Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge

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Craving something that melts in your mouth but also packs a fruity punch? Imagine biting into a rich, velvety square of chocolate fudge only to hit a burst of tangy cherries and creamy vanilla. That’s what Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge delivers—a flavor-packed bite that feels like dessert and nostalgia all in one. This treat isn’t just a feast for your taste buds; it’s a showstopper on any holiday tray or dessert board.

Inspired by the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, this no-bake fudge version is ridiculously simple to make, but tastes like you spent hours crafting it. Swirls of white and dark chocolate mingle with juicy maraschino cherries and a touch of vanilla—perfectly balanced between sweet and decadent. Whether you’re making it for a party or just need a sweet fix, this fudge checks every box.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the sweetness, a smooth prep session is essential. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: This ensures even melting and prevents chocolate from scorching.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients smoothly without breaking the cherries.
• Mixing bowls: At least two—one for melting the chocolates and one for mixing everything together.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: If you prefer halved cherries or want to chop them into smaller bites.
• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan: The perfect size for thick, luscious squares.
• Parchment paper: A non-negotiable! It makes lifting and cutting the fudge so much easier.

Having these tools ready means your fudge-making process will be clean, efficient, and mess-free—leaving you with more time to enjoy that first glorious bite.

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Ingredients for the Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge

• Dark Chocolate Chips – The rich chocolate base brings depth and balances the sweetness of cherries.
• White Chocolate Chips – Adds a creamy, sweet swirl and lightens the overall flavor profile.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This is the silky binder that makes everything creamy and dense without needing extra sugar.
• Maraschino Cherries – Bright, juicy, and vibrant, they add fruity flavor and stunning color pops.
• Vanilla Extract – A little hint goes a long way to round out the sweetness and add aroma.
• Butter (optional) – A touch of butter adds smoothness and helps with the glossy texture.

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How To Make the Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line your 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra to hang over the edges for easy removal later. Set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Layers

In separate bowls, melt the dark and white chocolate chips with half of the condensed milk in each. You can use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Butter

Once melted, stir in vanilla extract and a little butter (if using) into each chocolate mixture. This helps with both flavor and consistency.

Step 4: Fold in the Cherries

Pat the maraschino cherries dry and either leave them whole or halve them. Gently fold them into the white chocolate mixture, reserving a few for topping.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the dark chocolate layer into the pan, followed by the entire white chocolate-cherry mix. Top with the remaining dark chocolate and use a toothpick or knife to swirl the layers gently.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the fudge for at least 3 hours or until firm. Once fully set, lift it from the pan using the parchment and slice into squares.

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Serving and Storing This Fudge Delight

Cherry Garcia Fudge is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For gifting, wrap pieces in wax paper or place them in a decorative box—it’s a stunning homemade present.

To store, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just layer parchment between the squares and seal in a freezer bag.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries contain more moisture and can affect the texture. Maraschino cherries are preferred for their consistency and sweetness.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk. The result will be slightly softer but still delicious.

How do I keep the fudge from becoming grainy?

Melt chocolate gently and avoid overheating. Stirring constantly and using high-quality chips also helps prevent graininess.

Do I need to use both white and dark chocolate?

For the signature flavor and look, both are recommended. But you can stick to one if you prefer a simpler version.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or almonds would add a lovely crunch and pair beautifully with the cherries.

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Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

If you love the indulgent contrast of chocolate and fruit, you’ll definitely want to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for that rich, nutty-sweet combo.

Another fan favorite is the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes with a gooey marshmallow center. They’re messy, fun, and pure nostalgia in a wrapper.

Craving something fruity and chilled? Try the No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake or go vibrant with the Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes for a bite-sized punch.

For more daily dessert creations, check out my Pinterest LadyPlate board. I share quick sweet treats, no-bake ideas, and flavor-packed experiments daily.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try it with extra cherries? Or swap in cherry liqueur? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others spin their fudge magic.

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