Easy Cherry Fudge
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cherry Fudge is one of the easiest dessert recipes you can make for Valentine’s Day. It’s smooth, creamy, and loaded with bits of maraschino cherries. You will love it!
Fudge is always a fantastic alternative to candy and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there isn’t a more delicious and easy option than this Cherry Fudge recipe! Its smooth and creamy texture loaded with bits of juicy sweet maraschino cherries will convert even those who normally don’t opt for such a sweet treat!
Keep your fudge simple or dress it up by topping it with cute Valentine’s-themed sprinkles. Serve it to your loved ones or friends, otherwise gift it by stacking pieces of the cherry vanilla fudge in cello bags with decorative ribbon and gift tags.
This easy cherry fudge makes the perfect sweet treat for any sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients for Cherry Fudge + Notes
- Sweetened condensed milk | Don’t substitute this for evaporated milk – they are not the same products. I do not recommend the fat free sweetened condensed milk for this recipe
- White Chocolate | White chocolate chips or White Candy Melts can also be used (and tend to melt easier) although white chocolate with cocoa butter will always taste superior and therefore adds to the taste of your Cherry Fudge.
- Mini marshmallows | You can cut larger marshmallows into smaller pieces if you don’t have mini marshmallows. You could also substitute marshmallow cream in this white chocolate cherry fudge.
- Maraschino cherries (well drained and finely chopped) | The brand doesn’t matter. You can also use candied cherries for this fudge recipe.
- Pink gel food coloring | Gel food coloring is much better to use than the liquid kind.
- Optional sprinkles | Choose some cute Valentine’s sprinkles for this fudge. Sanding sugar would also work well!
Instructions to Make Cherry Fudge
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, give a quick spray with cooking oil.
- Combine 3 cups of white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently. Fully melt the ingredients in the saucepan. It will take about 10 minutes.
- Add the pink food coloring. Stir until incorporated. Add the chopped cherries and stir well.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, microwave 1/3 cup of white chocolate at 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle over the fudge, then use a knife to create patterns. Add sprinkles on top.
- Place the pan in the fridge for about 3 hours, or overnight. Then cut into the fudge pieces.
Can This Cherry Fudge Be Made In The Microwave?
Yes, it can! Simply combine the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe dish and set the microwave to 50% of its highest setting. Heat for 30 second intervals, 5-6 times, stirring the ingredients at each interval until everything is melted and of a smooth consistency.
Then follow steps 3 -6 of the recipe instructions.
How Should I Store this Cherry Fudge?
Like most fudge recipes, this Cherry Fudge can be stored in an airtight container somewhere cool and dry and should last for 2 weeks or place in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life by an additional 2 weeks since the fridge will slow the cherries from weeping.
Can You Freeze Fudge?
Yes. This fudge should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap when stored in the freezer to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to 3 months, making it a fantastic treat to make in advance.
Cherry Fudge Variations
Fudge is definitely one of those recipes that can be easily adapted. Here are some great ways to vary this white chocolate cherry fudge:
- Add in your favorite nuts, chopped.
- Include almond extract (about ½ teaspoon) for a cherry almond flavor combination.
- Leave out the food coloring and call it Cherry Vanilla Fudge.
- Add 2 tablespoons of dark rum or 1 tablespoon of rum extract for an adult fudge version.
- Incorporate green candy bits as well as green food coloring for a Saint Patrick’s day fudge or a Christmas Grinch fudge!
- Use pastel sanding sugar to decorate your cherry fudge to create a unicorn-theme fudge.
Tips For Making Cherry Fudge
- Dry your cherries with a paper towel as well as you can before adding them to the other ingredients otherwise the cherries will “weep.”
- Add ½ -1 teaspoon cherry extract to this cherry fudge for an additional burst of cherry flavor.
- Avoid using a fat-free or low-fat sweetened condensed milk otherwise the consistency of the fudge will be affected and your fudge won’t taste as rich and creamy.
- If you want your fudge to be firmer while still creamy, sift a quarter cup of flour in while melting the chocolate.
- Choose your size pan depending on how thick you like your cherry vanilla fudge pieces to be. For thicker pieces, use a smaller pan, and for thinner pieces, use a larger pan.
More Decadent Fudge Recipes You’ll Love!
If you try this recipe, please come back and leave a STAR rating in the recipe card below. I love your feedback!
Connect with me on social media by following me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. (use #scatteredmomrecipes)
Print
Easy Cherry Fudge
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Fudge is one of the easiest dessert recipes you can make for Valentine’s Day. It’s smooth, creamy, and loaded with bits of maraschino cherries.
Ingredients
- 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 1/3 cups white chocolate chips (divided)
- 1/3 cup mini marshmallows (If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use kitchen shears to snip large marshmallows into pieces)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, well drained and finely chopped
- pink gel food coloring
- optional sprinkles
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, give a quick spray with cooking oil.
- Combine 3 cups of white chocolate chips, marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently. Fully melt the ingredients in the saucepan. It will take about 10 minutes.
- Add the pink food coloring. Stir until incorporated.
- Remove from heat. Add the chopped cherries and stir well.
- Pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, microwave 1/3 cup of white chocolate at 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle over the fudge, then use a knife to create patterns. Add sprinkles on top.
- Place the pan in the fridge for about 3 hours, or overnight. Then cut into the fudge pieces.
Notes
*if you prefer a firmer fudge, you can mix in a 1/4th cup of flour in with the white chocolate.
Don't miss any more posts!
