White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

ByVishal Hours

Upgrade your holiday treats with my family’s favorite white chocolate cranberry fudge recipe!

It’s made with simple ingredients but delivers the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and tart cranberries.

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Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering, gifting it to friends, or just indulging in a homemade treat, this easy, no-bake fudge is sure to impress.

Fudge has always been a go-to dessert in my house, especially around the holidays. It’s one of those treats that looks fancy but is actually super simple to make. Plus, it requires no baking, which is a win when your oven is already packed with holiday dishes!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best white chocolate cranberry fudge at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • No baking required – Just melt, mix, and chill!
  • Perfect for gifting – Wrap it up in a festive box, and it makes a thoughtful homemade present.
  • Sweet & tangy combo – The tart cranberries perfectly balance the creamy white chocolate.
  • Customizable – Add nuts, swap the chocolate, or mix in different dried fruits for variety.
  • Only a few ingredients – You don’t need a long grocery list to make something delicious.

Key Ingredients

  • White chocolate chips – This is the base of the fudge, making it rich and creamy. Use a high-quality brand for the best flavor and texture.
  • Sweetened condensed milk – This helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Butter – Just a small amount adds extra richness.
  • Dried cranberries – They add a burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the fudge.
  • Salt – A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.
  • (Optional) Chopped nuts – Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a nice crunch if you like texture in your fudge.

How to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

This recipe is ridiculously easy, even if you’ve never made fudge before. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time!

1. Prepare Your Pan

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the fudge out once it’s set.

2. Melt the Chocolate

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth.

(Pro tip: If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate using a microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted.)

3. Add Flavor

Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

4. Fold in Cranberries (and Nuts, If Using)

Gently fold in the dried cranberries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture. If you’re adding chopped nuts, mix those in as well.

5. Pour and Spread

Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth out the top. If you want to add a decorative touch, sprinkle some extra cranberries (and nuts, if using) on top.

6. Chill Until Set

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s completely firm. For best results, let it chill overnight.

7. Slice and Serve

Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares.

Vishal’s Recipe Tips

  • Use high-quality white chocolate – Not all white chocolate melts the same! Cheap brands may turn grainy, so I recommend Ghirardelli or Lindt for the best texture.
  • Don’t overheat the chocolate – White chocolate burns easily, so melt it slowly and stir constantly.
  • Chop cranberries for better distribution – If your dried cranberries are large, chop them into smaller pieces so they spread evenly in the fudge.
  • Let it fully set – Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer it sets, the cleaner and smoother your cuts will be.
  • Use a hot knife for cleaner cuts – Run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice for perfect edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Cranberries?

No, fresh cranberries contain too much moisture, which can make the fudge watery. Stick to dried cranberries for the best results.

How Do I Store White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge?

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’re making it ahead for the holidays, you can freeze it for up to 3 months! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.

Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?

Absolutely! While cranberries and white chocolate are a classic combo, you can also try:

  • Chopped nuts – Pecans, almonds, or pistachios work great.
  • Shredded coconut – Adds a fun texture and tropical vibe.
  • Orange zest – A little citrus zest enhances the flavor beautifully.

Can I Use Dark or Milk Chocolate Instead?

Yes! You can swap the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate to create different variations of this fudge.

Serving Ideas

White chocolate cranberry fudge is perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat after dinner. Here are some fun ways to serve it:

  • Gift it in treat boxes – Wrap individual pieces in wax paper and place them in a festive box for a homemade holiday gift.
  • Serve at holiday parties – Arrange on a dessert platter alongside cookies and truffles.
  • Pair with coffee or tea – A small piece of this fudge goes perfectly with a warm drink.
  • Drizzle with white chocolate – For extra decadence, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top before serving.

Final Thoughts

This white chocolate cranberry fudge is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy, making it a favorite treat for the holidays—or any time of year! It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is great for gifting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this fudge is sure to disappear fast.

Go ahead and whip up a batch—you won’t regret it!

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