White Chocolate Cherry Fudge

This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is a decadent, creamy treat filled with tangy cherries and smooth white chocolate. With a little bit of sweet and a little bit of tart, it’s the perfect bite-sized indulgence for the holidays or any special occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dried cherries (or fresh cherries, finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:
   • Line an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized pan) with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set aside.
2. Melt the White Chocolate:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter over medium-low heat.
   • Stir constantly until the white chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the Cherries and Nuts (Optional):
   • Fold in the dried cherries (and maraschino cherries if using).
   • If you’re using nuts, add them to the mixture now and stir to combine.
4. Pour the Fudge Mixture into the Pan:
   • Pour the white chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
5. Chill the Fudge:
   • Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until set. You can also freeze it for about 1 hour if you’re in a hurry.
6. Slice and Serve:
   • Once set, remove the fudge from the pan and lift it out using the parchment paper.
   • Cut it into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
   • Serve and enjoy the creamy, fruity, and nutty goodness!

Tips for Success:

• Dried vs. Fresh Cherries: If you’re using fresh cherries, make sure to remove the pits and chop them into small pieces. You may also want to lightly dry them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before mixing them into the fudge.
• Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months if you want to make it ahead of time.
• Flavor Variations: You can switch things up by adding other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or use different nuts such as pistachios or pecans.

This White Chocolate Cherry Fudge is a perfect balance of creamy white chocolate, chewy cherries, and the richness of nuts, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion!