Cherry Fudge with dark chocolate looks and tastes like it came from a fancy candy store, but it takes just 15 minutes to make. A homemade fudge perfect for gifting, with real cherries in every bite!
If you love cherries, be sure to try my Cherry Vanilla Puppy Chow, which is also great for gifts. You’ll love these Cherry Frosted Donuts too!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Fudge Recipe
Fudge always feels like a special treat! Maybe it’s because so many vacation destinations have fudge shops or maybe it’s just that buttery, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth factor.
Whatever the reason, homemade fudge is a guaranteed hit—especially this Cherry Fudge With Dark Chocolate!
It starts with a rich cherry base made with chewy dried cherries and just a little bit of cherry gelatin for color and flavor.
Of course I had to add a layer of dark chocolate to finish it off!
- This cherry fudge recipe is incredibly easy. No candy thermometer or double-boiler needed!
- The layers of cherry and chocolate make this fudge look and taste impressive, just the fudge you’d buy at a chocolate shop.
- Cherry and chocolate are a classic combination that’s fantastic in this easy cherry fudge recipe.
Important Ingredient Notes
- White chocolate chips – White chocolate forms the base of this cherry fudge recipe because it allows the cherry flavor to take center stage.
- Fluff marshmallow cream – A secret ingredient for that perfect fudgy texture! Use our homemade marshmallow fluff if you want to take it to next level.
- Unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the flavor of the fudge.
- Heavy whipping cream – Heavy cream adds richness and an irresistibly creamy texture.
- Cherry flavored gelatin – A great way to add color and flavor to this cherry fudge.
- Dried cherries – I love the texture and tart flavor that dried cherries add.
- Dark chocolate – Carefully melt the chocolate in the microwave.
How to Make Cherry Fudge
- Heat: In large saucepan, melt the butter with the sugar, cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the gelatin.
- Finish the cherry mixture: In mixing bowl, stir together the white chocolate and marshmallow cream. Pour the hot mixture into the bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in the dried cherries.
- Add the dark chocolate: Pour the cherry mixture into a parchment-lined square pan. Pour the melted dark chocolate over the cherry fudge.
- Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
This cherry fudge isn’t prone to crumbling since it’s not a traditional fudge recipe, but using a sharp chef’s knife and making swift, strong cuts will help. You can also dip the knife in boiling water, dry it, then cut through the fudge; wipe the knife and dip it again after each cut.
Yes, you should cover the fudge while it sets in the refrigerator. Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap.
Stop beating the fudge once the chocolate chips have melted and the mixture is completely smooth.
More Fudge Recipes
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Cherry Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 7 ounce jar Fluff marshmallow cream
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- pinch salt
- 1 Tablespoon cherry flavored gelatin
- ½ cup dried cherries
- 10 ounce dark chocolate melted
Instructions
- In large saucepan, melt butter with sugar, cream and pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, set timer for 5 minutes and add in cherry gelatin.
- After 5 minutes remove from heat. In mixing bowl, add white chocolate and marshmallow cream. Pour hot mixture over this and beat with a whisk until smooth and creamy (and all chocolate is melted. Fold in dried cherries.
- Pour in a parchment paper lined 9-inch square pan. Pour melted dark chocolate over cherry fudge and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: You can keep this fudge in the fridge covered or in an airtight container at room temperature, as long as your house isn’t too warm.
- Cutting fudge: I find that slicing the fudge into squares just before serving helps ensure it maintains optimal texture. If you aren’t giving the fudge as a gift, cut just the number of squares you plan to eat right away. Use a sharp knife to get a smooth and even edge!
- Freezing: Like many of my homemade fudge recipes, your cherry fudge will also keep beautifully in the freezer. Freeze before or after cutting and then let the fudge thaw out at room temperature before eating.
- Mixing fudge: A strong whisk works well to beat together the fudge ingredients, but I have also been known to save a little bit of time and energy by using my stand mixer! Electric beaters are another great option for ensuring the white chocolate, marshmallow and butter mixture get well incorporated.
- See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.
Nutrition
Cherry Fudge covered with dark chocolate is simply irresistible!
Oh yum! Looks amazing!!
A fudge blog hop? I love it!
This must be the visually prettiest fudge I have ever seen! Mmmm. I have never had cherry fudge, actually!
How cute are these?! Perfect for Valentine’s Day! I might just make these and bring them into my office! {So I don’t eat them all of course ;)}
Looks incredible and way too decadent I am in love! Thanks for sharing on weekend potluck!
I love this! We just posted our very first Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday Link Party and we would LOVE for you to stop by and link this up! http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/02/kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday-link.html
Your fudge is BEAUTIFUL! I don’t think I’ve ever seen any like that before. Well, well done!
So festive and I bet so wonderful tasting! And the layers are so perfect and neat. Great work 🙂
this looks absolutely divine + perfect for valentine’s day. YUM!
Look how gorgeous your fudge is! I am so happy we did this. So yeah, next time we should share with each other!
This is so pretty! And oh, it looks SO good too. I’m so excited to be part of the hop with you! 🙂
Yum!! Your fudge looks adorable, perfectly layered chocolate and those dried cherries… o yum!
Your fudge looks too pretty to eat!!!
YUMMY!
Wende
The Rickett Chronicles
Oh my gosh Aimee. This fudge looks heavenly! Looks like I’m going to be making fudge all weekend! lol I am so glad we all did the hop together! 🙂
Gorgeous! Can’t wait to check out all of the others!
So beautiful and delicious!!! And I’m jealous of your perfect slicing…wow 🙂
Great subject for a blog hop! I do love chocolate and cherries-yum! Not only does this sound delicious, the presentation is just off the charts. Very eye catching! You did an amazing job with the photos. Saving this recipe-thanks Aimee. Enjoy the weekend!
We SHOULD all mail our goodies next time! I did the blogger cookie exchange at Christmas time and that went perfectly! Let’s do it!
Aimee- your fudge looks so elegant! It’s beautiful! What a great job 🙂 Loving the hop!
I am so happy to be fudge hopping with you today! Now if only I had some of your yummy cherry fudge in hand as I click through the links. I think you were onto something when you said we should all mail out our fudge:-) Where’s my box???