Sweet Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe: Irresistible Homemade Treat

Ice cream lovers, this cherry garcia fudge blends rich chocolate dreams with unexpected twists of sweet nostalgia.

Ben and jerry’s classic flavor inspired our decadent dessert creation.

Creamy textures melt into smooth chocolate landscapes that dance across your palate.

Delightful cherry chunks burst through velvety fudge layers, creating miniature taste explosions.

Indulgent ingredients promise a dessert that feels like pure culinary magic.

Each bite transports you to a world of delectable comfort.

Embrace this recipe and unleash your inner dessert artist.

Instructions for This Fudge with a Twist

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring extra hanging on sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray or brush with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Build Chocolate Base

• Chocolate becomes completely smooth
• Mixture looks glossy and well-integrated
• No solid chocolate chips remain

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Chopped dried cherries
• Toasted sliced almonds

Stir ingredients until evenly distributed throughout chocolate mixture.

Step 4: Transfer To Cooling Space

• Spread evenly across surface
• Smooth top for uniform appearance
• Eliminate air bubbles

Step 5: Chill And Set

• Completely firm
• Top looks matte
• Edges pull slightly away from parchment

Step 6: Slice And Enjoy

Remove fudge using parchment paper handles. Cut into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge Like a Pro

• Perfect Pan Preparation: Use high-quality parchment paper with extra overhang to ensure effortless fudge removal without breaking or cracking.
• Control Chocolate Melting: Stir constantly over low heat to prevent chocolate from burning and achieve a silky-smooth texture that guarantees creamy fudge.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like bourbon vanilla or swap almonds for pistachios to create unique personal twists on the classic recipe.
• Enhance Cherry Intensity: Soak dried cherries in kirsch or cherry liqueur before adding to boost the fruity flavor and add sophisticated depth to the fudge.
• Master Cutting Technique: Clean your knife with hot water between cuts to create smooth, precise edges and prevent sticky chocolate from clinging to the blade.

Cherry Garcia Fudge That’s Rich and Smooth

• Blend the classic ice cream flavor with rich chocolate, creating a nostalgic and irresistible dessert that appeals to both kids and adults at family gatherings, parties, or potlucks.
• Craft an impressive sweet treat using just a handful of ingredients, eliminating complex techniques and allowing even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert with minimal effort.
• Prepare this fudge in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making it an ideal option for stress-free entertaining or satisfying sudden sweet cravings with a make-ahead friendly recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Chocolate Chips: Rich, smooth base for the fudge, melts easily and provides deep chocolate flavor. Dark or semi-sweet work best.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create smooth fudge texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the chocolate.
• Almond Extract: Provides subtle nutty background note, optional but recommended.

• Dried Cherries, Toasted Almonds: Signature Cherry Garcia inspired mix-ins that provide chewy fruit and crunchy nut elements. Choose plump, high-quality dried cherries and freshly toasted almonds for best results.

• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy fudge removal and clean cutting. Use high-quality, non-stick baking parchment.

Keeping Your Fudge Fresh and Fudgy

• Store fudge in an airtight container for up to 1 week, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Fudge can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Remove frozen fudge from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften gradually.
• When bringing fudge from cold to room temperature, keep it covered to avoid moisture buildup that could affect texture.

Delicious Matches for Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich chocolate and cherry flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the fudge to balance the intense chocolate and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
• Craft a smooth espresso martini that highlights the chocolate's depth while adding a sophisticated coffee undertone to the dessert.
• Drizzle a small amount of almond-flavored Amaretto over the fudge to intensify the nutty notes and heighten the cherry garcia essence.

Variations That Make Cherry Garcia Even Better

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different crunchy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly chocolate chips and extracts, making the fudge safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative or unsweetened condensed milk to reduce overall sugar content.

Fudge Questions? Find the Answers Here

• What are the key ingredients in Cherry Garcia Fudge?

The key ingredients include chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, dried cherries, toasted almonds, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract.

• Is this fudge recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s quite simple! The recipe requires basic melting and mixing techniques, with no complicated steps or advanced baking skills needed.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Fresh cherries won’t work well in this recipe. Dried cherries are preferred because they have less moisture and won’t affect the fudge’s texture and consistency.

• How long will this fudge stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the Cherry Garcia Fudge will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Luscious Cherry Garcia Fudge Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with this cherry garcia fudge, blending rich chocolate and sweet cherries into a delightful dessert. Cool, creamy swirls of indulgence will transport you to a world of pure deliciousness, making every bite a celebration of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Chocolate Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Mix-ins:

• ½ cup (75 grams) dried cherries, chopped
• ½ cup (60 grams) slivered almonds, toasted (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan, ensuring edges are greased to facilitate smooth fudge removal.
2. Create a double boiler setup or use low heat to gently melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously until a silky, uniform consistency develops.
3. Remove chocolate mixture from heat source and incorporate vanilla and almond extracts, infusing deep, aromatic flavors into the base.
4. Fold chopped dried cherries and toasted almonds into the molten chocolate, distributing ingredients evenly for a harmonious texture and balanced flavor profile.
5. Transfer the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, using a flexible spatula to spread contents uniformly and eliminate potential air pockets.
6. Carefully place the pan in the refrigerator, allowing the fudge to solidify and set for approximately 2-3 hours until firm and compact.
7. After chilling, gently lift the parchment paper to extract the fudge block from the pan, placing it on a clean cutting surface.
8. Using a sharp, clean knife, slice the fudge into neat, bite-sized squares, wiping the blade between cuts for precise edges.
9. Serve the cherry garcia fudge chilled or at ambient temperature, presenting a delectable dessert that balances rich chocolate with bright cherry notes.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chocolate chips for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty aroma and provide a delightful crunch in the fudge.
• Chop dried cherries into smaller pieces to distribute flavor more evenly throughout the fudge, ensuring each bite has a burst of fruity sweetness.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk condensed milk and use vegan chocolate chips to create an inclusive treat everyone can enjoy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 34 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg