Creamy Cherry Fudge Recipe

The Dreamiest Creamy Cherry Fudge Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting a delectable cherry fudge brings pure joy to dessert enthusiasts looking for something extraordinary.

Sweet cherries dance through rich, velvety chocolate creating an irresistible treat.

Smooth textures meld with intense fruity notes in every decadent bite.

Chocolate lovers will adore this luxurious confection that balances tart cherry essence with deep cocoa undertones.

Home bakers can easily master this delightful recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

Kitchen magic happens when fresh cherries blend seamlessly into classic fudge techniques.

Each silky square promises a moment of pure indulgence that you won’t want to miss.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable sweet sensation.

Creamy Cherry Fudge That Melts On The First Bite

  • Family-Friendly Treat: Offers a sweet experience that appeals to both kids and adults, with soft cherries and creamy texture creating a universally loved dessert that brings everyone together.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple variations like adding different nuts or adjusting extract flavors, giving bakers creative freedom to personalize their fudge according to taste preferences.
  • Minimal Equipment Needed: Requires just a saucepan, spatula, and baking dish, making this recipe accessible for home cooks with basic kitchen tools and minimal culinary experience.

Cherry Fudge Creamy Base Mix

Base Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate Chips: Rich, creamy base for smooth fudge texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Almond Extract: Adds subtle, sophisticated nutty flavor to complement chocolate.
  • Cherries: Fresh or dried fruit that brings vibrant color and sweet-tart taste.
  • Nuts: Optional ingredient for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Preparation Support:
  • Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.
  • Spatula: Helps spread mixture evenly in baking dish.

Creamy Cherry Fudge Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the edges hang over the sides.

This clever trick will help you smoothly lift out the finished fudge later.

Press the paper into the corners to create a perfect fit.

Step 2: Create a Silky Chocolate Base

Grab a medium saucepan and combine:
  • White chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk

Melt these ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly.

Watch the mixture transform into a glossy, smooth blend that looks like pure silk.

Keep the heat gentle to prevent burning.

Step 3: Enhance the Flavor Profile

Remove the pan from heat and stir in almond extract for an extra flavor boost.

Gently fold in:
  • Chopped fresh cherries
  • Chopped nuts (optional)

Mix until the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Freeze the Fudge Magic

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth top.

Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours.

The fudge needs time to set and become firm.

Step 5: Slice and Serve Your Creation

Once the fudge is completely set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper edges.

Place on a cutting board and slice into small, bite-sized squares.

Arrange on a serving plate and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Cherry Fudge Tips For Creamy Results

  • Choose fresh or dried cherries based on seasonal availability and personal preference. Chop them finely for even distribution throughout the fudge.
  • Use non-stick parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the fudge from the pan.
  • Substitute almond extract with vanilla or add a splash of cherry liqueur for an adult twist on the classic recipe.
  • Use dark or milk white chocolate chips to adjust the overall sweetness level of the fudge. Lower-sugar options work well for those watching their sugar intake.
  • Toast nuts before adding them to create a deeper, richer flavor and provide a delightful crunch in each bite of the creamy fudge.

Creamy Cherry Fudge: How to Store with Ease

  • Store the cherry fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual fudge squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Allow pieces to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Always use clean, dry utensils when handling fudge to maintain its quality and prevent moisture from affecting the texture.

Creamy Ideas For Cherry Fudge

  • Pair with Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a sweet, rich port or moscato that complements the creamy cherry fudge's luxurious texture and enhances the fruity cherry notes.
  • Match with Contrasting Coffee: Brew a bold espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the fudge's sweetness and provide a robust counterpoint to the smooth chocolate.
  • Serve Alongside Nutty Accompaniment: Place a handful of roasted almonds or pistachios next to the fudge to add a crunchy texture and nutty depth that balances the creamy dessert.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Raspberry Drink: Pour a chilled raspberry lambic or sparkling rosé to echo the cherry flavors and introduce a light, effervescent element to the rich fudge.

Cherry Fudge with Creamy Textures

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Nutty Crunch: Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Berry Blast: Substitute cherries with dried cranberries or blueberries for a tangy alternative that adds vibrant color.
  • Keto-Friendly Fix: Use sugar-free white chocolate chips, replace condensed milk with heavy cream and powdered erythritol, and reduce cherry quantity for a low-carb option.

FAQs

  • What kind of chocolate works best for this fudge?

White chocolate chips are ideal, as they provide the smooth, creamy base for this recipe. Ensure you use high-quality chips that melt easily and create a rich texture.

  • Can I make this fudge without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are optional, so you can skip them entirely or substitute with another mix-in like dried fruit or coconut if you prefer. The recipe is flexible and works well with or without nuts.

  • How do I know when the fudge is properly set?

The fudge is ready when it’s firm to the touch and holds its shape when you lift the parchment paper. Typically, 2 hours in the refrigerator is sufficient, but you can leave it longer if needed.

  • Is the almond extract necessary?

The almond extract is optional but adds a delightful depth of flavor that complements the cherries. If you don’t have it or don’t like almond flavor, you can omit it without affecting the overall recipe.

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Creamy Cherry Fudge Recipe

Creamy Cherry Fudge Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Creamy Cherry Fudge brings Italian dessert charm to homemade confections with rich, velvety texture and sweet cherry notes. Bold flavors dance together, promising delightful moments of pure chocolate-cherry bliss for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups / 525 grams white chocolate chips
  • 1 can / 14 ounces / 396 grams sweetened condensed milk

Fruit Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup / 120 grams maraschino cherries, chopped and drained

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup / 60 grams chopped nuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a foundational workspace by carefully lining an 8×8-inch baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for convenient extraction.
  2. Create a silky base by merging white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan, gently warming over low temperature while consistently stirring until achieving a uniform, glossy consistency.
  3. Remove the melted chocolate mixture from heat source and incorporate almond extract, blending thoroughly to enhance aromatic depth.
  4. Delicately integrate chopped cherries and optional nutty elements into the chocolate foundation, folding with precision to distribute ingredients evenly without compromising structural integrity.
  5. Transfer the luxurious mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan, utilizing a smooth spatula to establish a level surface and eliminate potential air pockets.
  6. Allow the fudge to set by placing in refrigeration for a minimum of two hours, permitting complete solidification and flavor melding.
  7. Once the confection has reached optimal firmness, extract from refrigeration and utilize parchment paper handles to lift entire block from pan.
  8. Execute precise cutting techniques, transforming the consolidated block into petite, elegant squares ready for indulgent consumption.

Notes

  • Swap white chocolate for dairy-free alternatives like coconut-based white chocolate chips to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Prevent burning by melting chocolate using a double boiler method, ensuring low and slow heat distribution.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by roasting nuts briefly before adding them to the fudge, which intensifies their natural oils and creates deeper taste notes.
  • Reduce sweetness by using dark cherries or tart cherry varieties, balancing the rich white chocolate base with a subtle tangy undertone.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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