Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a rich, indulgent treat that hits all the right notes of chocolate and cherry, get ready to fall in love. This Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. I first tried making this fudge on a lazy afternoon, and ever since, it’s become my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll see why it’s worth every minute of your time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this chocolate covered cherry fudge recipe is how the simple ingredients work together to create that perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and fruity. You’ll want to use quality semi-sweet chocolate chips and canned Morello cherries if you can—they add an authentic rich cherry flavor that fresh ones can’t quite match in fudge.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness and helps the fudge set beautifully without baking.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Go for good quality—the chocolate flavor is front and center here.
• Canned Cherries: Morello cherries are my personal favorite—they offer a tart contrast that brightens the fudge.
• Almond Extract (Optional): Just a splash adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements cherries perfectly.

Variations

This fudge is wonderfully adaptable. Over the years, I’ve had a blast playing with it, tweaking it to suit different occasions or dietary preferences—feel free to make it yours!

• Make It Vegan: I swapped out the condensed milk for a coconut milk-based version once, and it turned out surprisingly rich and delicious—just watch your setting time closely.
• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, tossing in chopped toasted pecans or almonds gives it a lovely texture contrast.
• Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: If Morello cherries aren’t available, fresh or thawed frozen tart cherries work well—just be sure to drain any excess juice to avoid soggy fudge.
• Spiced Cherry Fudge: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cherry liqueur can elevate the flavor for holiday parties.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up Your Sweetened Condensed Milk Just Right

Start by gently heating your sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. As you stir occasionally, watch carefully until tiny bubbles begin to form around the edges—this little moment is key. Don’t let it boil because that could change the texture. This warming step helps melt the chocolate perfectly later on, so be patient here, friend!

Step 2: Let the Chocolate Melt into a Luscious Base

Have your semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl ready to go. Pour that warm sweetened condensed milk right over the chocolate and let it rest without stirring for about a minute. I know it’s tempting to dive in sooner, but that pause lets the chocolate soften evenly. Then stir gently until smooth and velvety. Let it sit a bit longer if needed to reach that perfect fudge consistency.

Step 3: Prep Your Cherries Like a Pro

While the fudge base is resting, slice those cherries—halves work perfectly here. Toss them with a splash of almond extract if you’re using it; it amplifies the cherry flavor in such a wonderful way. I discovered this trick a few years ago, and it became an instant game changer for me.

Step 4: Layering Magic in Your Pan

Line a 6-inch round pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth edges. Pour half of the fudge mixture into the pan, then press about three-quarters of your cherries gently on top. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk over the cherries to add a touch of gooey sweetness between layers. Finally, pour on the remaining fudge and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the rest of the cherries on top for a pretty finish.

Step 5: Chill and Drizzle to Perfection

Let your fudge set at room temperature for at least an hour, though I’ve found chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes speeds things up when I’m impatient. Before slicing, I drizzle a little extra sweetened condensed milk over the top—it gives the fudge a glossy, decadent look and an extra sweet pop that’ll wow anyone you share it with.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this fudge with a delicate drizzle of sweetened condensed milk plus a few whole cherries or even a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and crunch. It adds an extra luxurious touch that makes serving this treat feel special and festive.

Side Dishes

When I serve this fudge at parties or family gatherings, I typically pair it with a light cup of coffee or a glass of cherry-infused sparkling water to balance its richness. It also complements creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a simple whipped cream on the side for those who want an extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

This fudge makes a stunning, edible gift. I’ve wrapped individual wedges in wax paper tied with pretty ribbons for holiday gift exchanges. For parties, stacking the fudge wedges on a cake stand surrounded by fresh cherries creates a beautiful centerpiece. Even using miniature cupcake wrappers to hold each piece gives a cute, bite-sized feel that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This fudge keeps really well at room temperature, covered tightly. I store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week, and it stays perfectly soft yet firm. If your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator is a better bet to keep the fudge from melting too quickly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this fudge a few times when I’ve made extra batches, wrapping the pieces tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully—just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving to bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating

Since this fudge is best served at room temperature, I usually just let frozen or refrigerated leftovers sit out for about 20 minutes before slicing. If you want the fudge a bit softer, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave (wrapped loosely) can help but watch carefully—chocolate can seize quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge Recipe has a special place in my kitchen—and in my heart. It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious without the fuss, perfect for gifting or whipping up a delightful treat at home. Once you try it, I have no doubt you’ll reach for it again and again when you want comforting, chocolatey bliss with a burst of cherry sweetness. Go ahead—give it a try and watch your friends and family go crazy for it too!

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