Cranberry Pistachio Fudge Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings dance around this creamy cranberry pistachio fudge that promises pure indulgence.

Festive colors pop against the rich, smooth chocolate base, creating a visual feast.

Bursts of tart cranberries contrast perfectly with the nutty pistachio crunch.

Chocolate lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated dessert that comes together in minutes.

Minimal ingredients hide behind an impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing treat and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Fudge That Looks Fancy, Tastes Better

• Celebrate Festive Flavors: Cranberry Pistachio Fudge bursts with holiday spirit, combining sweet white chocolate with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios for a delightful seasonal treat.
• Super Easy Preparation: No baking required, with simple steps that anyone can master, making this recipe perfect for novice cooks and busy holiday planners who want a impressive dessert.
• Quick No-Fuss Dessert: Minimal ingredients and straightforward technique mean you can whip up this delectable fudge in just a few minutes, leaving more time to enjoy with family and friends.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Pleaser: The stunning color combination and delightful mix of textures make this fudge a guaranteed hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and gift-giving occasions.

Cranberry Pistachio Fudge Pantry Must-Haves

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy base for rich and smooth fudge.
• White Chocolate: Provides sweetness and smooth texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth consistency.

• Pistachios, Cranberries: Adds crunch, color, and festive holiday flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweet flavor profile.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.

Making Cranberry Pistachio Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra paper hangs over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Warm Condensed Milk

Place a large saucepan over medium heat and warm the sweetened condensed milk, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Smooth Chocolate Base

• White chocolate melts completely
• Mixture becomes silky smooth
• No lumps remain

Step 4: Fold in Festive Mix-ins

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped pistachios
• Dried cranberries

Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 5: Set and Chill

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a flat surface. Transfer pan to refrigerator and chill for minimum 2 hours until firm.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove fudge from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Cut into 36 bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy your festive treat.

Fudge Tips That Highlight Cranberry Pistachio Perfection

• Prep Parchment Perfectly: Leave extra parchment paper hanging over the pan edges for super easy fudge removal without any sticky mess.
• Control Heating Carefully: Stir sweetened condensed milk gently over medium heat to prevent scorching and ensure smooth texture.
• Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Keep stirring white chocolate and butter constantly to create a silky, lump-free fudge base with glossy finish.
• Balance Flavor Wisely: Mix cranberries and pistachios evenly throughout the fudge for perfect sweet-tart and nutty crunch in every bite.
• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to set completely, then let sit briefly at room temperature for easier cutting and serving.

How To Keep Cranberry Pistachio Fudge Fresh

• Wrap the fudge pieces individually in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their fresh texture and flavor.
• Layer fudge pieces between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent melting.
• Let fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture.

What Goes with Cranberry Pistachio Fudge

• Pair Creamy White Chocolate with Bold Red Wine: A rich cabernet sauvignon or merlot complements the sweet white chocolate and tart cranberries, creating a delightful flavor harmony that elevates the fudge experience.
• Serve with Sparkling Moscato: The light, bubbly sweetness of moscato wine balances the dense fudge texture and cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Roasted Almond Espresso: A shot of robust espresso alongside roasted almonds highlights the nutty pistachio notes and adds depth to the dessert's sweet profile.
• Combine with Cinnamon Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai tea enhance the holiday feel of the cranberry pistachio fudge, creating a cozy and comforting pairing that feels like a festive embrace.

Pistachio Fudge Flavor Takes

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pistachios with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining a crunchy texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free white chocolate and a sugar-free condensed milk substitute, adding stevia or monk fruit sweetener for balanced sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking white chocolate and condensed milk labels for safe consumption.

FAQs

• Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

No, this recipe specifically requires white chocolate to achieve the creamy texture and sweet flavor. Substituting other chocolate types will change the recipe’s overall taste and consistency.

• Do I need to toast the pistachios before adding them to the fudge?

Toasting is optional but recommended. Toasting pistachios enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer taste to the fudge. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

• How can I tell if the fudge is properly set?

The fudge is ready when it’s completely firm and holds its shape when cut. After refrigerating for 2 hours, it should feel solid and not sticky. If it’s still soft, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes.

• Are the cranberries sweetened or unsweetened?

Use dried cranberries for this recipe. They add a tart and sweet flavor that complements the white chocolate and pistachios. Make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the fudge.

Cranberry Pistachio Fudge Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Creamy holiday Cranberry Pistachio Fudge brings festive cheer with its rich, marble-like swirls of crimson and green. Sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios create a delightful texture that makes this dessert perfect for winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (396 grams) white chocolate, chopped
• 1 (14-ounce / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Optional Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 3/4 cup pistachios, chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8 x 8-inch baking vessel by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless extraction.
2. Gently heat sweetened condensed milk in a spacious saucepan over medium temperature, periodically stirring to prevent scorching.
3. Just before the milk reaches a boiling point, incorporate white chocolate and butter into the warm liquid, continuously whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Carefully remove the saucepan from heat source and introduce vanilla extract, creating a fragrant base.
5. Fold in vibrant crimson cranberries and emerald green pistachios, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
6. Transfer the luxurious fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an impeccably smooth surface.
7. Place the pan in the refrigerator, allowing the confection to solidify and set for a minimum of two hours.
8. After chilling, allow the fudge to rest at ambient temperature for a brief moment to facilitate easier cutting.
9. Slice the fudge into precise, bite-sized squares, revealing the festive mosaic of nuts and berries within.
10. Serve and delight in this elegant holiday treat that marries rich creaminess with fruity and nutty accents.

Notes

• Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate to suit different taste preferences and create unique flavor variations.
• Use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones for a more concentrated sweet-tart burst and easier mixing.
• Toast pistachios lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a more complex taste profile.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent fudge texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Cooling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg