30-Minute Easy Cherry Vanilla Fudge

Prep: 15 minCook: 10 min64 servingsmediumAmerican
Easy Cherry Vanilla Fudge with White Chocolate and Marshmallow

Creamy white chocolate fudge studded with candied cherries and swirled with vanilla pudding creates an indulgent treat perfect for holidays or special occasions. The combination of marshmallow fluff and heavy cream produces an exceptionally smooth texture, while the candied cherries add bursts of sweet-tart flavor and festive color. The decorative candy melt drizzle and sprinkles make this fudge as beautiful as it is delicious, ideal for gift-giving or dessert tables.

VegetarianGluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

64 servings
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 box JELLO Vanilla Instant Pudding, 3.4 oz
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips
    milk chocolate chips1:1preferenceadds dairy

    changes color and flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 7 oz marshmallow fluff
    mini marshmallows1:1 by weightavailability

    may need longer melting

    Full guide →
  • 8 oz candied cherries
    dried cranberries1:1dietary

    sweeter flavor

  • sprinkles(optional)
  • ¼ cup Wilton Candy Melts, red and white each(optional)
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper

  2. 2

    Bring sugar, butter, salt and whipping cream to a hard boil over medium-high heat

  3. 3

    Cut cherries in half and set aside

  4. 4

    Place pudding mix, chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff in a large bowl

  5. 5

    Stir sugar mixture constantly once it comes to a boil and boil for 4 minutes

  6. 6

    Pour hot sugar mixture over pudding mixture

  7. 7

    Stir with wooden spoon until chocolate chips are completely melted

  8. 8

    Fold cherries into fudge mixture

  9. 9

    Pour fudge into prepared pan

  10. 10

    Sprinkle with sprinkles if using

  11. 11

    Refrigerate until hardened, about 3 hours or overnight

  12. 12

    Cut into 64 pieces

  13. 13

    Place candy melts in separate sandwich bags and microwave about 60 seconds each

  14. 14

    Trim corner of bags and drizzle red candy melts over fudge

  15. 15

    Repeat with white candy melts

  16. 16

    Sprinkle with additional sprinkles if desired

Tips

Tip 1

Cut cherries in half before folding into fudge to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks

Tip 2

Stir constantly while boiling sugar mixture to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture

Tip 3

Allow fudge to set completely in refrigerator before cutting for clean, sharp edges

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored covered

Serve With

Cut into small squares and serve at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Stir constantly while boiling to avoid burning sugar mixture

Watch

Let fudge set completely before cutting to avoid crumbling

Watch

Use parchment paper for easy removal from pan

Substitutions

candied cherries→
dried cranberries1:1dietary

sweeter flavor

Full guide →
white chocolate chips→
milk chocolate chips1:1preferenceadds dairy

changes color and flavor profile

Full guide →
marshmallow fluff→
mini marshmallows1:1 by weightavailability

may need longer melting

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied?

Fresh cherries will add too much moisture and prevent proper setting. Dried cherries work better than fresh, but candied cherries provide the best texture and sweetness balance for fudge.

What if my fudge won't set properly?

Ensure you boiled the sugar mixture for the full 4 minutes at a hard boil. If still soft after overnight chilling, the mixture may not have reached proper temperature. Refrigerate longer or remake with precise timing.

How long will this fudge keep?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this fudge stays fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.