to three months—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries work best here because of their sweetness and syrupy texture, but if you’d like to use fresh cherries, make sure to pat them dry thoroughly and chop them finely to avoid excess moisture in the fudge.

My fudge didn’t set properly—what went wrong?

If your fudge is too soft, it might not have been heated enough or cooled long enough. Make sure the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth before pouring it into the pan. Let it chill for the full recommended time—patience is key!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Chopped almonds, pecans, or even a sprinkle of coconut would add a lovely crunch. Just fold them in with the cherries before setting the fudge.