Cherry Garcia Fudge

If you’re a fan of sweet, chocolatey desserts with a fruity twist, then this Cherry Garcia Fudge is a must-try! Inspired by the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, this easy-to-make, decadent treat combines the rich taste of chocolate with chunks of sweet, tangy cherries and bits of creamy white chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, Cherry Garcia Fudge is a show-stopping dessert that will wow your friends and family.

What is Cherry Garcia Fudge?

Cherry Garcia Fudge is a creative twist on the beloved ice cream flavor created by Ben & Jerry’s. The ice cream features a blend of creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet cherries, and chunks of rich chocolate, and this fudge version brings that classic flavor combination into a handheld dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional fudge recipes that require candy thermometers and a lot of precise timing, this Cherry Garcia Fudge is simple and straightforward.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, holiday gathering, or just enjoying it at home, this fudge makes a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your preferences. Want more cherries? Add more! Prefer extra chocolate chunks? Go for it!

Ingredients for Cherry Garcia Fudge

To make this indulgent dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup of white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of dried cherries (chopped if large)
• 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate chunks
• Pinch of salt

Optional: Top with extra chopped cherries for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing some overhang to make it easy to remove the fudge once it’s set.

2. Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes in total.

3. Add Flavor and Texture

Stir the vanilla extract and salt into the melted chocolate mixture. Then, fold in the chopped dried cherries and mini chocolate chips.

4. Spread and Set

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. To make the presentation extra special, top with a few additional chopped cherries.

5. Chill Until Firm

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours or until it’s firm enough to cut into squares. If you’re short on time, you can chill it in the freezer for about 1 hour for quicker results.

6. Cut and Serve

Lift the fudge out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips for the Best Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Choose High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for good-quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars.
• Add Texture: For a more authentic Cherry Garcia taste, try adding small chunks of fresh cherries. Note that this might affect the texture of the fudge, so it’s best to use dried cherries for consistency.
• Customize the Recipe: If you like your fudge more tart, add more dried cherries or even a splash of cherry extract for an extra cherry punch.
• Keep it Cool: Fudge is best served chilled. If you plan on serving it at a party or event, keep it refrigerated until serving time.

Healthier Alternative

If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and replace the white chocolate chips with a lower-sugar version or even white chocolate-flavored chips that are lighter on the sugar content. You can also use natural, unsweetened dried cherries for an added health boost.

Conclusion

This Cherry Garcia Fudge recipe is perfect for chocolate and fruit lovers alike. Easy to make and full of indulgent flavor, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you make it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this fudge is guaranteed to satisfy any craving.

Serving and Storage Tips for Cherry Garcia Fudge

Serving Tips

1. Presentation Matters: Serve your Cherry Garcia Fudge on a decorative platter or a tray lined with parchment paper for a polished look. You can add a few whole cherries or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top for an extra touch of elegance.
2. Pair with Beverages: Enjoy this indulgent treat with a warm cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a chilled dessert wine to complement the chocolate and cherry flavors.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Cut the fudge into small, bite-sized squares and serve them as part of a dessert platter at gatherings, picnics, or holiday parties.
4. Add a Garnish: Top each piece with a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an even more decadent dessert.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store your Cherry Garcia Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one week while maintaining its flavor and texture.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The fudge can be kept frozen for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
3. Avoid Humidity: Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from affecting the texture of the fudge. Fudge can become sticky and lose its firmness if exposed to excess humidity.
4. Separate Layers: If you’re stacking pieces of fudge in a container, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to avoid sticking and to keep the pieces intact when serving.

Pro Tip

To keep your fudge fresh and firm for longer, consider storing it in a container with a piece of parchment paper between the fudge and the lid. This will help absorb any extra moisture and maintain the perfect consistency.

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but keep in mind that they will add extra moisture to the fudge. This may make the texture softer and potentially less stable. To use fresh cherries, be sure to chop them finely and pat them dry before adding them to the mixture.

2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of Cherry Garcia Fudge, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free version or coconut milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and white chocolate chips to complete the recipe.

3. How long does Cherry Garcia Fudge last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Cherry Garcia Fudge can last up to one week. If frozen, it will stay fresh for up to three months. Be sure to let it thaw for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving if frozen.

4. Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Cherry Garcia Fudge by adding ingredients like chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts), coconut flakes, or even mini marshmallows. Just be sure not to add too many extra ingredients, as this could affect the consistency of the fudge.

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