Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the delightful combination of rich chocolate and juicy cherries, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe. This luscious treat marries smooth chocolate and white chocolate with swirls of cherry frosting and plump maraschino cherries, creating a fudge that is as stunning as it is irresistibly tasty. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a special indulgence, this fudge is an absolute must-try for any dessert lover looking to add a splash of color and burst of flavor to their confection collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, with each ingredient playing a starring role in the final taste and texture. You’ll find that the ingredients are familiar staples, yet their combination in this fudge offers something truly special.

• 2 Cups Chocolate Chips: Use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich chocolate base that melts perfectly smooth.
• 2 Cups White Chocolate Chips: These add a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the darker chocolate.
• 1 Can Chocolate Frosting (16 ounces): Adds a luscious, creamy fudge texture and intensifies the chocolate flavor effortlessly.
• 1 Can Cherry Frosting (16 ounces): Brings a burst of fruity sweetness and classic cherry taste that lifts the entire fudge.
• 22 Maraschino Cherries: These glossy gems not only provide pops of color but also juicy bites of cherry goodness embedded throughout the fudge.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. This step is key because it allows you to easily lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set without any sticking or mess.

Step 2: Separate Your Chocolate Chips

Place the white chocolate chips in one medium bowl and the semi-sweet chocolate chips in another. This ensures they melt evenly without mixing flavors prematurely.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Chips

Microwave each bowl separately for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. This gentle stirring allows the chocolate to melt smoothly, preventing any burning and creating a luscious, creamy texture.

Step 4: Warm Up the Frostings

Remove the lid and foil from both cans of frosting and microwave each container for 45 seconds. Warming them up helps the frostings blend effortlessly into the melted chocolate, giving the fudge a silkier consistency.

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Frosting

Add the chocolate frosting to the chocolate chips bowl and the cherry frosting to the white chocolate chips bowl. Stir each vigorously until the mixtures are homogenous — this step is where the magic of flavor melding begins.

Step 6: Layer the Mixtures

Alternate pouring spoonfuls of the chocolate and cherry-white chocolate mixtures into your prepared pan. This layering creates those beautiful marbled swirls that make this fudge so visually appealing.

Step 7: Even Out the Mixture

Gently shake the pan from side to side so the mixtures settle evenly and fill any gaps. This encourages a smooth surface for your cherries and ensures consistent fudge thickness.

Step 8: Prepare the Cherries

Place the maraschino cherries on a paper towel and lay another paper towel over them, pressing lightly to remove excess juice. This prevents the fudge from becoming too wet or runny around the cherries.

Step 9: Decorate with Cherries

Scatter the cherries across the top of the fudge at random. Their vibrant red color adds charm and their juicy bursts of flavor are the perfect cherry-on-top of this decadent creation.

Step 10: Chill Until Set

Place the fudge in the refrigerator for 3 hours or until firm to the touch. Patience here is key to getting that perfect sliceable fudge texture.

Step 11: Slice and Enjoy

Once set, slice the fudge into 1-inch squares using a sharp knife. Now you’re ready to indulge in this irresistible Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

To make your fudge even more inviting, consider sprinkling a few flaked almonds or shredded coconut on top before chilling. These add a touch of crunch and extra visual appeal without overpowering the wonderful flavors of chocolate and cherry.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, arrange fudge pieces in decorative boxes lined with colorful tissue paper or stack them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh cherries. You can also use festive cupcake liners for individual servings that are easy to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this fudge for up to 3 months. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Fudge is best served cool or at room temperature, so reheating is not typically necessary. If you like it a bit softer, let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cherries in this Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe?

While maraschino cherries are recommended for their sweetness and color, you can experiment with fresh or dried cherries, but be mindful of added moisture which can affect the fudge’s texture.

Is there a substitute for the cherry frosting?

If cherry frosting isn’t available, you could try mixing cherry jam or preserves with a small amount of cream cheese to mimic the frosting’s creamy, fruity profile.

How long does this fudge last out of the fridge?

At room temperature, this fudge should stay fresh for about 2 days before it may begin to soften or lose flavor. Refrigeration is recommended if you want to keep it longer.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This specific recipe relies on chocolate chips and frostings that usually contain dairy, but you can try using vegan chocolate chips and dairy-free frostings to adapt it, keeping in mind flavor and texture might vary.

What’s the best way to get clean fudge slices?

For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Running the knife under hot water and drying it before slicing can help achieve smooth edges.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe is a wonderful way to brighten any dessert table with its rich, creamy texture and joyful bursts of cherry goodness. I can’t wait for you to make this delightful treat and share it with friends or family—it’s sure to become a loved favorite, just like it did for me. Happy fudge making!

Print