This Cherry Garcia Fudge brings all the delicious flavors of the famous Cherry Garcia ice cream into a rich and creamy fudge! Loaded with sweet cherries, dark chocolate chunks, and a touch of vanilla, this fudge is a decadent treat that’s sure to impress. Perfect for dessert lovers or anyone who enjoys the classic ice cream flavor in a bite-sized form!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (or maraschino cherries, chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the pan if necessary.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until everything is smooth and fully melted. This will create a creamy chocolate base for your fudge.
- Add Vanilla:
- Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted and smooth, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Cherries and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the dried cherries (or chopped maraschino cherries) and chopped walnuts (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the fudge mixture.
- Pour into the Pan:
- Pour the chocolate mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it has fully set and firmed up.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the fudge is set, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into small squares and serve. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Cherry Type: If you prefer maraschino cherries, be sure to chop them up before adding to the fudge. Dried cherries can be a great alternative and give a chewy texture that contrasts well with the fudge.
- Chocolate Choice: You can use milk chocolate or a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate for a richer flavor. The darker chocolate will give the fudge a more intense flavor, similar to the ice cream.
- Storage: Keep the fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months).
- For extra flair: Top the fudge with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or some extra chopped cherries before chilling.
Nutrition (per square – approx. 1-inch square):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g
