Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

If you’re a fan of holiday treats or simply crave something rich, indulgent, and downright delicious, this Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe is going to change the way you think about fudge. I absolutely love how it combines the smooth, creamy texture of chocolate fudge with bursts of tangy cherry goodness, all wrapped in a sweet, silky blanket of condensed milk. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how easy it was to make yet feels so fancy and special—perfect for gifting or treating yourself!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really sets this Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe apart. I always recommend using quality semi-sweet chocolate and the sweetest possible canned cherries for that perfect flavor balance.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the magic that makes your fudge creamy and shiny. Go for a trusted brand like Eagle Brand for best results.
• Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: I find semi-sweet strikes the perfect balance between rich chocolate flavor without being overly bitter or too sweet.
• Canned Cherries: Morello cherries are my favorite here because of their tartness and color, but feel free to choose your preferred variety.
• Almond Extract (optional): Just a splash brings out the cherry flavor beautifully and adds a subtle nutty background note. It’s a little trick I learned from an old family recipe!

Variations

I love how this fudge lends itself to tweaks that make it your own. Over time, I’ve tried adding nuts for crunch or swapping in different types of dried fruit, and you should totally experiment to discover your perfect combo!

• Nuts for Texture: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a crunchy contrast and makes the fudge feel extra special. My family goes crazy over this twist during the holidays.
• Dark Chocolate Swap: For a more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. It’s richer, and you’ll enjoy the depth it adds.
• Almond-Free Version: If you or someone you’re sharing with has a nut allergy, simply skip the almond extract—the fudge still shines bright without it!
• Fresh Cherries (Seasonal): When cherries are in season, fresh pitted cherries add a wonderful juicy burst — just make sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

I always start by lining a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper so the fudge comes out easily. Make sure the paper extends a bit over the edges to lift your fudge right out later. While the pan waits, chop your cherries in half and toss them with the almond extract if you’re using it—this really helps the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Warm the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Place the sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully, and when you see small bubbles forming around the edges but before it boils, it’s ready. This step warms the milk enough to melt the chocolate smoothly without scorching it—trust me, skip boiling or burning and your fudge will be silky perfection.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Pour the hot condensed milk over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute—don’t stir right away! Then gently stir, and let it rest another 30 seconds. This gives the chocolate time to melt gently and combine into that gorgeously smooth fudge base. Resist the urge to whisk vigorously; slow and steady wins this race.

Step 4: Assemble Your Layers

Pour half of the melted fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Press three-quarters of those luscious cherry halves evenly over this layer, then drizzle about 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk on top—this keeps everything moist and adds a glossy finish. Pour the rest of the fudge over the cherries and smooth the surface.

Step 5: Add the Cherry Topping and Set

Arrange the remaining cherries on top for beautiful decoration. This not only makes your fudge look stunning but adds extra bursts of juicy cherry flavor in every slice. Let it set at room temperature for at least an hour, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes if you’re impatient like me. Before serving, drizzle it with a little extra sweetened condensed milk for the final touch of sweetness.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped cherries or a pinch of coarse sea salt for a modern twist that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate can also add a pretty contrast and a fun flavor pop.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine—think port or a cherry liqueur to enhance the cherry flavor. I also like to serve it alongside fresh berries or a light whipped cream when I’m feeling fancy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love cutting the fudge into bite-sized cubes and arranging them on a tiered dessert stand with fresh cherry sprigs for that wow factor. Wrapping individual pieces in colorful parchment and tying with a ribbon makes a delightful party favor or gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to two weeks this way and stays moist without drying out. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften up nicely.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option if you want to make this treat ahead of time. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat fudge — it’s best served cool or at room temp. However, if you want that creamy, just-made softness, a few seconds in the microwave (covered loosely) can soften the fudge — just be careful not to melt it completely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so easy to make but feels like a decadent, carefully crafted treat. Whenever I’m in a rush but want to impress family or friends, it’s my go-to. You’ll find that its creamy texture, sweet cherry flavor, and glossy finish hit all the right notes every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own twist—trust me, it’s a fudge you’ll want to come back to again and again.

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