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This Cherry Garcia Fudge is a creamy, rich treat that brings the iconic ice cream flavor into a deliciously smooth fudge form. Packed with white chocolate, bright cherries, and bursts of mini chocolate chips, this sweet is perfect for anyone who loves the classic Cherry Garcia taste but wants something a little different. It is quick to make with just a handful of ingredients and requires no baking, making it a great choice for last minute dessert plans or holiday celebrations.
I first made this fudge during the holidays, and it quickly became a favorite in my family. The kids loved the chewy cherry pieces mixed with the smooth white chocolate base, and it’s now a go to treat whenever there’s a party or special occasion.
Ingredients
- White chocolate chips: the creamy base that melts into a smooth fudge pick high quality chips for best flavor
- Sweetened condensed milk: adds sweetness and helps bind the fudge without needing baking use a standard 14 oz can
- Butter: enriches the texture and adds silky richness unsalted works best so you can control salt level
- Maraschino cherries or dried cherries chopped: these give the fudge its signature cherry bursts fresh maraschino cherries are bright and colorful but dried cherries add a natural sweetness
- Mini chocolate chips: provide little pockets of melty chocolate throughout the fudge choose milk, semi sweet, or dark depending on your taste preference
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- To prep, line a rectangle baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you remove the fudge easily once it sets without it sticking or damaging the pan.
- Melt the Base:
- Place white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to melt together. Once it begins melting, reduce heat to low to prevent boiling. Continue stirring gently until everything is fully melted and smooth.
- Fold in Mix ins:
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 cups of chopped cherries and 2 cups of mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
- Pour and Decorate:
- Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cherry pieces and mini chocolate chips over the top to add visual appeal and extra texture.
- Allow to Set:
- Let the fudge cool completely. You can place it in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours or in the freezer for about 2 hours for faster setting. For best texture and flavor, you can also leave it to set overnight in the fridge before cutting into squares.
My favorite part of this recipe is definitely the maraschino cherries. They add such a vibrant pop of color and flavor that really ties the whole fudge together and gives it that unmistakable Cherry Garcia vibe. I remember sharing this with friends one winter and being surprised how many thought it tasted just like the original ice cream flavor.
Storage Tips
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain the soft, creamy texture. Refrigeration can cause the fudge to dry out and become crumbly. If freezing, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer safe bag to thaw one square at a time.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can try dried cherries instead of maraschino for a less sweet, more natural cherry taste. Dark chocolate mini chips add a richer chocolate flavor and can balance the sweet white chocolate. Butter can be swapped with a non dairy margarine for a dairy free version but the texture will vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This fudge is great on its own or paired with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Cut into small squares for a party platter or gift it wrapped in pretty parchment paper for holidays. It also makes a lovely homemade gift for fudge lovers.
This Cherry Garcia Fudge is an easy no bake treat that captures the ice cream flavor in a rich white chocolate base. It’s perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What type of cherries work best in this dessert?
Maraschino cherries chopped finely provide sweetness and color, but dried cherries can be used for a chewier texture and deeper flavor.
- → Can I substitute mini chocolate chips?
Yes, any chocolate chips such as milk, dark, or semi-sweet work well to add a rich chocolate contrast to the creamy white chocolate base.
- → How should I store this white chocolate treat?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moistness. Refrigeration can dry it out, so avoid it if possible.
- → Is baking required for this dessert?
No baking is needed. The mixture is melted and combined on the stove, then chilled to set into squares.
- → How long does this dessert keep fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for about a month, and it can also be frozen for extended storage.