Cherry Garcia Fudge: A Comforting Chocolate Delight
Ah, the simple joy of stirring melted chocolate on a chilly afternoon, the delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen, inviting you to take a moment and indulge. This Cherry Garcia Fudge recipe reminds me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing laughter and stories while savoring sweet treats. Who doesn’t have fond memories of nibbling on creamy fudge during the holidays, trying to sneak in just one more square before it disappears?
Using just a handful of ingredients, this treat is an easy no-bake dessert that is perfect for any special gathering or casual get-together. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, taking you back to those warm, nostalgic moments. So gather your loved ones and let’s create some delicious Cherry Garcia Fudge together! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy no-bake preparation that makes it a breeze for busy days.
- A delightful blend of creamy chocolate, juicy cherries, and crunchy nuts, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for family gatherings or simply to satisfy your own sweet tooth.
- An impressive dessert that looks gorgeous on any serving platter—ideal for potlucks!
- Quick to whip up in under 30 minutes, with just a little wait time for cooling.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Garcia Fudge
Let’s gather our sweet ingredients for this indulgent Cherry Garcia Fudge. You’ll need:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge
Are you ready to dive into this creamy delight? Let’s make it together!
In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir gently until the mixture is melted and smooth, then stir in the fragrant vanilla extract.
Once melted, fold in the chopped cherries and nuts (if you’re using them) until everything is evenly mixed. A little crunch from the nuts really adds a stunning texture!
Next, pour the luscious mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every corner is filled with this cozy goodness.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the fudge to set beautifully. This is the perfect time to relax with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Once set, cut into squares and enjoy! You can’t help but feel a wave of happiness as you experience each bite!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ways to customize your Cherry Garcia Fudge:
- Mint Chocolate Cherry Fudge: Add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist that dances on your palate.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
- Nutty Rocky Road: Mix in mini marshmallows along with the nuts for a delightful rocky road variation that takes you straight back to childhood.
- Tropical Cherry Bliss: Swirl in some shredded coconut for a fabulous tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To get the very best results from your Cherry Garcia Fudge, consider these kitchen secrets:
Prep in Advance: You can make this fudge up to a week ahead of your event. This makes it a great make-ahead treat for Holiday gatherings or family get-togethers!
Cutting Tips: For cleaner cuts, warm your knife with hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the fudge. This helps achieve those lovely, smooth edges.
Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer. They should last about a week!
Nutrition Information per Serving
Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside this delectable treat. Here’s the nutrition breakdown per square (based on 16 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 15g
- Total Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This fudge keeps well, making it perfect for preparing in advance.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in different fruit or nuts based on your preference.How do I store leftovers?
Store your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.How long does it last?
Properly stored, this fudge can last for about a week in the refrigerator.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Cherry Garcia Fudge is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a cozy reminder of shared moments, laughter, and heartwarming stories. It’s a dessert that invites you to slow down, savor the flavor, and create new memories with loved ones.
Be sure to save this Cherry Garcia Fudge to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy indulging!
Print
Cherry Garcia Fudge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-bake dessert combining creamy chocolate, juicy cherries, and crunchy nuts for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir gently until melted and smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the chopped cherries and nuts (if using) until evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
You can make this fudge up to a week ahead of your event. For cleaner cuts, warm your knife before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: fudge, dessert, no-bake, chocolate, cherries