When the holidays roll around, my kitchen turns into a sweet wonderland. Between wrapping gifts and watching Home Alone for the tenth time, there’s one thing my family insists on — my Christmas Cherry Fudge. It started years ago when I found myself with leftover maraschino cherries from a fruitcake experiment gone wrong. Instead of tossing them, I mixed them into a creamy fudge base. The result was festive, pink-speckled squares that disappeared faster than Santa’s cookies. Since then, it’s been our go-to treat — easy, colorful, and full of that cozy cherry-vanilla cheer that just feels like Christmas.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and love quick holiday recipes like my Easy Peanut Butter Snowballs or No-Bake Oreo Truffles from Quickycook.com/desserts, this recipe will fit right in. Let’s dive into how to make this smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that doubles as a perfect homemade gift.
Christmas Cherry Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Fold in chopped, dried cherries evenly into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Decorate with extra cherries or festive sprinkles, if desired.
- Chill for 2–3 hours or until firm. Slice into squares before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Secret Behind Creamy Christmas Cherry Fudge
Choosing the Right Base
The magic of cherry fudge starts with white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. This duo guarantees a smooth texture and a rich, creamy flavor without the hassle of a candy thermometer. Always melt the chocolate slowly over low heat to avoid scorching — trust me, I’ve ruined a few batches by rushing. The gentle melting makes a difference between gritty fudge and perfectly velvety squares.
If you enjoy quick fudge recipes, check out my 3-Ingredient Chocolate Fudge on Quickycook.com/holidayfudge for another fast holiday favorite.
Perfect Cherries for Festive Flavor
Use maraschino cherries for their bright color and sweetness, but remember to pat them completely dry before adding them to the mixture. Too much liquid can make your fudge grainy. I like chopping them finely so every bite gets a pop of cherry flavor. For a twist, try mixing in chopped candied cherries or even dried cranberries for a slightly tart contrast.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Cherry Fudge
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Almond extract (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Maraschino cherries, chopped and dried | 1 cup |
Directions
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt chocolate and milk together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Add vanilla and almond extract. Remove from heat.
- Fold in cherries gently for even distribution.
- Pour into pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Decorate with sprinkles or extra cherries.
- Chill for 2–3 hours or until firm, then slice into squares.
These simple steps make this fudge a winner for holiday parties or gift boxes. For an adorable presentation idea, wrap pieces in parchment and pack them in a mason jar like I do in my DIY Edible Gift Guide on Quickycook.com/holidaygifts.
Making It Your Own
Flavor Variations
If you’re feeling creative, try swirling in red and green candy melts for a marbled look, or sprinkle crushed peppermint for a frosty twist. Swap the almond extract for orange or rum flavoring to surprise your guests.Storage Tips
This fudge stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you’re making it ahead for Christmas, freeze it in layers separated by parchment. It thaws quickly at room temperature, so it’s ideal for holiday prep.
For long-lasting fudge success, see my tips on Quickycook.com/fudgetips, where I share how to keep fudge smooth and creamy even after freezing.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
Holiday Presentation
Arrange your cherry fudge on a white platter with sprigs of rosemary and sugared cranberries — it looks like a Christmas postcard. The red-and-white combo fits perfectly into any holiday spread, especially beside cookies or hot cocoa.
Pairings and Add-ons
Pair with coffee or cocoa for a cozy treat. You can even crumble a piece into vanilla ice cream for a festive sundae. My kids love adding mini marshmallows on top before chilling — a small touch that makes it even more fun to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Christmas Cherry Fudge last?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to 14 days. Make sure the container is airtight to prevent moisture.
2. Can I freeze cherry fudge for later?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
3. What kind of cherries work best?
Maraschino cherries are classic, but you can also use candied or dried cherries for a less sweet version.
4. Why is my fudge too soft?
It might have too much cherry juice. Always dry cherries well before mixing them in. If it’s still soft, refrigerate longer to firm it up.
Conclusion
Christmas Cherry Fudge isn’t just candy — it’s a piece of holiday nostalgia wrapped in sweetness. It brings back memories of baking in fuzzy socks, of laughter, and of sharing small bites of joy with people you love. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe guarantees success with minimal effort.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love our White Chocolate Peppermint Bark and Cherry Almond Shortbread on Quickycook.com/recipes. These treats complete any festive dessert table and make the holidays even brighter.