If you love the classic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, this homemade Cherry Garcia Fudge is about to become your new obsession. Imagine velvety chocolate fudge, bursting with sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy walnuts, all swirled together with creamy white chocolate. Every bite is a delightful balance of rich, chewy, and nutty, and it’s astonishingly easy to make — no oven required! Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or searching for a show-stopping edible gift, Cherry Garcia Fudge delivers big flavor in every decadent square.

Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Base
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips

How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the Cherry Garcia Fudge out once it’s set—no sticking or crumbling!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Milk

In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir constantly and patiently, watching as the chocolate melts into a shiny, glossy pool. This is your fudge foundation, so make sure it’s completely smooth before moving on.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This small addition rounds out all the chocolatey notes and gives the fudge a homemade, bakery-style aroma.

Step 4: Fold in Cherries, Walnuts, and White Chocolate

Working quickly, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, walnuts, and white chocolate. Each stir distributes pockets of juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy white chocolate throughout your Cherry Garcia Fudge, making sure every square is loaded with goodies.

Step 5: Spread and Chill

Pour the fudge mixture into your lined pan and smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. Don’t worry if the top isn’t perfectly flat—rustic is beautiful here! Pop the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Once the fudge is set, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift it out of the pan. Cut your Cherry Garcia Fudge into 16 squares (or smaller bites if you like), and get ready to wow everyone who tries a piece.

How to Serve Cherry Garcia Fudge

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, try topping each square with a whole cherry, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or an extra drizzle of melted white chocolate. These garnishes add visual flair and a hint of extra flavor that makes the fudge irresistible at parties or on a dessert tray.

Side Dishes

Cherry Garcia Fudge is rich and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a handful of fresh berries. These simple sides help balance the sweetness and make for a truly indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

To really show off your Cherry Garcia Fudge, arrange the squares in mini cupcake liners or stack them in a rustic glass jar tied with a ribbon. For gifting, wrap individual pieces in wax paper or cellophane bags. You can even serve fudge bites on a platter alongside other homemade candies for a stunning dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Garcia Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh, moist, and flavorful for up to one week—perfect for snacking or sharing throughout the week.

Freezing

This fudge freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the pieces in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you prefer a softer texture, just let the squares sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving—they’ll become extra creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but they need to be pitted, chopped, and thoroughly dried before folding into the fudge to prevent excess moisture. Maraschino cherries offer a sweeter, more vibrant pop of color and flavor that really shines in Cherry Garcia Fudge.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

If you’re not a fan of walnuts or need a nut-free version, simply leave them out or swap them for extra white chocolate chips. Pecans or almonds also work well if you want a different kind of crunch.

Can I make Cherry Garcia Fudge dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk. Just be sure to check that your other add-ins are dairy-free as well for a treat everyone can enjoy.

How do I keep the fudge from becoming too soft?

The key is to really pat the maraschino cherries dry with paper towels before adding them to the mixture. Too much moisture from the cherries can make the fudge soft or watery, so take your time with this step for the perfect texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd or want to share with friends, simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the chill time—it may take a little longer to set with the larger batch.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Garcia Fudge is pure nostalgia and decadence in every bite, and it’s truly one of those treats that wows with minimal effort. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the ice cream or just love a good chocolate-cherry combo, give this recipe a try and let it sweeten up your next celebration or cozy night in!

Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cherry Garcia Fudge is a rich and creamy no-bake dessert blending the classic flavors of semi-sweet chocolate, maraschino cherries, and crunchy walnuts. This easy-to-make fudge combines smooth melted chocolate with bursts of cherry sweetness and a touch of vanilla, making it a delightful treat perfect for chocolate lovers and cherry enthusiasts alike. The addition of white chocolate chips creates a beautiful contrast and extra creaminess in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup chopped white chocolate or white chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge once set.
Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to prevent burning until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the fudge with rich flavor.
Incorporate Mix-ins: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, walnuts, and white chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture, creating a balanced texture and taste.
Set the Fudge: Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.
Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until firm and set enough to hold its shape when cut.
Cut and Serve: Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil overhang and cut into approximately 16 small squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure the maraschino cherries are well drained and patted dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, which can impact the fudge’s texture.
For a nut-free version, either omit the walnuts completely or substitute with additional white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and creaminess.
This fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Allow fudge squares to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor release.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American