Hello, fellow food lovers! As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the sweet scent of festive treats. This year, I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s become a personal favorite for Christmas celebrations: White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. It’s wonderfully simple to make, bursting with festive flavors, and adds such a special, homemade touch to any holiday gathering. It truly captures the spirit of the season!
Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
This delightful fudge is:
- Incredibly easy to whip up.
- Visually stunning with its festive red and white colors.
- Perfectly sweet with a lovely tartness from the cranberries.
- An absolute crowd-pleaser for Christmas parties.
A Taste of Tradition: My Grandmother’s Influence
Growing up in Italy, the holidays were always about family and food. My grandmother’s kitchen was the heart of our home. She made the most amazing sweets, and her fudge was legendary. She taught me that the best recipes come from the heart. This White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge reminds me so much of her love. I’ve adapted her techniques, adding cranberries for that festive touch. It’s my way of sharing a piece of my heritage with you. This holiday dessert brings warmth and joy. It connects us to cherished memories.
Gather Your Ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Let’s get everything ready for our delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. Having all your components measured and prepped makes the process so much smoother, just like my grandmother always said. This easy fudge recipe needs just a few simple things. Quality matters here, especially with the chocolate. Good white chocolate makes a big difference in the final texture and taste. We’ll need sweetened condensed milk for creaminess. Then, white chocolate chips create that lovely base. Vanilla extract adds a warm aroma. Dried cranberries bring that festive tartness. Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch. They are a great contrast to the smooth fudge.
Essential White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge Components
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This gives our fudge its rich, creamy texture.
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips: Use good quality chips for the best melt.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds lovely warmth.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These bring a burst of tartness and color.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Nuts add a delightful crunch.
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
For the smoothest fudge, I always recommend using a good quality white chocolate. Sometimes, lower-quality chips can seize up when melted, which is frustrating! If you can’t find dried cranberries, you could try dried cherries for a different fruity twist. For the nuts, almonds or even macadamia nuts would be delicious. Sometimes I skip the nuts altogether if I want a purely smooth fudge experience. Just remember, the cranberries are key for that festive pop!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Making this White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge is a breeze. Follow these simple steps. You’ll have a delicious holiday treat in no time. Remember, patience is key, especially during the chilling phase. It ensures the fudge sets perfectly. This easy fudge recipe is truly foolproof.
Preparing Your Pan for White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
First, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. Line it carefully with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides a bit. This creates handles. It makes lifting the fudge out so much easier later. No sticking! It’s a simple step that saves a lot of hassle.
Melting the White Chocolate for Fudge
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Microwave these together. Use short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. Stir well after each interval. Keep going until it’s completely melted and wonderfully smooth. Avoid overheating. This mixture is the base of our fudge.
Combining and Pouring the White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge Mixture
Once your white chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. Then, gently fold in the dried cranberries. If you’re using them, add the chopped nuts now too. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Pour this beautiful mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. A spatula works great for this.
Chilling and Cutting Your White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Now for the hardest part: waiting! Place the pan in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours. It needs to be firm. You can test it by gently pressing the surface. If it springs back, it’s ready. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang. Lift the whole block of fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. Aim for about 16 pieces. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Tips for Achieving the Best White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Want your White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge to be absolutely perfect? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. Using high-quality white chocolate is really important. It melts better and tastes richer. Sometimes, a tiny pinch of salt can really make the flavors pop. It balances the sweetness nicely. Make sure your fudge is completely firm before you try to cut it. If it’s still a bit soft, it will just crumble. Patience during the chilling phase pays off big time. It ensures those clean, beautiful squares. This holiday dessert is worth the little extra care. It truly makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Got questions about this easy fudge recipe? I’m happy to help! Making this holiday dessert is usually straightforward, but a few common queries pop up. Let’s clear them up so you have a perfect batch every time. This festive treat is so popular for a reason!
How should I store my White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge?
Store your delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to a week. I find it tastes best when it’s not too cold. Just a simple container works wonders.
Can I add other ingredients to this White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You could try dried cherries instead of cranberries. A dash of peppermint extract is lovely too. Some people add a sprinkle of sea salt on top. These little changes make your holiday dessert unique. Just don’t go overboard. Keep the balance right.
What is the best way to cut the White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge evenly?
For neat squares, use a sharp knife. A chef’s knife works well. Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between each cut. This prevents sticking. It ensures clean edges for every piece. This makes your fudge look extra special. It’s a simple trick for a professional finish.
Serving and Storing Your Delightful White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Once your White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge is perfectly chilled and cut, it’s time to enjoy it! This festive treat shines on its own. It also makes a wonderful addition to any holiday spread. Serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea is pure bliss. Or, arrange these beautiful squares on a dessert platter. They add a pop of color and festive cheer. Your guests will absolutely love this homemade touch. It shows you care.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
This fudge is simply divine on its own. For an extra treat, serve it with hot cocoa. It’s also lovely with a festive mulled wine. Think about adding it to a cookie exchange. It stands out beautifully. It’s a perfect little bite after a big holiday meal. People always ask for the recipe!
Proper Storage and Reheating for White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Leftover fudge? Lucky you! Store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about a week. I don’t usually reheat it. It’s best enjoyed at room temperature. This way, the texture stays perfectly soft and creamy. Just bring it out of storage a little before serving.
Nutritional Estimate for White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Here’s a general idea of what’s in each square of this delightful White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates. They can change based on the brands you use and the exact size of your pieces. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays!
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: Approx. 200
- Sugar: Approx. 25g
- Fat: Approx. 11g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Protein: Approx. 2g
Velvety White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge: Christmas Winner
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge recipe is perfect for your Christmas celebrations. It’s easy to make and brings a festive touch to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and nuts (if using).
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares.
Notes
- For a smoother fudge, use good quality white chocolate.
- Store fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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