Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe Dreamiest Chocolate Treat

Sweet memories of summer nights dance through this cherry garcia fudge creation that captures pure ice cream magic.

Ben and jerry’s classic flavor inspired my kitchen adventure with rich chocolate and juicy cherries.

Dark chocolate mingles with creamy base ingredients, creating unexpected layers of deliciousness.

Chunks of sweet cherries peek through the smooth fudge landscape, tempting every chocolate lover’s imagination.

Unexpected texture and deep flavor profiles make this dessert a true culinary surprise.

My grandmother’s love for decadent treats sparked this delightful recipe experiment.

Watching friends devour each silky bite will make you the star of any gathering.

Ingredients for Cherry Garcia Fudge

• White Chocolate Chips: Rich, creamy base that provides smooth texture and sweet foundation for the fudge.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Helps bind ingredients and creates rich, smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky texture.

• Maraschino Cherries: Signature fruity flavor and vibrant color, classic to Cherry Garcia style.
• Cherry-Flavored Gelatin Powder: Boosts cherry flavor and helps set the fudge.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Classic chocolate chunks that mimic original ice cream flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of fudge.
• Paper Towels: Used to drain and dry cherries for optimal texture.

How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Cherries

Drain maraschino cherries completely. Chop cherries into tiny bits. Spread chopped cherries between paper towel layers. Press gently to remove extra liquid. This keeps fudge firm and prevents soggy texture.

Step 2: Craft Fudge Base

• White chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Unsalted butter
• Cherry-flavored gelatin powder (optional)

Stir mixture continuously until everything melts smoothly and blends perfectly.

Step 3: Mix Cherry and Chocolate Elements

• Chopped cherries
• Mini chocolate chips

Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Avoid aggressive stirring to prevent chocolate chip melting.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Pan

Line 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Allow paper edges to hang over pan sides for easy removal. Pour fudge mixture into pan. Spread smoothly using spatula.

Step 5: Decorate Fudge Surface

• Chopped cherries
• Mini chocolate chips

Lightly press toppings into fudge surface so they stick.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Let fudge cool at room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours until completely solid.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy

Lift fudge from pan using parchment paper edges. Place on cutting board. Slice into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Balancing Cherry and Chocolate Flavors

• Drain Cherries Thoroughly: Pat maraschino cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from making the fudge soggy and ensure a perfect texture.
• Control Melting Temperature: Use low, steady heat when melting chocolate and ingredients to avoid burning or separating, creating a smooth, creamy fudge base.
• Fold Gently with Precision: Mix chocolate chips and cherries carefully to maintain distinct textures and prevent unwanted melting, keeping the fudge's visual appeal intact.
• Refrigerate for Perfect Set: Allow minimum 4 hours of chilling time to guarantee firm, sliceable fudge that holds its shape and delivers maximum flavor intensity.
• Customize Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different chocolate chip types like dark or milk chocolate to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.

Storing Cherry Garcia Fudge Without Mess

• Store the fudge in a sealed container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Wrap individual fudge pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining texture and taste.
• Transfer frozen fudge to the refrigerator and let it slowly defrost overnight. This method prevents condensation and preserves the smooth, creamy consistency.
• Remove fudge from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to slightly soften and enhance its rich, creamy texture.

Tasty Pairings for Cherry Garcia Fudge Squares

• Enhance the rich chocolate and cherry flavors with a robust, smooth chocolate stout that complements the fudge's decadent profile.
• Complement the cherry garcia fudge with a classic vanilla bean ice cream, creating a harmonious balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy notes.
• Elevate the dessert experience by pairing with a light, crisp almond-infused champagne that cuts through the fudge's richness and highlights its fruity undertones.
• Pour a small glass of cherry liqueur alongside the fudge to intensify the cherry flavor and provide a sophisticated alcoholic contrast.

Flavor Variants for Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace white chocolate chips with dairy-free chocolate chips, use coconut condensed milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients like gelatin and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free condensed milk alternative, and use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the classic Cherry Garcia taste.
• Nutty Chocolate Cherry Version: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios on top of the fudge before chilling, adding a crunchy texture and complementing the cherry and chocolate flavors.

Cherry Garcia Fudge With Rich Chocolate and Cherries

• Easily create gourmet-style fudge with minimal cooking skills, requiring just basic melting and mixing techniques that anyone can master in under 30 minutes.
• Skip complicated oven steps and enjoy a delicious dessert that sets perfectly in the refrigerator, making it stress-free for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Capture the beloved ice cream taste with a decadent fudge version that combines sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and creamy texture, guaranteed to impress family and friends at gatherings.
• Prepare this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or unexpected sweet cravings without last-minute cooking stress.

Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry garcia fudge brings Italian-inspired indulgence straight to dessert lovers’ hearts. Rich chocolate mingles with luscious cherries, creating a smooth, creamy treat that melts perfectly on your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (540g) white chocolate chips
• 2 ½ cups (485g) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 2 ½ cups (457g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tablespoons (58g) unsalted butter

Flavor Enhancer:

• 2 tablespoons cherry-flavored gelatin powder (optional, for enhanced cherry flavor)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly drain maraschino cherries and dice them meticulously, eliminating excess liquid by gently pressing between paper towel layers to ensure optimal fudge consistency.
2. Select a medium saucepan and combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cherry-flavored gelatin powder over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform liquid.
3. Extract the saucepan from heat source and delicately incorporate chopped cherries and mini chocolate chips, folding gently to distribute ingredients evenly without causing excessive chocolate melting.
4. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper, creating convenient overhanging edges for effortless removal, then cascade the fudge mixture into the pan, utilizing a spatula to achieve a smooth, level surface.
5. Artfully scatter remaining cherry pieces and chocolate chips across the fudge’s surface, tenderly pressing them to establish a secure connection with the base layer.
6. Allow the fudge to equilibrate to room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, permitting complete solidification and flavor melding.
7. Utilize parchment paper handles to extract the fudge from the pan, position on a cutting surface, and slice into precise squares, ready for immediate indulgence or future enjoyment.

Notes

• Pat cherries completely dry to prevent excess moisture from ruining fudge texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality white chocolate chips for smoother, creamier consistency.
• Chop cherries uniformly to ensure even distribution throughout fudge.
• Consider using low-fat sweetened condensed milk for lighter version.
• Experiment with dark chocolate chips for deeper flavor profile.
• Freeze fudge for firmer, slice-friendly texture if room temperature is warm.
• Store in airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain freshness.
• Allow fudge to sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving for softer bite.
• Swap maraschino cherries with fresh or dried cherries for different taste experience.
• Line pan carefully to prevent wrinkles in parchment paper for smoother fudge surface.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 37g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg