Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, and what better way to do that than with something sweet? This valentines day creamy cherry fudge is not just any fudge; it’s rich, creamy, and packed with the delightful flavor of cherries that just screams romance! Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud of chocolate and cherry goodness. I love making this fudge for my friends and family because it’s so simple yet incredibly indulgent. Plus, nothing says “I care” quite like a homemade treat. Whether you’re surprising a special someone or sharing with your best pals, this fudge is sure to bring smiles and a touch of sweetness to your day. So, let’s whip up something delicious together and make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable!
Ingredients for Valentines Day Creamy Cherry Fudge
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup of evaporated milk
- 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of marshmallow fluff
How to Prepare Valentines Day Creamy Cherry Fudge
Making this valentines day creamy cherry fudge is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma. Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by lining an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to lift the fudge out later—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 2/3 cup of evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Once it’s boiling, let it bubble away for 5 minutes without stirring—this is where the magic happens for that creamy texture!
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Keep stirring until they’re completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Next, add in the 1 cup of marshmallow fluff, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the chopped cherries. Mix everything together until well combined. The cherries add such a lovely burst of flavor!
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry if it’s a bit warm; that’s just fine!
- Let the fudge cool at room temperature until it’s completely set—this usually takes about 2 hours. Once it’s firm, you can cut it into squares and enjoy your homemade delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich and creamy flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for gifting; everyone loves a homemade treat!
- Easily customizable—add more cherries or swap in dark chocolate for a richer taste!
- Great for parties or cozy nights in; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Fudge stays fresh and delicious for days when stored properly.
Tips for Success with Valentines Day Creamy Cherry Fudge
Want to make sure your valentines day creamy cherry fudge turns out perfectly? I’ve got some handy tips that’ll help you nail it every time! Trust me, these little tricks can make all the difference.
- Storage: Keep your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Even Mixing: When you’re stirring in the chocolate chips and other ingredients, make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any clumps. You want that smooth, creamy consistency throughout!
- Adjust for Taste: If you love cherries, don’t hesitate to add extra! You could even try adding a splash of cherry extract for a more intense flavor. Yum!
- Experiment with Chocolate: Using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet can give your fudge a richer profile. It’s a delicious twist that I absolutely adore!
- Don’t Skip the Parchment: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper is key—it makes removing the fudge so much easier. You’ll thank me later when you’re cutting those perfect squares!
- Patience is Key: Letting the fudge cool completely at room temperature is essential for the right texture. I know it’s tempting to dig in early, but trust me, waiting pays off!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a fudge-making pro in no time! Enjoy every creamy, cherry-filled bite of this delightful treat!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dive into this delicious valentines day creamy cherry fudge! The nutritional values I share here are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Typically, each piece contains around 150 calories, with about 7 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar. You’ll also find some protein and a touch of fiber, thanks to those lovely cherries. Remember, these values can change depending on whether you opt for dark chocolate or add extra cherries, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences. Enjoy your indulgence, but keep in mind that moderation is key for those sweet treats!
FAQ About Valentines Day Creamy Cherry Fudge
Got questions about making this valentines day creamy cherry fudge? No worries—I’m here to help with some common queries that might pop up as you whip up this delicious treat!
Can I use white chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of white chocolate, feel free to swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store the fudge?
Store your fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before enjoying for that perfect texture!
Can I add nuts?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds would add a delightful crunch to your fudge. Just fold them in when you mix in the cherries, and you’ll have a lovely texture contrast!
What if my fudge doesn’t set properly?
If your fudge is a bit soft and doesn’t set, don’t fret! You can return it to the stovetop and gently heat it again for a minute or two, stirring in a little more sugar until it thickens up. Just be careful not to overheat it!
Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
You bet! This fudge is perfect for making a few days in advance. Just store it properly, and it’ll be ready to impress when you need it!
How do I know when the fudge is done?
The fudge is done when it’s smooth and shiny after you’ve mixed in the chocolate chips. If it’s thick enough to spread easily in the baking dish but still pourable, you’re all set!
I hope these answers help you on your fudge-making journey! Enjoy every bite of your creamy cherry confection!
Serving Suggestions for Valentines Day Creamy Cherry Fudge
Now that you’ve made this mouthwatering valentines day creamy cherry fudge, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! Here are some delightful ideas that I absolutely love:
- Serve with Fresh Cherries: A handful of fresh cherries on the side adds a pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the fudge’s rich flavors. It’s like a little cherry explosion!
- Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent treat, serve warm fudge squares over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of temperatures is heavenly!
- Gift in Decorative Boxes: If you’re feeling generous, package the fudge in cute little boxes tied with a ribbon. It makes a heartfelt gift for friends, family, or that special someone!
- Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each fudge square can take your dessert to the next level. It adds a lightness that balances the fudge’s richness.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: For a sweet and salty twist, lightly sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before serving. It enhances all the flavors and adds a gourmet touch!
- Enjoy with Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Treat yourself to a cozy moment by enjoying your fudge alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to elevate your snack time!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this fudge is bound to impress and bring joy to your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Print
Valentines Day Creamy Cherry Fudge: 5 Sweet, Cozy Treats
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy cherry fudge perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 2/3 cup of evaporated milk
- 2 cups of chocolate chips
- 1 cup of cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat until it boils, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted.
- Add marshmallow fluff, vanilla, and chopped cherries. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Let it cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- Add more cherries for a fruitier taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: valentines day creamy cherry fudge