Cherry Fudge
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Cherry Fudge, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with smooth chocolate and a nutty crunch from pecans. Perfect for parties or as a special gift, this fudge is sure to impress chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
- Blot cherries with a paper towel to dry.
- Combine chocolates in a heavy saucepan and place over very low heat; stir until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat; add sweetened condensed milk and cherry juice.
- Stir until smooth and add pecans.
- Spoon mixture into the prepared pan.
- Immediately press cherries into fudge, leaving the top of each cherry and stem exposed.
- Cover and chill for 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into squares, ensuring each square contains a cherry.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fudge, ensure the chocolate is melted slowly over low heat to prevent burning. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. You can also experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. If you find the maraschino cherries too sweet, consider using fresh cherries instead for a more tart flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry fudge makes a delightful dessert on its own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of dessert wine. For a festive touch, serve it on a platter with other sweets like Brownie Mallow Bars or Rum Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cherry fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It can last up to two weeks. If you want to reheat it, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until it softens slightly, but avoid melting it completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Fudge contains roughly 255 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% 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 use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate morsels, but keep in mind that the fudge will be sweeter. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk if needed.
How do I prevent the fudge from becoming grainy?
To prevent graininess in your fudge, make sure to melt the chocolate slowly over low heat and avoid stirring too vigorously, which can incorporate air and lead to a grainy texture. Stir gently until fully combined.
Can I freeze cherry fudge?
Yes, cherry fudge can be frozen. Cut it into squares, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. It will last up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
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).