Cheery Cherry Vanilla Fudge(Microwave)
Cheery Cherry Vanilla Fudge offers a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and tart flavors with candied cherries and walnuts adding texture. Perfect for sharing at celebrations or enjoying as a decadent treat, its smooth vanilla undertone makes it appealing to fudge lovers and those seeking a nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart glass measuring cup with handle, combine sugar, sour cream, corn syrup, butter, and salt.
- Microwave on High for 5 minutes.
- Stir well until sugar dissolves.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes or just until mixture reaches 236°F.
- Let stand for 15 minutes; do not stir.
- Add vanilla; beat until mixture starts to lose its gloss (about 6 minutes).
- Stir in cherries and walnuts.
- Quickly pour into a buttered 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- Cool and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your glass measuring cup is microwave-safe and large enough to avoid overflow while cooking. If you can't find candied cherries, dried cherries or fresh cherries can be used, but they may alter the texture slightly. Also, consider using pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile. Keep a candy thermometer handy to ensure accurate temperature readings.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheery Cherry Vanilla Fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. It can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For a festive touch, consider wrapping pieces in decorative foil to give as gifts during the holidays or at special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate it for a longer shelf life. To reheat, cut the fudge into smaller pieces and microwave in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid melting completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheery Cherry Vanilla Fudge(Microwave) contains roughly 243 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 958mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this fudge without using a microwave?
Yes, you can make this fudge using a stovetop method. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches 236°F. Then proceed with the rest of the instructions as usual. This method may take a bit longer but can yield equally delicious results.
How do I know when the fudge is done cooking?
The fudge is done when it reaches a temperature of 236°F, which is the soft-ball stage in candy making. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test a small amount of the mixture in cold water to see if it forms a soft ball. Once done, let it stand to achieve the right consistency.
Can I add other ingredients to this fudge recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your fudge by adding ingredients such as shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overload it, as this can affect the texture and setting of the fudge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).