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To make this fudge, you need a few key items: - 2 cups white chocolate chips - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt These ingredients blend well for a rich, creamy taste. The white chocolate gives a sweet flavor, while the cranberries add a nice tartness. The nuts add crunch and texture, making every bite delightful. To make your fudge look even better, you can add: - 1/2 cup white chocolate shavings for garnish These shavings can add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness to your treat. They also make it more festive, perfect for any gathering. I always choose high-quality white chocolate chips. Look for brands with cocoa butter listed as the first ingredient. This gives the fudge a smooth and creamy texture. For the cranberries, select dried fruit that is plump and not too hard. If possible, pick nuts that are fresh and unsalted. Fresh nuts enhance the flavor. These small choices can make a big difference in your fudge! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab an 8x8 inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the fudge out later. Next, lightly grease the parchment paper. This step keeps the fudge from sticking. Now, let’s melt the chocolate. Use a medium saucepan and set it over low heat. Add the 2 cups of white chocolate chips and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir the mixture constantly. Do this until it is smooth and fully melted. This will take a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix well so the flavors blend. Then, fold in 1 cup of chopped dried cranberries and 1 cup of chopped nuts. They add great flavor and crunch. Make sure everything is evenly mixed. Now, your fudge mixture is ready to pour into the pan! To get a smooth fudge, melt the chocolate slowly. Use low heat and stir often. If you rush it, the chocolate may burn. This can spoil your fudge. Be patient for the best results. Mixing in the sweetened condensed milk helps create a creamy base. Make sure it blends well before adding other ingredients. One common mistake is not measuring the ingredients. Accurate measurements lead to great fudge. Skipping the sea salt can also hurt the flavor. A little salt brings out the sweetness. Don't let the fudge sit too long before chilling. If it cools too much, it won’t spread well in the pan. Serve the fudge chilled for the best taste. Cut it into even squares for a nice look. Arrange the squares on a festive plate. Adding extra cranberries on the plate makes it colorful. Remember to store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the fudge fresh and tasty for days. Pro Tips Use Quality White Chocolate: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality white chocolate chips instead of grocery store brands. Chop Cranberries Well: Roughly chopping the dried cranberries helps distribute them evenly throughout the fudge, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Cool Gradually: Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating, which helps prevent condensation and keeps it from becoming too sticky. Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts for a unique twist on flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make white chocolate cranberry fudge more fun with different flavors. Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy bite. Each nut brings its own taste. You can also switch out the vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut. This change adds a rich, warm flavor to the fudge. For those who prefer vegan treats, you can swap the white chocolate chips. Use a vegan white chocolate that melts well. You can also use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. For a no sugar added option, find sugar-free white chocolate. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. You can change this fudge for the season. In fall, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy taste. During winter holidays, mix in peppermint extract for a refreshing twist. For spring, consider adding lemon zest to brighten the flavor. Each season brings new ideas to make your fudge special. To keep your fudge fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. This method helps keep the fudge moist and tasty. You can store it at room temperature for up to a week. If it's too warm, store it in the fridge. White chocolate cranberry fudge can last for about one week at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, it can last up to two weeks. Just remember to keep it sealed well. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. For longer storage, you can freeze your fudge. Cut it into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. Fudge can stay in the freezer for about three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will change the taste. Milk chocolate is sweeter and less creamy than white chocolate. This swap can create a richer flavor. If you like milk chocolate, go for it! If your fudge is soft, don’t worry! You can fix it. Place the fudge back in a saucepan with a bit of heat. Stir in more white chocolate chips. Let it melt and combine. Then, pour the mixture back in the pan to chill. This can help it set better. To cut fudge neatly, use a sharp knife. Warm the knife in hot water before cutting. Wipe it dry, then slice the fudge. This method helps prevent sticking. You can also score the fudge before it fully sets for cleaner lines. Yes! You can add fruits like dried cherries or apricots. Chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts work well too. You can even mix in some coconut flakes. Experimenting with flavors makes your fudge special! Just keep the total volume the same. White chocolate cranberry fudge is simple to make and fun to share. This post covered key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Variations allow you to customize flavors. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh longer. Experiment with flavors and enjoy this treat year-round. Make it your own, and delight friends and family with this sweet dessert. Dive into this recipe and enjoy every bite!

Festive White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

A delightful and creamy fudge made with white chocolate, dried cranberries, and nuts, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan: Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  • Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Ensure it is well combined.
  • Incorporate Extras: Fold in the chopped dried cranberries and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.
  • Set the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle white chocolate shavings on top for added decoration.
  • Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until it is firm to the touch.
  • Slice and Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Arrange the fudge squares on a festive platter and optionally sprinkle a few extra cranberries around for color. Serve at a holiday gathering or as a sweet treat for gift giving!
Keyword cranberry, dessert, fudge, holiday, white chocolate