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.
Homemade Candy 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!
Is there a substitute that can be used for the white chocolate. I am not a fan and would prefer another way too make the fidge if possible.
This fudge tastes like cherry, not white chocolate. The white is used as a base to create a creamy foundation that allows for the cherry color to show.
I’ve had that happen before with fudge, but don’t give up! Just keep mixing and it will come back together again.
I’ve made this twice now and both times it has come out gritty. I stirred constantly for even 10 minutes still gritty. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong
Can I use dried off Jared maraschino cherries instead of dried?
I made this in a 9×9 pan, mine is not as tall, but still perfect. I didn’t have dried cherries, so I dehydrated Maraschino cherries. This is very sweet so small pieces are perfectas an after dinner treat with coffee or tea. I have a photo but have not found a place to attach. Thanks for the inspiration.
A spoonful of coconut oil added to the melted chocolate adds a je sais pas quality to the chocolate layer–pliability, perhaps? This looks delightful! I think orange with tiny bits of candied orange peel would be good, too. If you don’t have candied orange peel, just some zest would probably work, too.
Used milk chocolate chips and 3 Tbsp of the cherry jello, most excellent!
If I make this again, I will let the fudge set up for a period of time before applying the dark fudge: it did not stay up top and invaded the under part and made cutting tricky.
Hi Aimee! I’m almost embarrassed to ask this but understand I’m a novice. Everything I learned about baking is from you sooooo thank you sooooo much for that.
Is there a method or is it possible to add a canned pie filling to fudge for different flavors? Is there a way to do this do it still sets?
I apologize if this is a stupid question but if it’s possible I figured you’d be the to figure it out!