Cherry Vanilla Fudge
Cherry Vanilla Fudge offers a delightful combination of creamy texture with the tartness of candied cherries and the warm aroma of vanilla. Perfect for holiday gifting or festive gatherings, this rich treat appeals to those who enjoy classic confections with a colorful twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, salt, light cream or evaporated milk, milk, light corn syrup, and butter in a large heavy saucepan or skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer reaches 238°C (soft ball stage).
- Remove from heat and let cool until it reaches approximately 100°C (hot to touch).
- Add vanilla. Beat briskly until the fudge thickens and begins to lose its gloss.
- Stir in candied cherries cut in quarters.
- Pour into a buttered 8-inch square pan.
- Allow to cool until firm, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth fudge, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning. If you don't have light corn syrup, honey or agave syrup can be a good substitute. Make sure to beat the fudge until it thickens and loses its gloss, as this is crucial for achieving the right texture. For an added twist, consider incorporating nuts or swapping cherries for dried cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the fudge into bite-sized squares for easy serving, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit for a delightful contrast. It makes a perfect treat alongside coffee or hot chocolate. For a festive touch, serve it on a platter with other sweets, such as those from American recipes like Peachy Cream Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, refrigerate it to extend freshness, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To reheat, place the fudge in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it, but avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Vanilla Fudge contains roughly 223 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cherries in this fudge?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for red and green glace candied cherries, you can use maraschino cherries or any other candied fruit you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly based on your choice.
What can I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge doesn't set, it may not have reached the soft ball stage during cooking. You can try reheating the mixture and cooking it to the correct temperature, then re-beat it. If it's too soft, consider using it as a topping for ice cream or cakes instead.
How do I know when the fudge is ready to pour?
The fudge is ready to pour when it reaches the soft ball stage, which is between 234°F and 240°F (112°C to 115°C). You can test this by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that you can easily flatten, it's ready to cool and beat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).