If you love indulgent sweets that come together quickly with minimal effort, this No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the creamy richness of white chocolate combined with the bright, sweet burst of maraschino cherries—all without turning on your oven. This fudge is silky, luscious, and perfectly sweet, making it a delightful treat for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to pamper yourself with something special. Trust me, once you try this easy, no-fuss recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe uses a small but mighty list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors and textures. From creamy white chocolate to sweet cherries, every component contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel and gorgeous color of the fudge.
- White chocolate chips: These melt smoothly for a rich, sweet base that’s essential for creamy fudge.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that dense, fudgy texture.
- Almond extract (or vanilla extract): Provides a fragrant, nutty aroma that elevates the flavor.
- Maraschino cherries: Chopped and dried for a juicy pop of color and flavor inside the fudge.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Red or pink gel food coloring (optional): Gives a festive, eye-catching hue to the fudge without altering flavor.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides so you can lift out the fudge easily later. This simple step will save you so much time and hassle when it comes to cutting and serving.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to ensure everything melts evenly and the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Patience here pays off with that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Color
Once melted, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the almond extract and salt to bring depth and balance to the sweetness. If you want your fudge to have that pretty pink or red tint, now is when you add a drop or two of gel food coloring—just enough to create a pretty hue.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries
Carefully fold in the chopped and thoroughly dried maraschino cherries. This step ensures every bite has delightful bursts of fruity sweetness without excess moisture that can ruin the fudge’s consistency.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until completely firm. This is when the magic happens and your fudge transforms into a beautifully set confection ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into small squares—this recipe yields about 36 delicious pieces. Now you’re ready to savor the creamy, fruity joy of this homemade treat!
How to Serve No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
To make your fudge even more irresistible, consider sprinkling a few chopped cherries or a dusting of crushed nuts on top before chilling. White chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate also add a beautiful finishing touch and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, cutting through the sweetness and giving you a balanced taste experience. It’s also fantastic alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad, making it a versatile dessert that can complement many gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, you can wrap individual fudge squares in festive parchment or clear cellophane tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting. Alternatively, arrange the squares on a decorative platter, alternating with fresh cherries or edible flowers for an elegant dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and perfect for up to one week, so you can enjoy little treats over several days without losing that incredible creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe for longer, wrapping the squares tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container works beautifully. Frozen fudge can last for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
Fudge is best served chilled, but if you prefer it softer, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture and cause the fudge to become grainy or too soft.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which can affect the fudge’s texture by making it too soft or runny. If you want to use fresh cherries, make sure to pit, chop, and thoroughly dry them before folding into the fudge. Otherwise, maraschino cherries are your best bet for keeping that perfect consistency.
Is it okay to substitute vanilla extract for almond extract?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works just fine and will still provide a lovely depth of flavor. Almond extract adds a nutty twist, but vanilla is a classic and widely loved alternative.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this fudge?
Yes, you can customize the fudge by folding in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans, or even swirling in some dark chocolate. Just keep in mind that adding moisture-heavy ingredients might affect the final texture, so opt for dry or toasted nuts.
How long does this fudge need to chill?
Chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is crucial to allow the fudge to set firmly. You can chill it longer if you want to prepare in advance. Just avoid freezing it before it’s fully set, as that can interfere with texture.
What is the best way to cut the fudge cleanly?
Use a sharp knife, and for the cleanest cuts, warm the blade slightly by running it under hot water and drying it before slicing. This helps create smooth edges and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe is a delightful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Its ease, rich flavor, and beautiful cherry bursts make it a must-try dessert that will impress family and friends alike. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Cherry Fudge is a creamy, delightful treat made with white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and bursts of maraschino cherries. Perfect for holidays or any festive occasion, it’s easy to prepare without turning on the oven and can be customized with food coloring or festive toppings.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (drained, chopped, and patted dry)
- Red or pink gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy fudge removal later.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Extract and Color: Remove from heat and stir in almond extract, salt, and if desired, a drop or two of red or pink gel food coloring to give a festive hue.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold the chopped, thoroughly dried maraschino cherries into the chocolate mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Set in Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even thickness.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is firm and set.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 36 squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are completely dry to prevent excess moisture that can affect fudge texture.
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For variation, consider swirling in dark chocolate or topping with festive sprinkles before chilling.
