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To make the best white chocolate cranberry fudge, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the rich taste and smooth texture. Here’s the complete list: - 2 cups white chocolate chips - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Pinch of salt These ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. The white chocolate chips give the fudge its creamy base. Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and helps the fudge set well. Unsalted butter makes it rich and smooth. Dried cranberries add a fruity bite, while pecans bring in a nice crunch if you choose to include them. Vanilla extract boosts the flavor, and salt balances the sweetness. When I make this fudge, I love to use high-quality chocolate chips. They melt better and taste amazing! Feel free to adjust the amount of dried cranberries and pecans based on your preference. This fudge is very forgiving, so you can add your favorite mix-ins. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as it sets the stage for a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by prepping your baking dish. You need an 8x8 inch dish. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure some paper hangs over the sides. This helps when you lift out the fudge later. A good lining makes a big difference. Next, we melt the chocolate mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Set the heat to low. Keep stirring as it melts. This keeps the chocolate from burning. Once it is smooth and creamy, you can take it off the heat. Now, let’s add flavor. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This step boosts the fudge's taste. Then, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and, if you like, the pecans. Mix well to spread out the fruits and nuts evenly. This way, every bite is tasty and fun. Pour the mixture into your lined baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula for a nice finish. Now, it’s time to chill. Place the dish in the refrigerator. Let it set for at least 2-3 hours. Once it is firm, lift it out using the parchment paper. Move it to a cutting board and slice into squares. Enjoy your sweet treat! To get the right texture for your fudge, melt the white chocolate slowly. Use low heat and stir well. This helps the chocolate blend smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk and butter. If your fudge is too thick, add a bit more condensed milk. If it's too runny, let it cool a bit before pouring it into the dish. You can boost the taste of your fudge easily. Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest for a fruity twist. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you love nuts, feel free to add more pecans, or even try walnuts or almonds. Chopped dried cherries or apricots can also add fun flavors! Make your fudge look fancy with a few simple tips. Cut it into neat squares and place them on a pretty platter. You can sprinkle whole cranberries and pecan halves on top for color. A drizzle of melted chocolate over the squares adds a touch of elegance. For a fun touch, serve the fudge with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: The flavor of your fudge heavily depends on the quality of the white chocolate. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best taste and texture. Chill for Best Results: Allowing the fudge to chill for a full 3 hours ensures it sets properly. If you’re in a hurry, a freezer can speed up the process, but be cautious not to freeze it. Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Swap out cranberries and pecans for other dried fruits or nuts to customize your fudge to your liking. Store Correctly: To keep your fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. {{image_4}} You can make this fudge healthier with a few swaps. First, consider sugar-free options. You can find sugar-free white chocolate chips at many stores. This change keeps the taste while cutting down on sugar. Next, try using alternative sweeteners. Options like stevia or monk fruit work well. Just be sure to check the package for the right amount to use. This method keeps your fudge sweet but lowers the calories. To jazz up your fudge, add spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give it a warm flavor. These spices blend nicely with the white chocolate and cranberries. You can also use different nuts or fruits. Instead of pecans, try walnuts or almonds. They add a nice crunch. For fruit, consider dried cherries or apricots. Each choice brings a unique taste to your fudge, making it special every time. To keep your white chocolate cranberry fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container. I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack the fudge. This helps prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This way, your fudge stays delicious longer. When stored properly, your fudge will last about one week at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it. In the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. If you need to store the fudge for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Cut the fudge into squares first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Your fudge can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, let the fudge thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps it from getting too soft. The fudge takes about 2-3 hours to set in the fridge. You want it firm. If you leave it longer, it will be even better. Just be patient! Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each type gives a new taste. Milk chocolate will be sweeter, and dark will be richer. Adjust the sweetness if needed. Yes, this fudge is gluten-free! The ingredients we use do not contain gluten. Just check the labels to be sure. Enjoy this treat with confidence! This blog post covered a simple fudge recipe with key ingredients like white chocolate and cranberries. I shared step-by-step instructions for making fudge, from preparation to chilling. You learned tips for perfect consistency and variations for healthier options. Lastly, I provided storage info and answered frequent questions about the recipe. Enjoy making your fudge! It’s fun and easy for all.

White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

A delightful and creamy fudge made with white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and dried cranberries, perfect for festive occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, ensuring that there is an overhang on the sides.
  • In a medium saucepan, over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Once fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat source. Stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt.
  • Carefully fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pecans, if using, into the melted mixture.
  • Pour the fudgy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top.
  • Transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and allow the fudge to chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until it has firmed up and set completely.
  • After the fudge has set, use the parchment overhang to lift it out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into squares.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, place the fudge squares on a decorative platter and garnish with whole cranberries and pecan halves.
Keyword cranberry, dessert, fudge, holiday, white chocolate