Cherry Coke Fudge is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of cherry and Coca-Cola in a creamy, indulgent fudge. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests with a unique dessert, this recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional fudge-making.
Ingredients:
- Cherry Fudge:
- ¾ cup butter
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp cherry gelatin Jell-O
- 12 oz white baking chips (1 12oz bag)
- 7 oz jar marshmallow creme
- 1 tsp cherry or vanilla extract
- 1 10 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained
- Coca-Cola Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp Coca-Cola
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Cut the maraschino cherries into quarters. Pat them with a paper towel repeatedly to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- Line a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick foil and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, and heavy cream.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, continue to boil for 3 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Add cherry gelatin to the mixture and stir continuously, boiling for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the white baking chips until smooth.
- Stir in marshmallow creme and cherry or vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the dry maraschino cherries.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate until set.
Tips:
- When boiling the fudge mixture, be sure to stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use a whisk to remove any lumps when stirring in the white baking chips.
- Allow the fudge to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of Cherry Coke Fudge, a delightful confection that combines the flavors of cherry, vanilla, and Coca-Cola. With its smooth texture and irresistible taste, this fudge is sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors and share the joy with friends and family!
- Can I use regular gelatin instead of cherry gelatin for the fudge?
- Yes, you can substitute regular gelatin for cherry gelatin in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cherry gelatin adds both flavor and color to the fudge, so the final result may differ slightly in taste and appearance. If you use regular gelatin, you may want to add a natural cherry flavoring or extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
- How long does the Cherry Coke Fudge need to refrigerate before it’s ready to eat?
- After pouring the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, it’s best to let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. Once cooled, refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it is firm and set. However, for the best texture and flavor, you can leave it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the fudge to fully set.
- Can I use a different type of cola in the Coca-Cola frosting?
- While the recipe calls for Coca-Cola, you can experiment with different types of cola if you prefer. However, keep in mind that using a different cola may alter the flavor profile of the frosting slightly. Some colas may have a stronger or sweeter flavor than others, so adjust the amount of powdered sugar or other ingredients accordingly to achieve the desired taste and consistency.
- How should I store the Cherry Coke Fudge once it’s been made?
- Once the fudge has set in the refrigerator and you’ve cut it into squares or pieces, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the fudge fresh and prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator. Properly stored, the Cherry Coke Fudge can last for up to 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator, although it’s likely to be enjoyed much sooner!
- Can I omit the maraschino cherries from the recipe?
- Yes, you can omit the maraschino cherries if you prefer a smoother texture without the fruit pieces. The fudge will still have the delicious cherry flavor from the cherry gelatin and extract. Alternatively, you can also experiment with other types of fruit or nuts to add different flavors and textures to the fudge.
- Is it possible to make the fudge without a candy thermometer?
- Yes, it is possible to make the fudge without a candy thermometer. The recipe instructions provide specific guidelines for boiling the mixture for a certain amount of time, which helps ensure that the fudge reaches the correct temperature and consistency. However, if you have a candy thermometer, you can use it to monitor the temperature more accurately and prevent the mixture from boiling too long or not enough.
- Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of white baking chips?
- While the recipe calls for white baking chips, you can certainly use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a richer, chocolate flavor in your fudge. Keep in mind that milk chocolate chips will alter the color and taste of the fudge, so the final result may be different from the original recipe. Adjust the amount of sugar or other ingredients as needed to balance the sweetness and flavor of the fudge.
