Cranberry Cashew Fudge: The Perfect Holiday Treat

Fudge is a classic confection, especially around the holidays. But let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a little… boring. That’s where this Cranberry Cashew Fudge comes in! It’s not your grandma’s plain chocolate fudge. This recipe elevates the traditional treat with the bright, tartness of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of cashews. The result? A creamy, decadent fudge that’s both festive and utterly irresistible. This is sure to be a showstopper on your holiday dessert platter.

Forget complicated candy-making processes and thermometers. This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, perfect for both experienced bakers and novices alike. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a stunning and delicious fudge that everyone will rave about.

This Cranberry Cashew Fudge is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a delightful experience. The combination of flavors and textures creates a symphony in your mouth, making it a perfect dessert for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a little self-care during the busy holiday season.

## Why This Cranberry Cashew Fudge is a Must-Try:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The tart cranberries perfectly complement the sweetness of the fudge and the buttery cashews, creating a well-balanced and incredibly flavorful dessert.
* **Textural Delight:** The smooth, creamy fudge is punctuated by the chewy bursts of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of cashews, making each bite an adventure.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires no candy thermometer and can be made in a few simple steps. Perfect for busy holiday schedules!
* **Festive and Beautiful:** The vibrant red cranberries and creamy white fudge create a visually stunning treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Fudge can be made several days in advance, making it a great option for holiday entertaining.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences by using different nuts, adding extracts, or drizzling with chocolate.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before you start, gather your ingredients. This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **3 cups (360g) White Chocolate Chips:** Use good quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. Ghirardelli or Guittard are excellent choices. Avoid generic brands, as they often contain more stabilizers and less cocoa butter, which can affect the fudge’s consistency.
* **1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk:** This is the key ingredient for creating the fudge’s creamy texture. Make sure it’s sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk.
* **1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor to the fudge. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the fudge. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
* **1/2 cup Dried Cranberries:** Dried cranberries provide a tart and chewy element. Look for cranberries that are plump and moist, not hard and dry. You can also use sweetened dried cranberries or tart dried cranberries depending on your preference. If using very tart cranberries, you might want to add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to the fudge mixture to balance the flavor.
* **1 cup Roasted Cashews, Roughly Chopped:** Roasted cashews provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. You can use salted or unsalted cashews, depending on your preference. If using salted cashews, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe (if any).
* **Pinch of Salt (optional):** A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness of the fudge. Only add this if you’re using unsalted cashews.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Coarse sea salt, extra cranberries, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for decoration.

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* **8×8 inch Baking Pan:** A square baking pan is ideal for creating even fudge squares. You can also use a 9×13 inch pan for a thinner fudge.
* **Parchment Paper:** Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the fudge and prevents it from sticking.
* **Microwave-Safe Bowl:** A microwave-safe bowl is needed for melting the chocolate and butter.
* **Rubber Spatula:** A rubber spatula is essential for stirring the fudge mixture and ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** Accurate measurements are important for ensuring the fudge turns out perfectly.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Cranberry Cashew Fudge!

**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan**

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set. Make sure the parchment paper fits snugly into the corners of the pan to create clean edges.

**Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter**

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

**Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract**

Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if using). Mix well to combine.

**Step 4: Incorporate Cranberries and Cashews**

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped cashews into the melted chocolate mixture. Make sure the cranberries and cashews are evenly distributed throughout the fudge.

**Step 5: Pour into the Baking Pan**

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the fudge evenly and smooth the top. If you want to add any additional toppings, such as coarse sea salt or extra cranberries, now is the time to do so.

**Step 6: Chill the Fudge**

Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and set. This is a crucial step for achieving the right consistency.

**Step 7: Cut and Serve**

Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the fudge on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but I usually cut them into 1-inch squares.

**Step 8: Enjoy!**

Serve the Cranberry Cashew Fudge and enjoy! Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

## Tips for Perfect Cranberry Cashew Fudge:

* **Use Good Quality White Chocolate:** As mentioned earlier, the quality of your white chocolate will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the fudge. Invest in a good brand for the best results.
* **Don’t Overheat the Chocolate:** Overheating the chocolate can cause it to seize up and become grainy. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent this.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference:** If you prefer a less sweet fudge, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly or use tart dried cranberries.
* **Customize with Different Nuts and Extracts:** Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. You can also add a different extract, such as almond extract or peppermint extract, to change the flavor profile.
* **Add a Chocolate Drizzle:** For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle the fudge with melted dark chocolate or milk chocolate before it sets.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan white chocolate chips, vegan butter, and a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative to make this fudge vegan.
* **For a Smoother Fudge:** Ensure the butter is fully melted and incorporated before adding other ingredients. Avoid over-stirring after adding the cranberries and cashews.
* **Prevent Sticking:** Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray for extra insurance against sticking.
* **Neat Cutting:** Use a warm, clean knife to cut the fudge into squares for clean, even edges. You can run the knife under hot water and dry it before each cut.

## Variations on the Recipe:

* **Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cashew Fudge:** Replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
* **Peppermint Cranberry Cashew Fudge:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the fudge mixture for a festive holiday treat.
* **Orange Cranberry Cashew Fudge:** Add the zest of one orange to the fudge mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Cranberry Cashew Fudge:** Substitute 1/4 cup of the sweetened condensed milk with maple syrup for a warm, autumnal flavor.
* **Salted Caramel Cranberry Cashew Fudge:** Drizzle the fudge with salted caramel sauce before it sets for a sweet and salty treat.
* **White Chocolate Raspberry Fudge:** Substitute dried cranberries with dried raspberries for a different flavor profile.
* **Cranberry Pistachio Fudge:** Replace cashews with pistachios for a visually appealing and flavorful variation.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Cranberry Cashew Fudge is perfect for:

* **Holiday Dessert Platters:** Add it to your holiday dessert platter for a festive and delicious treat.
* **Gifting:** Package the fudge in a decorative tin or box and give it as a gift to friends and family.
* **Parties:** Serve it at your next party for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
* **After-Dinner Treat:** Enjoy a square or two after dinner with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **A Sweet Snack:** Indulge in a piece of fudge whenever you’re craving something sweet.

## Storage Instructions:

Store the Cranberry Cashew Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the fudge in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Nutritional Information (per serving):

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 20-50mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 2-3g

## FAQs:

**Q: Can I use different types of nuts?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the cashews with other nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure they are roasted for the best flavor.

**Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?**
A: I don’t recommend using fresh cranberries, as they contain too much moisture and can make the fudge too soft. Dried cranberries are the best choice for this recipe.

**Q: Can I add other toppings to the fudge?**
A: Yes! Get creative with your toppings. Consider adding chopped pretzels, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

**Q: My fudge is too soft. What did I do wrong?**
A: The most common cause of soft fudge is not chilling it long enough. Make sure to chill the fudge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until it’s firm. You may also have overheated the chocolate or not used enough white chocolate.

**Q: My fudge is too hard. What did I do wrong?**
A: Overcooking the chocolate or using too much white chocolate can result in hard fudge. Make sure to microwave the chocolate in short intervals and stir frequently to prevent overheating.

**Q: Can I double the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Simply double all of the ingredients and use a 9×13 inch baking pan.

**Q: Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?**
A: No, do not use evaporated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the recipe and creates the creamy fudge consistency. Evaporated milk will not work as a substitute.

## Conclusion:

This Cranberry Cashew Fudge is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving something sweet. The combination of tart cranberries, crunchy cashews, and creamy white chocolate is simply irresistible. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a stunning and delicious fudge that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this festive and flavorful dessert! Enjoy!