Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making Cherry Garcia Fudge yet, you’re in for a real treat! There’s just something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries that makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made this fudge; the kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aromas, and I couldn’t wait for it to cool down so I could indulge! The creamy texture combined with those delightful cherry bursts creates a fudge that’s not only delicious but also feels like a little nugget of happiness in every bite. Seriously, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why I’m so obsessed with this Cherry Garcia Fudge. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: These are the star of the show, providing that rich, melty chocolate goodness that makes this fudge so irresistible.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This creamy ingredient helps bind everything together and adds a luscious sweetness to the fudge.
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries: Fresh or frozen, these little gems add a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts: A lovely crunch and nutty flavor that gives the fudge an extra layer of texture—feel free to swap these for your favorite nuts if you like!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it even more delightful.
How to Prepare Cherry Garcia Fudge
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making Cherry Garcia Fudge! First things first, grab an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to remove the fudge later—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Set your stove to low heat and gently melt the mixture. Stir it frequently to avoid any burning—nobody wants burnt fudge!
- Once it’s all melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Stir in the 1/2 cup of chopped cherries, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until those cherries and walnuts are evenly distributed throughout the chocolatey goodness.
- Pour the luscious mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This is where the magic begins!
- Now comes the hard part—patience! Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm. I know, I know, it’s tough to wait, but it’s worth it!
- Once set, remove the fudge from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper, and cut it into squares. Get ready to enjoy your homemade Cherry Garcia Fudge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, so you can whip it up quickly!
- The rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors are a match made in dessert heaven.
- It’s a delightful treat for cherry lovers, bringing a burst of fruity goodness in every bite.
- You’ll impress your friends and family with this homemade fudge, and they’ll be begging for the recipe!
- Plus, it’s super easy to customize with your favorite nuts or add-ins!
Tips for Success
To get the absolute best out of your Cherry Garcia Fudge, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to use high-quality chocolate chips; it really makes a difference in flavor. If you want an extra creamy texture, consider adding a tablespoon of butter to the chocolate mixture as it melts. Also, don’t rush the cooling process—allowing the fudge to set in the fridge for at least 2 hours ensures it firms up perfectly. And remember, feel free to experiment with different nuts or even throw in some mini marshmallows for a fun twist! Happy fudging!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Cherry Garcia Fudge, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, try swapping the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch and flavor. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of almond extract for a delightful twist! You could also throw in some mini marshmallows or toasted coconut for extra texture and sweetness. For a festive touch, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top before cutting it into squares. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and enjoy your delicious fudge in new ways!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Cherry Garcia Fudge fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty for about a week—if it lasts that long! If you want to keep it for even longer, you can freeze the fudge. Just cut it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the fudge in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—enjoy it chilled for that delightful fudgy texture! Yum!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for each square of your delicious Cherry Garcia Fudge. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. But it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- 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
Enjoy this fudge as a delightful treat, and remember, moderation is key! Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are my go-to for that classic fudge flavor, you can experiment with dark chocolate for a richer taste or even white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Just remember, the flavor profile will change a bit with each type!
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries at all! You can easily swap the walnuts for your favorite nuts like pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. If you want a nut-free version, just leave them out entirely—your fudge will still be delicious!
How should I store the fudge?
To keep your Cherry Garcia Fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about a week. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two months!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, or even a swirl of caramel can add a fun twist to your fudge. Just keep the overall balance in mind so it sets well!
How do I serve the fudge?
Cherry Garcia Fudge is perfect as is, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence. Enjoy it at parties or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Cherry Garcia Fudge: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich fudge infused with cherry and chocolate flavors.
Ingredients
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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