Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Cherry Garcia Fudge! It’s like a little square of happiness that melts in your mouth, combining rich, chocolatey goodness with bursts of sweet cherry. Honestly, every time I make it, I can’t help but sneak a piece (or three) before it even sets! What makes this fudge extra special for me is the nostalgia it brings back—it’s a recipe I learned from my grandma, who always knew how to whip up something delicious on a whim. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its delightful flavors and creamy texture!

Ingredients List

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped cherries (fresh or frozen, your choice!)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for that perfect crunch)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (it adds such a lovely depth of flavor)

How to Prepare Cherry Garcia Fudge

Now, let’s dive into making this luscious Cherry Garcia Fudge! You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to fudge heaven in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes it super easy to lift the fudge out later. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Next, in a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Over low heat, melt this mixture, stirring constantly until it’s silky smooth. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes, so be patient and don’t crank up the heat—burnt chocolate is a little tragedy!
Once it’s melted and dreamy, remove it from the heat, and fold in the chopped cherries, walnuts, and vanilla extract. Wow, the aroma is just heavenly!
Now, pour that delicious mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. You can tap the pan gently on the counter to help it settle.
Lastly, pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until set. Once it’s firm, cut it into squares, and get ready to indulge in some seriously rich fudge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 15 minutes of active time!
Decadent chocolate and sweet cherry flavors that are simply irresistible.
Perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just for a cozy night in.
Customizable—add your favorite nuts or swap the cherries for other fruits!
No baking required, making it a breeze for any level of home cook.
Store it in the fridge, so you always have a little treat on hand.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Cherry Garcia Fudge turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to avoid any hiccups and ensure your fudge is as delicious as can be:

Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better your fudge will taste! I always go for semisweet chocolate chips with a good reputation—trust me, it makes a difference.
Watch the heat: Remember, low and slow is the name of the game when melting the chocolate. If it starts to bubble or smell burnt, you’re going to end up with a gritty texture. Keep stirring and it’ll get there!
Don’t skip the chilling: Be patient! Letting the fudge set for at least 2 hours in the fridge is crucial. If you try to cut it too early, it might fall apart. We want neat, beautiful squares!
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Want a little more crunch? Toss in some crispy rice cereal. Prefer a nutty flavor? Try pecans instead of walnuts. The options are endless!
Store properly: Keep your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness and texture. It’ll be good for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a batch of fudge that’ll impress everyone. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve made this delightful Cherry Garcia Fudge, you’ll want to know how to keep it fresh and ready for snacking! Storing it properly is key to maintaining that rich flavor and creamy texture.

First off, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to layer parchment paper between the fudge squares to prevent them from sticking together. This way, you can easily grab a piece whenever that chocolate craving hits!

Your fudge will stay delicious for up to a week in the refrigerator, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house. Oops! If you find yourself with a whole batch left over, you can also freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months!

When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take the fudge out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No reheating needed—just enjoy it cold for that perfect fudge experience!

With these storage tips, you’ll always have a little piece of heaven waiting for you. Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving of my Cherry Garcia Fudge, which is about one square. Keep in mind these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Calories: 150
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 20mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g

So, if you’re looking for a sweet treat that packs a flavor punch without going overboard, this fudge is a great choice! Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free (or at least a little bit)!

FAQ Section

If you’ve got questions about making Cherry Garcia Fudge, you’re in the right place! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries I get, along with my best answers. Let’s make sure you feel confident as you whip up this delicious treat!

Common Questions

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the balance of flavors with semisweet, using milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier fudge. Just keep an eye on the sweetness level if you’re adding extra ingredients!

What can I substitute for walnuts?
No problem at all! If walnuts aren’t your thing or you have allergies, feel free to use pecans, almonds, or even leave the nuts out entirely. The fudge will still be super tasty!

How long can I store Cherry Garcia Fudge?
You can keep your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. If you want to save it for later, wrap it up and freeze it for up to two months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before enjoying!

Can I make this fudge without cherries?
Of course! While the cherries add that signature flavor, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, chopped strawberries, or even orange zest for a different twist. Get creative!

What’s the best way to cut the fudge into squares?
To get those perfect squares, I recommend using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, you can warm the knife slightly under hot water, then dry it off. This helps prevent the fudge from sticking to the knife!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Cherry Garcia Fudge: 5 Irresistible Ways to Indulge

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously rich fudge infused with cherry and chocolate flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped cherries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Remove from heat and mix in cherries, walnuts, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge.
For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of butter.
Use fresh or frozen cherries.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 150
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Cherry Garcia Fudge, fudge, dessert, chocolate, cherry

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