If you’ve got a soft spot for sweet, creamy desserts with a hint of nostalgia, Cherry Garcia Fudge is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate fudge loaded with juicy maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips. Every bite delivers a little cherry tang and a burst of chocolate, making this fudge the life of any party or afternoon treat. Easy enough to whip up in under thirty minutes (plus chilling!), this no-bake wonder is perfect for satisfying cravings or wowing friends with very little effort. Trust me—Cherry Garcia Fudge brings big, irresistible flavor in every square!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Garcia Fudge lies in its simplicity: just a handful of classic ingredients come together to create a truly decadent treat. Each ingredient is carefully chosen, so don’t skip or substitute unless you want to switch up the magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- White Chocolate Chips: The smooth, creamy base for the fudge, delivering that dreamy sweetness and velvety texture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Gives the fudge a luscious, rich consistency while adding sweetness and helping it set perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle richness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth, tying the flavors together beautifully.
- Maraschino Cherries: These offer bright color, bold cherry flavor, and just the right touch of tangy sweetness—make sure they’re well-drained and patted dry!
- Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Dotted throughout and sprinkled on top, these bring the perfect chocolate burst and that classic Cherry Garcia vibe.
How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang for easy fudge removal later. This little step saves you from sticky situations and guarantees clean, beautiful squares every time.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
Combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan set over low heat. Stir constantly as everything gently melts together—patience is key! You’re aiming for a completely smooth, glossy mixture with no lumps of chocolate or butter.
Step 3: Add Vanilla for Flavor
Once your mixture is melted and totally smooth, take it off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition infuses the entire batch with a rich aroma and ties all the sweet flavors together.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Now the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped, well-dried maraschino cherries and almost all of the mini chocolate chips—reserve a handful for sprinkling on top. Mix just enough to distribute everything evenly without over-stirring, which could melt your chocolate chips and turn the fudge muddy.
Step 5: Transfer and Top
Scoop the fudge mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top, lightly pressing them down if needed so they stick.
Step 6: Chill Until Firm
Pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm and set. Letting it chill properly makes it much easier to cut into neat, picture-perfect squares.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment as handles. Cut into small squares—this recipe yields about 36 luscious pieces of Cherry Garcia Fudge. Plate and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in!
How to Serve Cherry Garcia Fudge
Garnishes
Dress up your Cherry Garcia Fudge with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra chocolate chips, or an extra cherry on top of each square for a pop of color. If you want to be really extra, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for a fancy touch.
Side Dishes
Since this fudge is quite sweet and rich, it pairs perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or espresso, or a mug of unsweetened hot cocoa. If you’re serving it at a party, consider balancing the fudge with a fresh fruit platter—think sliced kiwi, pineapple, or strawberries for extra brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cherry Garcia Fudge doesn’t have to be limited to simple squares. Try cutting it into fun shapes with mini cookie cutters, piling small pieces into decorative jars for homemade gifts, or arranging them on a tiered dessert tray for a show-stopping centerpiece. You could even crumble some over vanilla ice cream for a super-indulgent sundae!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cherry Garcia Fudge at its best by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you layer pieces, be sure to separate them with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. This way, the fudge stays fresh, dense, and absolutely delicious for up to one week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Cherry Garcia Fudge beyond the first week, it freezes beautifully! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and they’ll be just as luscious as when you first made them.
Reheating
Fudge is best enjoyed straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer texture, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving—no need to microwave, as this can melt the chocolate and alter the texture!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
You can swap in fresh cherries, but make sure they’re pitted, chopped, and very well-drained—any excess moisture can make the fudge less firm. The maraschino cherries, however, provide that classic sweet flavor and iconic color.
Is it possible to make Cherry Garcia Fudge dairy-free?
With a few tweaks, yes! Use high-quality dairy-free white chocolate chips, a vegan sweetened condensed milk, and a plant-based butter substitute. The taste will be a bit different, but you’ll still get that cherry-chocolate charm.
What if I only have regular-sized chocolate chips?
Regular chips can work in a pinch, but chop them roughly before folding into the fudge. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly and give you that classic Cherry Garcia Fudge experience.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead of an 8×8-inch one. It may need a slightly longer chill time, so be sure to test for firmness before slicing.
Why did my fudge turn out runny?
This usually happens if the cherries aren’t dried well enough or if there’s too much heat while melting. Always thoroughly pat the cherries dry, and keep the stove on low to melt everything slowly and evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet, show-stopping, and a tiny bit nostalgic, there’s just nothing like homemade Cherry Garcia Fudge. Whether you’re gifting, sharing, or just indulging at home, every bite is guaranteed to make your day a little brighter. Go ahead—treat yourself and those you love to one of the easiest, happiest desserts out there!
Print
Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and decadent delight of Cherry Garcia Fudge. This easy-to-make fudge combines creamy white chocolate, cherries, and mini chocolate chips for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Fudge:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Add Cherries and Chocolate: Gently fold in cherries and mini chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Chill: Spread mixture in the prepared pan, sprinkle with reserved chocolate chips, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well-drained and dried to maintain fudge texture.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the white chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
