Cherry Vanilla Bean Fudge Recipe

Cherry Vanilla Bean Fudge —a rich, creamy, and flavorful fudge that combines the sweetness of cherries with the aromatic richness of vanilla beans. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or simply indulging in a sweet treat!

Ingredients:

For the Cherry Fudge:

• 2 cups (400g) white chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional for an extra depth of flavor)
• 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry juice or maraschino cherry syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean)

For the Vanilla Bean Fudge:

• 2 cups (400g) white chocolate chips
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan:

1. Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper.

2. Make the Cherry Fudge Layer:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and cherry juice (or syrup) until fully combined.
3. Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries.
4. Pour the cherry fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes, just until it’s set enough to hold the vanilla layer.

3. Make the Vanilla Bean Fudge Layer:

1. In the same saucepan (no need to clean it), combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste (or vanilla seeds).
3. Pour the vanilla bean fudge mixture over the set cherry fudge layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Chill and Set:

1. Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3-4 hours, or until both layers are fully set.
2. Once set, remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and cut it into small squares.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor: Add a swirl of cherry jam or preserve on top of the cherry layer before refrigerating for a beautiful and flavorful swirl.
• Make it richer: Use a mix of dark chocolate and white chocolate for the fudge layers for a more decadent flavor.
• Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well for longer storage!

This Cherry Vanilla Bean Fudge combines creamy, smooth fudge with tart cherries and the fragrant flavor of vanilla beans. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion! Would you like to customize it with other ingredients, like nuts or different fruit flavors?