Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Heavenly Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe for the Holidays

Sweet holiday memories often spark when you whip up this cranberry white chocolate fudge that melts hearts instantly.

Festive desserts bring people closer together with unexpected flavor combinations.

Creamy white chocolate creates a luxurious backdrop for tart cranberry bursts.

Rich textures blend smoothly, creating a decadent treat perfect for gifting.

Homemade confections like these make special moments more memorable.

Surprise your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dessert that looks professionally crafted.

You’ll want to savor every delightful bite of this mouthwatering confection.

Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Insights

  • Craft a Crispy Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken recipe delivers irresistible crunch with a spicy-sweet glaze that transforms ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
  • Simplify Meal Preparation: Using basic kitchen ingredients and a straightforward breading technique, anyone can create a delicious dish without complicated cooking skills or extensive culinary knowledge.
  • Perfect for Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the golden-brown chicken with its tantalizing hot honey coating, making mealtime exciting and satisfying for all ages.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pair this chicken with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that works perfectly for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.

Ingredients For Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

For the Base:
  • White Chocolate Chips: A creamy and sweet foundation that melts smoothly to create the fudge's rich texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides rich sweetness and helps bind the fudge ingredients together.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor that complements the white chocolate.
  • Dried Cranberries: Introduces a tart and chewy element that contrasts with the sweet white chocolate.
  • Nuts (Optional): Brings a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the fudge.
For the Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the fudge from the pan and helps with clean cutting.

Step-By-Step Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Grab an 8×8-inch pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Chocolate Base

Combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan.

Melt these ingredients over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully integrated.

Step 3: Enhance Fudge Flavor

Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the following ingredients:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Dried cranberries
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Mix thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 4: Transfer and Spread Fudge

Pour the creamy fudge into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and create a smooth, flat surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for 2-3 hours.

The fudge should become firm and solid during this time.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the fudge has completely set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper.

Cut into bite-sized squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delightful cranberry white chocolate treat!

Kitchen Notes For Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

  • Swap dried cranberries for fresh ones for a tart burst of flavor and vibrant color in your fudge.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top before chilling to enhance the sweet-tangy contrast of white chocolate and cranberries.
  • Toast nuts briefly before adding to develop a deeper, richer nutty flavor and improve their crunchiness.
  • Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother, creamier texture and more luxurious taste.
  • Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain its fresh, creamy consistency.

Flavor Options For Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

  • Tropical Paradise Fudge: Replace dried cranberries with toasted coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired sweet treat.
  • Peppermint Bark Fusion: Mix crushed candy canes into the white chocolate base and sprinkle additional crushed peppermint on top for a festive winter version.
  • Berry Blast Fudge: Swap dried cranberries with a mix of freeze-dried raspberry and blueberry pieces for an intense berry flavor profile.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fudge and add chopped roasted pecans for extra texture and rich depth.

Best Pairings For Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge

  • Holiday Hostess Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a festive ceramic plate with fresh pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks for a stunning seasonal dessert presentation.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual fudge pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon, perfect for homemade holiday gifts that wow friends and family.
  • Dessert Charcuterie Board: Create an elegant spread by placing fudge squares alongside other sweet treats like dark chocolate truffles, candied nuts, and fresh berries for a stunning dessert showcase.
  • Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve fudge squares alongside delicate tea sandwiches and scones during a sophisticated afternoon tea gathering, adding a sweet luxurious touch to your spread.

Storing Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Properly

  • Store fudge pieces in a sealed container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual fudge squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where they'll maintain quality for 2-3 months when frozen.
  • Keep fudge in a cool, dry place in a covered container for 3-5 days, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could cause melting.
  • Stack fudge pieces between parchment paper in a decorative tin or gift box, perfect for sharing and maintaining freshness for a short period.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning while melting?

Use low heat and stir constantly to ensure smooth, even melting without scorching the chocolate.

  • Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries work best as fresh ones contain too much moisture and can affect the fudge’s texture and setting.

  • What type of nuts work well in this recipe?

Chopped pecans or sliced almonds complement the white chocolate and cranberry flavors perfectly.

  • How can I tell if the fudge is fully set and ready to cut?

The fudge should be firm to the touch and no longer sticky when you gently press the surface, indicating it’s fully chilled and set.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Cranberry White Chocolate Fudge Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade cranberry white chocolate fudge delivers sweet-tart holiday magic in one delightful treat. Rich creamy squares combine festive flavors for a memorable seasonal dessert you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it completely with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage of the bottom and sides for easy removal.
  2. Create a double boiler setup or use low heat to gently melt white chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Remove the melted chocolate mixture from heat source and incorporate vanilla extract, infusing the fudge with a delicate aromatic essence.
  4. Fold dried cranberries and optional chopped nuts into the smooth white chocolate base, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread and level the surface, creating a uniform thickness.
  6. Chill the fudge in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, allowing it to solidify completely and develop a firm, slice-able texture.
  7. Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into precise, bite-sized squares using a sharp knife.
  8. Serve chilled and store remaining fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.

Notes

  • Soften dried cranberries by soaking them briefly in warm water before adding to the fudge, ensuring they don’t become too hard or dry in the final texture.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free white chocolate chips and checking that all ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by toasting nuts like pecans or almonds before mixing them into the fudge, which adds a deeper, richer nutty dimension.
  • For a festive presentation, sprinkle additional dried cranberries and chopped nuts on top of the fudge before it sets completely, creating a beautiful decorative finish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 241 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star