Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday has become a cherished part of my festive traditions, ever since I first whipped up a batch for a holiday potluck years ago. I remember the vibrant red cherries against the snowy white chocolate, and the way the sweet, almond-scented aroma filled my kitchen, instantly signaling the start of the holiday season. This easy ground turkey dinner brings back warm memories of friends and family gathered, all reaching for another piece of the festive treat. Making this creamy cherry fudge for Christmas is incredibly simple, yet it always impresses. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday

I know you’re going to adore this festive fudge, and here’s why:

It boasts an irresistible sweet and tangy cherry flavor that perfectly balances with creamy white chocolate.
The prep time is minimal, making this an incredibly quick and easy Christmas cherry fudge to whip up.
It’s a budget-friendly treat, using common ingredients you likely already have or can easily find.
This delightful confection is a fantastic no-bake cherry fudge Christmas treats option, meaning no oven required!
It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages, making it the perfect addition to any family gathering.
You can effortlessly customize it with different sprinkles or nuts to match your holiday theme.

Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful holiday treat. Here’s everything you’ll need for your creamy Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday:

2 cups white chocolate chips – I always opt for good quality chips; they melt smoother and make for the best white chocolate cherry fudge holiday.
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – this is the magic ingredient that gives the fudge its incredible creaminess and sweetness.
1/4 cup unsalted butter – helps achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 tsp almond extract – this really enhances the cherry flavor, giving it that classic festive taste.
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped – ensuring they are very dry is crucial to prevent your fudge from becoming watery.
Whole maraschino cherries for garnish – for that extra festive touch on top.
Holiday sprinkles for garnish – because what’s a holiday treat without some sparkle?
White chocolate drizzle (optional) – adds a beautiful finish and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday

Making this festive fudge is surprisingly simple, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the result. Just follow these steps to create your perfect batch of Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday.

Step 1: Prepare your baking dish. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift out your finished fudge later.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. You’ll see it transform into a glossy, creamy base. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Once smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the almond extract. The aroma of almond will instantly fill your kitchen, a lovely hint of the deliciousness to come.
Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to distribute them evenly while keeping their vibrant color intact. This is a crucial step for achieving beautiful homemade cherry fudge for holidays.
Step 6: Pour the luscious fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use your spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Step 7: Now for the fun part! Garnish the top of your holiday cherry fudge with whole maraschino cherries and a generous sprinkle of colorful holiday sprinkles. This adds a wonderful festive touch.
Step 8: Refrigerate the Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday for at least 3 hours, or until it is completely firm and set. Patience is key here for perfect slices.
Step 9: Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board.
Step 10: Cut the fudge into 16 squares. I find a sharp, warm knife works best for clean cuts. Now you know exactly how to make Christmas cherry fudge that’s ready to impress!

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cherry Fudge

I’ve made countless batches of this festive fudge, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These expert tips will ensure your Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday turns out perfectly every single time, making your holiday baking a breeze.

Always use fresh, high-quality white chocolate chips; this makes a huge difference in the final texture and taste.
Ensure your maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry. Excess moisture can make your fudge too soft and difficult to set.
Don’t rush the melting process. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from scorching.
Let the fudge chill completely. Patience during the refrigeration step is key for clean, firm slices.
For extra flavor, lightly toast any nuts you might add before folding them into the mixture.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy cherry fudge holiday dessert?

The real secret to a truly creamy Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday lies in the quality of your ingredients and gentle handling. Using good white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, combined with careful, low-heat melting, creates that incredibly smooth and rich texture. This meticulous approach truly makes it the best cherry fudge recipe for holiday season.

Can I make Christmas cherry fudge for holidays ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday is an ideal make-ahead treat. You can prepare it up to a week in advance. Simply store the set fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will be perfectly fresh and ready to serve for your holiday gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with simple cherry fudge for holiday parties?

To avoid common pitfalls with your simple cherry fudge for holiday parties, first, ensure your heat is always low when melting ingredients to prevent burning. Second, make sure your cherries are completely dry; wet cherries can make the fudge too soft. Finally, don’t overmix after adding the cherries, as this can break them down too much.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday

Once your delightful Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday is perfectly set and cut into squares, the fun continues with how you choose to serve it. This festive treat is versatile and always a hit! I love arranging the vibrant red and white squares on a beautiful holiday platter, perhaps alongside other small cookies or chocolates, making it a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.

For a cozy evening, pair this amazing Christmas dessert with cherry fudge with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a rich, dark coffee. The slight bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the fudge. It also makes for a wonderful edible gift; simply place a few pieces in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Your friends and family will adore this thoughtful, homemade treat!

Nutrition Facts for Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday

For those mindful of their holiday treats, here are the estimated nutrition facts per serving (this recipe yields 16 squares) of our delightful Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday:

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 150
Protein: 1g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 30mg
Cholesterol: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used in your holiday cherry fudge recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cherry Fudge

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday for as long as possible. Once your fudge has fully set and been cut into squares, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes after taking it out of the fridge. This makes it easier to handle.

To store cherry fudge for Christmas, simply place the squares in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze this festive fudge for up to three months. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen fudge, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. There’s no need to reheat this particular treat; it’s best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, allowing its creamy texture and flavors to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday?

While maraschino cherries give this Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday its signature vibrant color and distinct flavor, you can experiment with fresh cherries. However, I highly recommend cooking and draining fresh cherries thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Otherwise, the fudge might not set properly, and the texture could be compromised. The classic taste of cherry fudge for Christmas really comes through with maraschino cherries.

What is cherry fudge for Christmas, exactly?

Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday is a delightful, no-bake confection made primarily from white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and chopped maraschino cherries. It’s known for its creamy texture, sweet cherry flavor, and festive appearance, often garnished with sprinkles. It’s a popular homemade treat during the holiday season, beloved for its simplicity and vibrant appeal.

How can I make my holiday cherry fudge recipe extra special for gifting?

To elevate your Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday for gifting, consider adding a drizzle of contrasting dark chocolate over the top, or pressing some chopped pistachios or walnuts into the fudge before it sets. You can also use festive cookie cutters to create unique shapes, like stars or trees, instead of traditional squares. Packaging it in a decorative tin with a handwritten tag makes it a truly thoughtful homemade cherry fudge for holidays gift.

Can I make this easy Christmas cherry fudge vegan?

Yes, you absolutely can! To make this easy Christmas cherry fudge vegan, simply substitute the white chocolate chips with a high-quality dairy-free white chocolate alternative. Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter, and use a can of full-fat coconut cream (chilled, and just use the thick cream from the top) instead of sweetened condensed milk. The texture will be slightly different, but still deliciously creamy and perfect for the Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday.

Variations of Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday You Can Try

While the classic Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday recipe is a showstopper on its own, I love experimenting with different tweaks to keep things fresh and exciting. These festive cherry fudge ideas allow you to customize your batch for various tastes or dietary needs.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Fudge: For a richer, more intense flavor, swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. This creates a decadent contrast with the sweet maraschino cherries, making for a sophisticated holiday treat.
Nutty Cherry Fudge: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios into the fudge mixture along with the cherries. The nuts add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor to your Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday.
Citrus Zest Cherry Fudge: For a brighter, zesty twist, add 1 teaspoon of fresh orange or lemon zest when you stir in the almond extract. The citrus notes beautifully complement the cherry and white chocolate.
Spiced Cherry Fudge: Introduce a touch of holiday spice by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture. This subtle warmth makes the Christmas Cherry Fudge Holiday feel even more festive and comforting.