Cranberry Fudge Recipe | Delicious and Easy Holiday Treat
Introduction
There’s something about fudge that feels like a special treat. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor, making it the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. But what makes this Cranberry Fudge extra special is the combination of creamy white chocolate and the tart sweetness of dried cranberries. It’s the ultimate holiday fudge—but you’ll want to make it year-round!
This Cranberry Fudge is incredibly easy to make and only requires a handful of ingredients. The creamy, smooth texture of the white chocolate perfectly balances the chewy, tangy cranberries, making each bite irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable—you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to add extra spices, nuts, or even switch up the chocolate.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this amazing cranberry fudge from scratch. From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a batch of fudge that everyone will love. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up a batch of this fudge in under 30 minutes, and it doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon for a twist.
- Perfect for the Holidays: Cranberries are the quintessential holiday fruit, making this fudge the perfect gift or dessert for your seasonal gatherings.
- Rich and Creamy: The white chocolate base makes the fudge indulgent and velvety smooth, while the cranberries add a burst of tartness and color.
Ingredients Breakdown
- White Chocolate
White chocolate is the creamy base of this fudge. It has a rich, buttery flavor that melts beautifully, creating a smooth and indulgent texture. I recommend using high-quality white chocolate, either in the form of chocolate chips or a chocolate bar. Avoid white chocolate chips with added stabilizers for a smoother consistency. If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can try using milk chocolate for a different flavor, but it will change the overall taste of the fudge. - Sweetened Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk is key to giving this fudge its smooth, creamy texture. It’s what binds the chocolate together and provides the necessary sweetness. Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute, but it will result in a slightly different texture and sweetness. - Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries add a burst of tartness and chewy texture that perfectly balances the sweetness of the white chocolate. They’re rich in antioxidants and vitamins. You can use sweetened or unsweetened dried cranberries depending on your preference. If you prefer fresh cranberries, be sure to cook them down a bit before adding them to the fudge to avoid excess moisture. - Butter
Butter adds richness and a slight savory flavor that enhances the sweetness of the fudge. Use unsalted butter for this recipe to ensure you have control over the salt content. If you want to make the fudge a bit richer, you can increase the amount of butter slightly. - Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note to the fudge. It’s optional but highly recommended for enhancing the overall flavor. You can also experiment with other extracts, such as almond extract, for a unique twist. - Salt
A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the fudge. Salt helps bring out the flavors in the white chocolate and cranberries, creating a more rounded taste. Make sure to use fine salt to ensure it evenly dissolves in the fudge. - Optional Garnishes
For an extra special touch, you can garnish your fudge with additional dried cranberries, a sprinkling of sea salt, or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate. This adds texture and makes the fudge look even more festive and appealing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preparing your baking pan. Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing some extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later. This will help you easily lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set. Set the pan aside. - Melt the White Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, add your white chocolate. You can use a double boiler or melt the chocolate in the microwave. If you’re using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn quickly. - Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Butter
Once the white chocolate is melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and butter to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious, thick base for your fudge. Keep stirring until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. - Incorporate the Cranberries and Vanilla
Stir in the dried cranberries and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the fudge. You can also add in a pinch of salt at this point to help balance the sweetness. - Pour the Mixture into the Pan
Once everything is well combined, pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Be gentle when spreading the fudge so it doesn’t get too thin in some spots. - Chill the Fudge
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to firm up completely. If you want to speed up the process, you can chill the fudge in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, but make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t freeze too hard. - Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is firm, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 1-inch squares. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later.
Tips and Variations
- Add More Flavor: You can elevate this fudge by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little bit of orange zest to the mix for an aromatic twist.
- Nuts: If you like some crunch, feel free to mix in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds along with the cranberries.
- Make It Vegan: To make this fudge vegan, use dairy-free white chocolate (or a good-quality dairy-free chocolate chip) and substitute the butter with vegan butter.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the fudge before chilling. It adds a nice contrast to the white chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Options: Serve this cranberry fudge as a stand-alone treat or pair it with a warm beverage, such as spiced chai tea, hot cocoa, or coffee. It also pairs well with shortbread cookies or scones for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Holiday Treats: This fudge makes a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table, alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies, pumpkin pie, or sugar cookies.
- Gift Giving: Wrap the fudge in cute packaging and give it as a gift for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. You can also make this fudge in bulk and distribute it as party favors.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate it to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Freezing: This fudge freezes well. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheating: Fudge doesn’t need to be reheated, but if you prefer it soft, you can microwave individual pieces for 5-10 seconds.
Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: You can make the fudge a day or two ahead of time, which makes it perfect for holiday meal prep.
- Best With Freshly Shredded Chocolate: If you’re using a chocolate bar, it’s best to chop it into small pieces for even melting.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 25 mg |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 16
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 hours (including chilling)
Ingredients
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add dried cranberries and a pinch of salt, and mix well.
- Pour into a parchment-lined baking pan and smooth the top.
- Chill for 2-3 hours or until set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Optional: Garnish with additional cranberries or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Health Benefits
- Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, cranberries promote heart health and aid in digestion.
- White Chocolate: While indulgent, white chocolate offers some calcium and can be a good source of energy.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Overheating the Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate slowly to prevent it from burning.
- Not Allowing the Fudge to Set: Let the fudge chill for at least 2-3 hours before cutting it into squares. It’s crucial to let it firm up properly.
FAQs
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but it will change the flavor profile and texture of the fudge. - Can I make this fudge without condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the creamy texture, but you can try substituting it with a combination of heavy cream and sugar. - How do I make the fudge more festive?
You can sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, chocolate chips, or drizzle it with caramel sauce for a festive touch. - Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too moist for fudge, so stick to dried cranberries. - How do I prevent the fudge from becoming too soft?
Make sure to store the fudge in a cool, dry place or refrigerate it if necessary. - How long does the fudge last?
It lasts about a week at room temperature and 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Fudge recipe is perfect for those who love indulgent, sweet treats with a bit of a twist. The tart cranberries balance out the creamy sweetness of the white chocolate, making each bite a delicious treat. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, a gift, or just a special snack, this fudge is sure to impress! Let me know how it turns out for you, and enjoy every bite!
