Sweet Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe: A Chocolatey Dream Treat

Rich, creamy chocolate swirls meet the beloved cherry garcia ice cream flavor in this decadent fudge recipe.

Sweet cherries and smooth chocolate create a match made in dessert heaven.

Every bite bursts with nostalgic flavor and delightful texture.

The combination of dark chocolate and tart cherries makes this fudge irresistibly indulgent.

Small batches come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

Chocolate lovers and ice cream enthusiasts will adore this delightful treat that captures the essence of the classic flavor.

Dive into this mouthwatering dessert that promises to satisfy your sweetest cravings.

What You’ll Need To Make Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Medium saucepan: Essential for melting base ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding cherries and chocolate chips, spreading fudge evenly.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal size for creating uniform fudge layer.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy fudge removal and clean cutting.
• Paper towels: Helps drain and dry maraschino cherries effectively.
• Cutting board: Great for slicing fudge into neat squares.
• Knife: Needed for precise fudge cutting.

Cherry Garcia Fudge Easy-To-Follow Instructions

• Cherry Preparation

Pat maraschino cherries dry using paper towels and chop into tiny bits. Removing excess moisture ensures a perfect fudge texture.

• Chocolate Melting Magic

Combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until everything melts into a silky smooth mixture.

• Flavor Fusion

Take the pan off heat and gently fold chopped cherries and chocolate chips into the creamy base. Mix carefully to keep chocolate chips intact and create beautiful swirls.

• Pan Setup

Pour the luscious mixture into a lined baking pan. Spread evenly with a spatula, creating a smooth surface that looks like a delectable canvas.

• Gorgeous Garnish

Scatter remaining cherry pieces and chocolate chips across the top. Press them lightly so they nestle into the fudge, creating an irresistible visual appeal.

• Cooling and Setting

Let the fudge rest at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours until firm and sliceable. Patience rewards you with perfect squares.

• Serving Delight

Lift the fudge from the pan using parchment paper edges. Slice into bite-sized pieces that reveal beautiful cherry and chocolate specks. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Creative Ideas For Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Cherry-Picking Perfection: Pro Tips and Twists for Delightful Fudge
• Moisture Management Magic: Pat those maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent soggy fudge. The drier the cherries, the firmer and more luxurious your final texture will be.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use dairy-free white chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on creamy decadence.
• Boozy Cherry Upgrade: Soak chopped cherries in kirsch or cherry liqueur for 30 minutes before adding to the fudge, creating an adult-friendly treat with sophisticated flavor complexity.
• Nutty Novelty: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top for added crunch and a delightful textural contrast that complements the smooth fudge base.
• Gluten-Free Guarantee: Ensure all ingredients, particularly gelatin and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions, making this indulgent dessert accessible to everyone.

Serving Cherry Garcia Fudge With Style

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange fudge squares on a decorative tray with fresh cherries and chocolate shavings for a stunning dessert centerpiece that will impress guests at gatherings.
• Sweet Gifting Delight: Wrap individual fudge pieces in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and create homemade gift packages perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or pair with a rich espresso to enhance the cherry-chocolate flavor profile and create a delightful taste experience.
• Breakfast Surprise Twist: Crumble small pieces over morning yogurt or pancakes for an indulgent breakfast treat that adds a touch of decadent sweetness to your morning routine.

Cherry Garcia Fudge Storage Tips And Advice

• Tasty Refrigeration Strategy: Keep fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Magic Technique: Wrap individual fudge pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen fudge maintains quality for 3 months, perfect for sweet emergency stashes.
• Room Temperature Tips: Allow fudge to soften slightly at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, which enhances texture and releases deeper flavor notes.
• Smart Portioning Hack: Cut fudge into bite-sized pieces before storing, making it easier to grab a quick treat without thawing the entire batch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 397 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients You’ll Find In Cherry Garcia Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: Creamy foundation that melts smoothly and provides rich sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luxurious texture and helps bind ingredients together.
• Butter: Enhances richness and provides smooth consistency.
• Cherry-Flavored Gelatin Powder: Boosts cherry flavor and helps stabilize fudge structure.

• Maraschino Cherries: Vibrant bursts of fruity flavor with classic sweet-tart profile.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Delightful chocolate chunks that complement cherry sweetness.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.
• Paper Towels: Essential for removing excess moisture from cherries to maintain ideal fudge texture.

Dreamy Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Rich cherry garcia fudge blends sweet cherries and chocolate in a creamy dessert inspired by the classic ice cream flavor. Chocolate lovers will savor this indulgent treat that brings Italian gelato magic to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (540 g / 19 oz) white chocolate chips
• 2 ½ cups (457 g / 16 oz) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 ½ cups (485 g / 17 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tbsps (58 g / 2 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps cherry-flavored gelatin powder

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Mince maraschino cherries into delicate fragments, then gently blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a pristine fudge texture.
2. Melting Phase: In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and optional cherry-flavored gelatin. Gently heat while stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy liquid.
3. Ingredient Integration: Remove from heat and carefully fold in two-thirds of the chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution throughout the molten base.
4. Pan Setup: Line a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, extending edges for easy removal. Pour the fudge mixture, using a flexible spatula to create a perfectly leveled surface.
5. Garnishing: Artfully scatter remaining cherry pieces and chocolate chips across the top, gently pressing to anchor them into the fudge’s surface.
6. Setting Process: Let the confection rest at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of four hours until the fudge achieves a firm, sliceable consistency.
7. Final Presentation: Extract the set fudge using parchment paper handles, transfer to a cutting surface, and slice into precise, uniform squares. Serve chilled or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

• Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Press maraschino cherries between paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing watery fudge and maintaining perfect texture.
• Manage Heat Carefully: Melt chocolate and ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Fold Gently: Incorporate mix-ins like cherries and chocolate chips with light, careful folding to preserve their shape and distribute evenly throughout the fudge.
• Chill Completely: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to achieve firm, clean-cutting texture; allows flavors to meld and fudge to set properly for ideal serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 397
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 89 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg