Luscious Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe: Dreamy Homemade Treat

Decadent chocolate lovers adore this cherry garcia fudge that blends rich, velvety textures with bursts of sweet, tangy cherries.

Each creamy bite carries delightful chunks of chocolate and fruity swirls that dance across your palate.

Ben & jerry’s inspired treats never tasted so incredible at home.

The recipe brings classic ice cream flavors into a luxurious fudge format that melts effortlessly.

Smooth chocolate mingles with bright cherry pieces, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Dessert enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this simple yet stunning confection.

Prepare to transform an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary sweet adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Cherry Garcia Fudge Goodness

• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy foundation that provides smooth, rich texture and delightful sweetness for the fudge.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich, silky consistency and enhances overall sweetness with its thick, luscious nature.
• Butter: Contributes luxurious mouthfeel and helps create a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Cherry-Flavored Gelatin Powder: Intensifies cherry flavor and helps stabilize the fudge's structure.

• Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant, sweet cherries that provide bursts of color and signature fruity flavor throughout the fudge.

Note: Choose bright red, plump cherries and drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Creates delightful chocolate pockets and adds extra richness to complement the cherry flavor.

Tip: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best melting and flavor integration.

Tools to Swirl Chocolate and Cherry Just Right

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for melting ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Spatula: Flexible tool for mixing and spreading fudge mixture perfectly.
• Cutting board: Flat surface for slicing fudge into neat squares.
• Sharp knife: To cut fudge into precise pieces.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Essential for creating the fudge base.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Paper towels: Used for draining and drying cherries.
• Measuring cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge at Home

• Chop Cherry Clusters

Grab those vibrant maraschino cherries and slice them into tiny pieces. Pat the cherry bits dry with paper towels to keep your fudge from turning into a soggy mess.

• Create Creamy Base

Melt white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan over gentle heat. Stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth liquid.

• Mix Delightful Ingredients

Pull the pan off the heat and fold in chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips. Mix gently to keep those chocolate bits from melting completely.

• Spread Sweet Canvas

Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Pour your fudge mixture and smooth it out evenly with a spatula.

• Decorate Tempting Top

Sprinkle remaining cherry pieces and chocolate chips across the surface. Press them lightly so they nestle into the creamy fudge.

• Chill and Set

Let the fudge cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 hours until firm and perfect.

• Slice and Indulge

Lift the fudge out using parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and slice into delectable squares. Enjoy your homemade Cherry Garcia Fudge!

Tricks That Elevate Every Bite of Fudge

• Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent watery texture in your fudge, ensuring a firm, delightful treat.
• Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Enhance the cherry taste by adding a splash of almond extract or kirsch liqueur for a more sophisticated adult dessert that tingles taste buds.
• Keep fudge fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer preservation without losing its creamy texture.
• For extra smoothness, let the fudge sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften slightly and melt luxuriously on the tongue.

Ways to Serve Fudge for Dessert Tables

• Sweet Party Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a decorative platter with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for a stunning dessert presentation.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine like port or moscato to enhance the cherry and chocolate flavors.
• Ice Cream Companion: Crumble fudge pieces over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra decadent dessert topping.
• Coffee Break Treat: Pair with a hot espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and create a delightful afternoon indulgence.

Keep Cherry Garcia Fudge Sweet and Solid

• Refrigerate the fudge in a sealed container to maintain its firm texture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Separate layers with wax paper to keep pieces from sticking together.
• Wrap individual fudge squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge remains delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Store at cool room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent melting or texture changes.
• Remove fudge from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the rich flavors and creamy texture to shine. Slice with a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean, precise cuts.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

No, fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will make the fudge soggy. Maraschino cherries work best because they are drier and have a concentrated sweet flavor.

• Why do I need to press the cherries with paper towels?

Removing excess moisture prevents the fudge from becoming watery or soft. The paper towels help absorb extra liquid, ensuring a firm and creamy fudge texture.

• Is the cherry-flavored gelatin powder necessary?

The gelatin powder is optional but recommended. It enhances the cherry flavor and helps stabilize the fudge, giving it a more intense taste and smoother consistency.

• How long can I store this Cherry Garcia Fudge?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge will stay fresh for up to 7-10 days. For best quality, keep it chilled and separate layers with parchment paper.