No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both luscious and incredibly simple to whip up, look no further than this No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe. Imagine creamy white chocolate fudge infused with the sweet, tangy bursts of maraschino cherries, all without turning on your oven. It’s a dream dessert that combines smooth texture with a pop of vibrant cherry goodness, perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy night at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to indulgence for festive occasions or anytime you need a quick chocolate fix that feels special and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe comes together with just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in balancing the sweetness, richness, and fruity flair of the fudge. They are pantry-friendly yet create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 3 cups white chocolate chips: Use good quality chips for the richest, creamiest fudge base.
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and a luscious, velvety consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Brings a subtle nutty aroma that complements the cherries beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries: Well-drained and patted dry to keep the fudge firm and add bursts of cherry sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This is a simple but crucial step that makes removing your fudge a breeze once it’s set, so you end up with perfect, neat squares instead of trudging with a sticky mess.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to gently melt the chocolate without scorching it. Patience here is key—you want a perfectly smooth and glossy mixture as the foundation of your fudge.
Step 3: Add Flavors and Salt
Once your chocolate mixture is silky and well combined, remove it from the heat. Stir in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Each adds a subtle layer of complexity—you’ll notice how the almond and vanilla bring warmth while the salt sharpens and balances the intense sweetness.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they’re thoroughly dried to avoid soggy fudge. The cherries are star players here, delivering a pop of vibrant color and juicy bursts that contrast with the creamy fudge in every bite.
Step 5: Set the Fudge
Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared dish and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the fudge is completely set and firm. This chilling step is what transforms the fudge into those irresistible, sliceable squares you’ll want to savor.
How to Serve No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe, sprinkle a few extra chopped dried cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. You could also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for contrast and an elegant finish, making the treat look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This fudge stands beautifully on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a fuller dessert experience. It complements a cup of tea or coffee perfectly, making it an ideal sweet companion to your afternoon break or after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the fudge into festive shapes using cookie cutters for special occasions, or layer it in a clear jar with alternating layers of chopped nuts or crushed cookies for a visually stunning gift or party contribution. Wrapping individual squares in wax paper tied with ribbon makes cute, shareable bites for holiday gatherings or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The cool temperature maintains its creamy texture and ensures every bite tastes as fresh and delicious as when you first made it.
Freezing
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen fudge can last up to three months without losing its flavor or texture, making it perfect for planning ahead or gifting.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen fudge, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving because it can alter the smooth texture. Once thawed, it’s ready to enjoy just like fresh fudge, with all its creamy, cherry-filled delight intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which can affect the fudge’s texture, making it less firm. If you want to use fresh cherries, be sure to pit, chop, and thoroughly dry them before folding into the fudge mixture.
Why do I need to dry the cherries?
Drying the cherries prevents excess moisture from seeping into the fudge, which helps it set properly and keeps the texture firm instead of gummy or watery.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
While white chocolate chips give this fudge its signature creamy sweetness and color, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate. Just note the flavor balance will change, and you might need to adjust sweetness accordingly.
Is this No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! Since it contains no gelatin or animal-derived ingredients, this fudge fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet.
How do I prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper with overhang is the best way to prevent sticking and makes it easy to lift the entire fudge slab out of the dish for easy cutting and serving.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe is truly a keeper—a sweet slice of nostalgia with a fresh twist that’s quick to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply want a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe brings simplicity, elegance, and that irresistible cherry-chocolate harmony to your kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again.
Print
No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 36 small squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge is a delicious, creamy treat blending sweet white chocolate with the fruity burst of chopped maraschino cherries. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert, this fudge requires no oven time and sets in the fridge, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth confection.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and the mixture becomes smooth without burning.
- Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt thoroughly to infuse the mixture with balanced flavor.
- Incorporate Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped, well-dried maraschino cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.
- Set the Fudge: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is completely set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Cut into 36 small squares and serve chilled. For an optional festive touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before chilling.
Notes
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are thoroughly dried using paper towels to prevent excess moisture which can cause the fudge to become watery.
- For an elegant presentation and enhanced flavor, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the fudge before refrigerating.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
