Chocolate Cherry Fudge Delight (Printable)
Creamy chocolate blended with dried cherries and vanilla for a rich, sweet treat that delights every bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chocolate Base
01 - 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
02 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Fruit & Mix-Ins
05 - 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
06 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
# How-to Steps:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
03 - Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, dried cherries, and walnuts if using, until evenly dispersed.
04 - Pour mixture into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
06 - Lift fudge from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 24 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It comes together in under 20 minutes of actual work, then you just wait for magic to happen in the refrigerator
- That tart cherry bite against silky chocolate tastes like you spent hours on this, but it's almost embarrassingly simple
- It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, which means more people get to enjoy it
02 -
- Don't use high heat when melting the chocolate mixture. Low and slow is the whole game here. High heat can make the condensed milk separate and your fudge grainy.
- The longer you refrigerate, the firmer it gets. If you like your fudge almost melting on your tongue, 2 hours is perfect. If you prefer it more substantial, go closer to 3 hours.
- That parchment paper overhang is genuinely helpful—use it when you're ready to remove the fudge from the pan.
03 -
- If your fudge sets too firm, don't panic. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting for cleaner edges.
- The secret to that professional-looking finish is dipping your knife in hot water and wiping it clean between each cut.
- Make a double batch. Everyone always wants more, and frozen fudge is genuinely useful to have on hand for unexpected guests or when you need something homemade fast.