Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

There's something truly magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, creamy white chocolate. This Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge is the ultimate holiday treat, blending festive flavors into a rich, melt-in-your-mouth confection. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging yourself, it’s a recipe you'll want to make every December.

I discovered this recipe years ago when looking for an easy homemade dessert to include in holiday goodie bags. It was a hit from the start, with everyone asking for the recipe. Now, it’s a must-have at every family gathering.

Why You'll Love This Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

Get ready to add this easy, no-fail recipe to your dessert repertoire. This Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge ticks all the boxes for a perfect holiday treat.

First off, it's ridiculously simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no need for a candy thermometer, even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking results.

The flavor combination is out of this world. The sweetness of white chocolate balances beautifully with the tartness of dried cranberries, creating a harmonious blend that’s as festive as it is delicious.

It’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re adding it to a dessert platter, wrapping it up as a gift, or enjoying it with a cup of hot cocoa, this fudge is perfect for any occasion.

Lastly, it keeps well and can be made ahead of time. This means less stress during the busy holiday season and more time to enjoy the festivities.

Ingredients Notes

This Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge relies on a few simple, high-quality ingredients to shine. Here's what you'll need and why each one is essential.

White chocolate is the star of the show. Use high-quality white chocolate chips or baking bars for the best results. The better the chocolate, the creamier your fudge will be.

Sweetened condensed milk acts as the base that holds everything together. Its sweetness and creamy texture make it ideal for fudge recipes.

Dried cranberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the fudge. Their chewy texture also adds an extra dimension to every bite.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavors, giving the fudge a warm, homemade taste that takes it to the next level.

A pinch of salt might seem small, but it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness and bringing out all the flavors.

For special equipment, you’ll need an 8x8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

How To Make This Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

Making this Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge is as simple as melting, mixing, and setting. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure perfect results every time.

Start by preparing your pan. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the fudge out later. This makes cutting into squares much easier.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to prevent scorching, allowing the mixture to melt into a smooth, glossy consistency.

Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.

Fold in most of the dried cranberries, reserving a handful for the topping. This ensures cranberries are spread throughout the fudge while leaving a decorative layer on top.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved cranberries over the top, gently pressing them into the surface.

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours or until firm. Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper, and cut it into bite-sized squares.

Storage Options

Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge is a great make-ahead treat, and storing it properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious.

For short-term storage, keep the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This is perfect if you're planning to serve it soon after making it.

If you want to store it longer, refrigerate the fudge in an airtight container. It will keep for up to two weeks and still taste as fresh as the day you made it.

For even longer storage, freeze the fudge. Wrap individual squares in wax paper and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, let the fudge thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To reheat or soften slightly chilled fudge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize to your liking or dietary needs.

For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds on top of the fudge along with the cranberries. The crunch adds a delightful texture.

If you prefer a different dried fruit, try substituting dried cherries or apricots. These fruits provide a similar tart-sweet contrast to the creamy white chocolate.

To add a touch of holiday spice, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg with the melted chocolate. This gives the fudge a warm, festive flavor.

If you’re looking to make the recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based white chocolate and sweetened condensed coconut milk. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well.

Lastly, consider using flavored extracts, such as almond or orange, instead of vanilla for a unique twist that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

Experiment with these variations to create your own signature version of Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge!

Print