The holidays are *the* time for baking, right? But sometimes, you just want something easy, you know? That’s where this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge comes in! It’s seriously the simplest thing ever, and it looks so pretty on a holiday dessert plate. I’ve been making this for years, and it’s always a hit. My friends always ask for the recipe, and honestly, it’s almost embarrassing how easy it is! You basically melt, stir, and chill. How awesome is that?

Why You’ll Love This Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Okay, so why *this* fudge? Well, trust me, you’re gonna love it. Here’s the deal:

It’s SO quick to make.
You only need a few ingredients!
The flavors? Totally festive!
And…it’s *perfect* for giving as gifts. Seriously!

Quick and Easy Dessert

I mean, who has hours to spend on dessert? Not me! This Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge is ready in minutes (plus chilling time, of course!).

Festive and Flavorful Treat

The white chocolate is sweet and creamy, and the cranberries add that little bit of tartness. It’s like a holiday party in your mouth!

Perfect for Gifting

Wrap this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge up in a cute little box, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift! Everyone loves it!

Ingredients for Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You really don’t need much for this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge, which is why I love it. Here’s what you’ll need:

3 3/4 cups (24oz) white chocolate chips – Trust me, get the good stuff!
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Not evaporated milk, okay?
1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla is my fave, but imitation works too!
1 1/4 cups (6 oz) dried cranberries – If they’re big, give ’em a chop!
Pinch of salt – Just a pinch, to balance the sweetness!
Sparkling sugar sprinkles – Optional, but they make it look so festive!

Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge - detail 1

How to Prepare Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have amazing fudge in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First, you’ll want to line a 9×9 square pan with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment hangs over the sides – this makes it *so* much easier to get the fudge out later!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Now, grab a big bowl and toss in your white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave it for one minute. Then, stir it really well. It might not look totally melted yet, but just keep stirring! If needed, zap it for another 30 seconds or so, until it’s smooth. Careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Add Cranberries and Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and a pinch of salt. Mmm, it already smells amazing, right?

Step 4: Spread and Decorate

Quickly, before it sets, dump the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then, if you’re using them, sprinkle those sparkling sugar sprinkles on top. Press them down a little so they stick!

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Now comes the hardest part: waiting! Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature – this usually takes about 2-3 hours. You can pop it in the fridge to speed things up, if you’re impatient like me. Once it’s firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut it into squares. I like to use a big knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

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Step 6: Store the Fudge

Store your cut fudge in an airtight container, with parchment or wax paper between the layers. This keeps it from sticking together. And that’s it – you’re done!

Tips for the Best Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Okay, wanna make *amazing* fudge? Here are my secrets! First, splurge on good white chocolate. Seriously, it makes a difference! And watch it carefully in the microwave – burnt white chocolate is *not* your friend. Stir, stir, stir! Don’t overheat it! If it seizes up, add a tiny splash of milk and stir like crazy (but honestly, avoid that if you can!). Oh, and don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness perfectly. Trust me on this!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

So, about those ingredients… Let’s say you don’t have *exactly* what I listed. Don’t panic! You can totally tweak this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge. For the cranberries, you could use other dried fruit – cherries would be yummy! As for the vanilla, almond extract is great too, if you like that flavor. Just use a *tiny* bit, it’s strong! And if you’re feeling fancy, a little orange zest adds a nice touch. Have fun with it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things people always ask me about this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Okay, so, technically, you *could*, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Fresh cranberries have a lot more moisture, and your fudge might not set up properly. If you *really* want to try it, cook the cranberries down with a little sugar first to get rid of some of the liquid, and then chop them super fine. But honestly, dried are just easier!

How long does this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge last?
Good question! It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about two weeks, as long as you keep it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll last even longer – up to five weeks! You can even freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped, so it doesn’t get freezer burn. I doubt it’ll last that long, though. It’s usually gone in a flash at my house!

Can I add nuts to this Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be delicious. Just stir them in along with the cranberries. I’d say about 1/2 cup would be perfect. You could also sprinkle some on top with the sparkling sugar for extra flair!

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Storing Your Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

So, you’ve made this amazing Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge… and maybe you have some leftovers (lucky you!). The best way to keep it fresh is in an airtight container, okay? Keep it at room temp for a week or two, or pop it in the fridge for longer. I don’t recommend reheating it, though – fudge is best served cold!

Nutritional Information for Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Okay, a quick note: this is fudge, so it’s not exactly health food! And remember, these are just estimates. It all depends on the exact brands you use!

Ready to Make Your Own Easy White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge?

So, what are you waiting for? Go make some fudge! And hey, if you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Or snap a pic and share it on social media! I’d love to see your creations!