Description
This rich and creamy Chocolate Covered Cherry Fudge combines smooth semi-sweet chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and tart Morello cherries for a decadent treat. Enhanced with a hint of almond extract, this no-bake fudge is layered with cherries and drizzled with extra condensed milk, perfect for slicing into elegant wedges to serve at gatherings or as a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Fudge Base
- 7 ounces Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, plus extra for drizzling
- 9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Cherry Layer
- 1/3 cup chopped canned cherries (Morello cherries recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 6-inch round cake pan or a similar small pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the fudge.
- Heat Sweetened Condensed Milk: Place the sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and heat until small bubbles form around the edges but do not allow it to boil, ensuring it thickens gently.
- Melt Chocolate: Put the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a small bowl. Pour the hot sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute to soften. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous, then let it rest for another 30 seconds to fully melt and combine.
- Prepare Cherries: Slice the cherries in half and place them in a small bowl. Toss with almond extract if using to infuse a subtle nutty flavor into the cherries.
- Layer Fudge and Cherries: Pour half of the melted fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Press three-quarters of the cherries onto the fudge layer and drizzle about 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk over them.
- Add Remaining Fudge: Pour the remaining fudge mixture over the cherries and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Decorate Top: Arrange the remaining cherries decoratively on top for a vibrant and appealing finish.
- Set the Fudge: Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle extra sweetened condensed milk over the top as a finishing touch. Slice the fudge into 8 wedges and serve.
Notes
- Use Morello cherries for their tart flavor which balances the sweetness of the fudge.
- Make sure not to boil the sweetened condensed milk to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely aroma and complements the cherries well.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a firmer texture, allow fudge to chill longer in the fridge before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge (approximately 40 grams)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg