If you're looking for the perfect holiday dessert, look no further than this decadent and delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Fudge. It's a wonderful balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch in each and every bite.
White Chocolate Fudge with Cranberries and Macadamia Nuts
Oh, fudge. You're such a sweet dessert and treat that almost everyone loves. I think the reason that fudge is so popular is that it can literally be so many different flavors. This is proven by our Mint Chocolate Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge, and let's not forget our Cookies and Cream Fudge, too. And those are just a handful of delicious treats and options!
But what makes this fudge recipe a bit different is that it has fruit and nuts mixed in as well. I'm all for creamy homemade fudge but there is something quite nice about the texture of this white cranberry fudge.
I *might* cut myself a little bit bigger of a piece than others because isn't that the perk of being the cook? When I make it, I enjoy it and I have no shame in that.
Is white fudge the same as white chocolate?
It's not. Many people think that it is but it's not the same. Fudge is made up of a lot of sugar and other ingredients while white chocolate is going to be made up of cocoa beans instead.
What exactly is fudge?
Valid question. Some people look at fudge as a dessert that they love while others think of it as a quick little bite of a treat just to get a sweet flavor in their mouth.
For me, fudge is a creamy dessert that adds a lot of flavor to my palate. It's made of butter, milk, sugar, and a handful of other ingredients and is mixed then stored for a short time to firm up.
Making fudge isn't hard but it does take a bit of prep work and maintenance throughout the make it properly.
Substitutions for Macadamia Nuts
I LOVE making this fudge around the holidays because we consider it a special treat for special occasions. Mainly because of the cost of macadamia nuts.
Luckily, there are a few nuts you can easily substitute that have a similar texture to macadamia nuts and will work beautifully in this easy fudge recipe.
Cashews, brazil nuts and hazelnuts are my first choice but I have used almonds, pecans and walnut too without a single complaint!
You also always have the option of adding no nuts at all. As always the choice is yours.
Ingredients needed to make this White Chocolate Fudge with Cranberries
You'll just need the few ingredients listed below to get started on this easy fudge recipe. It's not only simple but it's also a great flavor, too.
- White chocolate chips
- Dried cranberries
- Macadamia nuts or your favorite
- Sweetened condensed milk
Make certain you have all the ingredients on hand before getting started because there are very few things worse than starting a homemade dessert recipe and not being able to complete it due to lack of planning and prepping.
What toppings can you put on fudge?
This all just depends on what the recipe calls for or what you're craving. For this fudge recipe, I put on cranberries, macadamia nuts, and white chocolate chips.
I wanted the top to have a completely different texture than the creaminess of the fudge and I think that I succeeded!
Other toppings for fudge could be:
- Different chopped nuts
- Other dried fruits, dried currants, dried cherries, raisins or chopped dates
- Shredded coconut
- Different flavors of chocolate chips
And the list goes on. You can literally add on anything that you're craving to the top of your homemade fudges.
How do you prevent fudge from sticking in the pan?
The easiest way to prevent fudge from sticking is to line the pan with aluminum foil AND spray that with nonstick spray. This will give you double the ease of getting the fudge pieces out, all in one piece. The last thing that you want is for the fudge to break apart.
While it may not affect the taste, it does affect the presentation as well.
Does fudge have to be stored in the fridge?
The good news is that fudge doesn't have to be stored in the fridge. You can leave it at room temperature and it will be just fine.
But if you want to store it in the fridge, do so. There really isn't any issue with doing either. The only time I've ever noticed an issue with leaving fudge out on the counter is when it's hot outside as it can make it softer in texture than I like.
Can you freeze fudge?
You bet. Actually, fudge freezes up pretty well. And it makes sense, too since this fudge recipe makes at least 24 pieces of fudge which can be a lot for just one or two people to eat. (Not me...but maybe for you.)
If you're going to freeze fudge, you need to store the fudge in a freezer-safe container so that it doesn't get that disgusting freezer-burnt taste.
You should also freeze the fudge in batches so that when you're wanting to have a piece, you don't have to unthaw it all at once.
How long will fudge last once made?
Fudge tends to have a pretty long shelf-life once it's made. As long as you store it properly, it should last for a couple of weeks without any issues. And if you're going to freeze it, you should be able to have it stored in the freezer for at least 3 months as well.
What I love most about this white chocolate fudge recipe is that it has a lot of texture and taste. The dried cranberries mix perfectly with the white chocolate and add a fun chew to the bites as well.
And just when you think that it's already perfect, wait until you get a bite that includes the macadamia nuts! Total perfection!
More Fudge Recipes
- Easy Swirled Easter Fudge
- Best Strawberry Cheesecake Fudge
- Chocolate Caramel Marble Fudge
- Easy Gingerbread Fudge
- Easy Chocolate Fudge Brownies
White Chocolate Cranberry Nut Fudge
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, roasted, salted or see note if unsalted, add salt*
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
If Unsalted Nuts Add
- 1 teaspoon salt, ONLY if using unsalted nuts
Topping
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons macadamia nuts or see note below
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with foil and cooking spray. Set aside.
- Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- Add chocolate chips and sweetened milk to a saucepan over medium heat..
- Scrape down the sides of the saucepan and bottom often, until chocolate has completely melted. Removed from heat promptly.
- Mix in berries and nuts,
- Stir until blended.
- Pour into prepared pan. Smooth top with spatula,
- Sprinkle with topping ingredients.
- Cool in fridge on a level surface for 90-120 minutes or set.
- Remove from fridge and use foil to remove fudge from pan,
- Cut into small squares or rectangular pieces.
- Whatever size your heart desires.
- Once cut, store in an airtight container inside your fridge or freezer until needed.
- Serve and enjoy every bite!
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