Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge: The Perfect Holiday Treat & Gift
Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. Infused with the festive flavors of cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a blend of comforting holiday spices, this fudge is an absolute must-have for all your seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re planning a lively holiday party, assembling thoughtful homemade gifts, or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe promises ease and exceptional flavor.
If the thought of making homemade candy seems daunting, let us reassure you: this white chocolate cranberry fudge recipe is remarkably straightforward. Forget the need for complicated candy thermometers or extensive culinary skills; this might just be the easiest dessert you’ll ever master, perfect for even the most novice of home cooks. We truly mean it when we say it’s foolproof!
The Nostalgia of Homemade Fudge
My earliest memories of fudge trace back to my post-college years. It’s a bit surprising, as I don’t recall my mom ever making it during my childhood. However, my husband hails from the East Coast, and after graduating, we frequently visited Martha’s Vineyard, where his parents owned a house. On that charming island, there was a quaint fudge shop called Murdick’s Fudge, an essential stop on every trip. They offered an incredible array of flavors, so many that I couldn’t pick a single favorite. Yet, one particular cranberry fudge they offered always stood out in my mind, a sweet memory from those early days.
While this recipe isn’t an attempt to replicate that specific cranberry fudge – it’s been far too long to recall its exact taste – it certainly captures the spirit of those cherished moments. Cranberries, for me, are inextricably linked to the holidays, and in my culinary world, the holidays and fudge are a match made in heaven. Fudge is more than just a treat; it’s a symbol of warmth and festive indulgence, making it a fantastic addition to any holiday gathering or dessert spread.
Why This Cranberry Fudge is Perfect for the Holidays
Beyond being a delightful indulgence, this White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge also serves as an exquisite homemade gift. Imagine the joy on the faces of hostesses, teachers, coaches, or special friends when they receive a beautifully wrapped box of this delectable confection. There’s something uniquely heartwarming and personal about a homemade food gift; it truly feels like it comes straight from the heart, showing genuine care and effort.
Many find the world of desserts a bit intimidating, and honestly, I’m often among them! You won’t find an overwhelming number of elaborate dessert recipes on my blog, A Dish of Daily Life. The ones I do share are specifically chosen for their simplicity and ease. It’s not that I don’t adore eating desserts – I absolutely do! – but I’ve always felt a certain challenge in the dessert department. My daughter, thankfully, inherited a natural talent for baking sweets, but that skill certainly didn’t come from me.
This recipe, however, sidesteps many common dessert anxieties. There’s no need for specialized equipment like candy thermometers, which can often be a barrier for aspiring fudge makers. Instead, all the melting is done conveniently in your microwave. See? I told you it was easy! The active prep time for this recipe is astonishingly short, typically around 5 minutes. The most challenging part, perhaps, is exercising patience while waiting for the fudge to properly set in the refrigerator.
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Essential Ingredients for White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Crafting this delightful fudge requires a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its festive flavor and creamy texture:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips: These form the sweet, creamy base of our fudge. Choose a good quality brand for the best melting and flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that gives fudge its signature smooth and rich consistency without the need for a candy thermometer.
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup of dried cranberries: These provide a beautiful burst of tartness and a chewy texture, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the white chocolate.
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with cranberries and white chocolate. Feel free to toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice: A warm, aromatic spice that evokes the essence of holiday baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and zest, brightening the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: The quintessential holiday spice, bringing comforting warmth and sweetness.
Helpful Tools for Fudge Making
While this recipe is incredibly easy, having the right tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. These are some items you might find useful:
- Glass measuring cup: A large, microwave-safe glass measuring cup with a spout is ideal for melting ingredients and pouring the hot fudge mixture neatly into your baking dish.
- 9 x 13 glass baking dish: The perfect size for setting your fudge into uniform squares.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes for effortless removal of the fudge and super easy cleanup.
- Measuring spoons: Essential for precise spice and vanilla measurements to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Fudge
Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can help ensure your White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose quality ingredients: Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of your white chocolate chips and butter will really shine through.
- Microwave with care: Don’t overheat the chocolate mixture. Microwaves vary, so start with shorter intervals (e.g., 60 seconds), stir, then continue in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. The chocolate chips don’t have to be completely melted before you remove them from the microwave; the residual heat will continue to melt them as you stir. This prevents scorching.
- Stir thoroughly: Once removed from the microwave, stir the mixture vigorously until it’s completely smooth and no lumps remain. Then, quickly fold in your cranberries, pecans, and spices.
- Even spreading: Use a spatula to spread the fudge mixture evenly into your parchment-lined dish. This ensures uniform thickness for easier cutting.
- Patience is key: Resist the urge to cut the fudge before it’s fully set. Refrigeration is essential for achieving that firm, sliceable consistency.
- Clean cuts: For neat squares, use a sharp knife and clean it with hot water between cuts, especially for the first few slices.
Variations and Customizations
While this White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to your taste or for different occasions:
- Nut alternatives: Not a fan of pecans? Swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a different flavor and color profile.
- Citrus zest: For an extra layer of brightness, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest along with the spices. Citrus and cranberry are a classic combination.
- Spice adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg could also be a lovely addition.
- Chocolate drizzle: For a more gourmet presentation, melt a small amount of dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the set fudge before cutting.
- Different dried fruits: While cranberries are festive, you could experiment with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for a twist.
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MORE HOLIDAY TREATS YOU WILL ENJOY
- If you are a fudge fan, this chocolate walnut fudge is positively delicious and makes a great edible gift.
- Pumpkin pie fanatics will adore this creamy pumpkin pie fudge, great for Thanksgiving!
- If you haven’t tried Saltine Toffee yet, it’s an absolute must! You won’t believe how good it is until you try it yourself.
- I’ve been making this homemade peanut brittle for over 20 years now. It’s a Christmas tradition in my family.
AND EVEN MORE HOLIDAY TREATS
- CANDIED PECANS…these yummy candied pecans make a great holiday gift or an easy recipe for a holiday cookie exchange. Enjoy them in salads or as a topping for desserts too!
- Christmas Mason Jar Gift Ideas from Chelsea’s Messy Apron
- Salted Almond Chocolate Truffles from Bakerita
Now, let’s get to the full recipe details!
White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Prepare your baking dish by lining a 9×13 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting once the fudge is set. This step is crucial for effortless removal.
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In a large, microwave-safe bowl (a glass measuring cup with a pouring spout works wonderfully here), combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter.
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Microwave the mixture on medium heat. Start with 1 minute, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes in total. Be careful not to overheat.
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Immediately after removing the melted mixture from the microwave, stir in the holiday spices (allspice, ground ginger, cinnamon), vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Mix vigorously until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the fudge base.
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Pour the warm fudge mixture into your prepared glass baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it evenly across the bottom. Place the dish in the refrigerator for approximately 3 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm and set. Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper overhang and cut it into 24 uniform squares.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Storage of White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge
Proper storage is essential to keep your White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge fresh and delicious. Once your fudge has fully set and been cut into squares, transfer them to an airtight container. You can layer the fudge pieces with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, this fudge freezes beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen fudge in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
