Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making Cherry Garcia Fudge yet, you’re in for a real treat! This fudge is like a little piece of heaven, combining the luscious richness of chocolate with the bright, sweet pop of cherries. I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up a batch—my friends couldn’t get enough! It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple yet incredibly impressive. The blend of creamy chocolate and tangy cherries just sings, and I love how the crunchy walnuts add an unexpected texture. Trust me, once you get a taste of this dreamy fudge, you’ll be making it for every gathering—or just for yourself on a cozy night in. Let’s dive into the deliciousness together!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to fudge-making happiness! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Cherry Garcia Fudge:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips – These are the star of the show, bringing that rich, decadent chocolate flavor.
1 cup sweetened condensed milk – This creamy goodness helps bind everything together and adds that luscious texture we all love.
1/2 cup chopped cherries – Fresh or frozen, they bring a burst of fruity flavor that’s essential to this treat!
1/4 cup chopped walnuts – These add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash to enhance all those dreamy flavors.

Make sure to measure everything out before you start; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable! Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Cherry Garcia Fudge

Getting your hands on this Cherry Garcia Fudge is a breeze! Let’s break it down step by step, so you can see just how simple and satisfying it is to make. You’ll be indulging in this delicious treat before you know it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to lift the fudge out once it’s set—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Now, grab a saucepan and set it over low heat. Add in the 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and the 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently as they melt together, creating a smooth, velvety mixture. It’s like a chocolatey dream! Just make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—nobody wants that!
Once it’s all melted and beautifully creamy, remove the pan from the heat. This is where the fun begins! Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of chopped cherries, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed nicely, but don’t overdo it—just a few good stirs will do the trick!
Next, pour that luscious mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. I like to use a spatula for this part; it helps get into all the corners!
Now it’s time for the hardest part: waiting! Refrigerate your fudge for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm. I know, it’s tough to resist, but the wait is oh-so-worth it!
Once it’s fully set, take it out and lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut it into squares, and voilà! You’re ready to serve this delightful treat.

With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of Cherry Garcia Fudge that’s guaranteed to impress. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh boy, let me tell you why this Cherry Garcia Fudge will steal your heart! It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore making—and sharing—this fabulous fudge:

Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Great for Sharing: Cut it into squares and watch it disappear at parties or gatherings. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Vegetarian-Friendly: This fudge is a delightful dessert that fits right into a vegetarian diet, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Honestly, who wouldn’t want a little piece of this sweet joy? Enjoy every moment of making and sharing it!

Tips for Success

If you’re ready to make your Cherry Garcia Fudge even more fabulous, I’ve got some pro tips to help you nail it every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your fudge-making game to the next level.

Check Your Chocolate: Make sure to use good-quality semisweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and give your fudge that rich flavor we all crave. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using dark chocolate for a deeper taste!
Don’t Rush the Melting: Keep the heat low and stir gently as the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk come together. This helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Remember, patience is key!
Cool Completely: Let your fudge cool completely in the fridge before cutting. This helps it set properly and makes for cleaner squares. If it’s too warm when you cut it, you might end up with a gooey mess—delicious, but messy!
Experiment with Mix-Ins: While cherries and walnuts are a classic combo, feel free to get creative! Try adding some crushed graham crackers for a texture twist, or swap in pecans for a different nutty flavor. You could even toss in a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that sweet-and-salty vibe!
Store It Right: Keep your fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness. If you find you have leftovers (which is rare), it’ll last about a week—if it lasts that long, that is!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the best Cherry Garcia Fudge around. Happy fudge-making, friends!

Nutritional Information Section

As you dive into the deliciousness of your Cherry Garcia Fudge, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the estimated nutritional values per square:

Calories: 150
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 20mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little sweetness is worth celebrating, right? Enjoy your fudge guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making your Cherry Garcia Fudge? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear, along with my trusty answers:

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of semisweet chocolate, feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge, or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Just make sure it’s a good quality chocolate for the best results!

What if I don’t have walnuts?
No problem at all! You can easily swap in your favorite nuts, like pecans or almonds, or even leave them out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version. It’ll still be delicious!

How should I store the fudge?
To keep your Cherry Garcia Fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about a week, although I doubt it’ll last that long once you share it with friends!

Can I freeze the fudge?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the fudge in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before enjoying it again!

Can I use different fruits?
Definitely! While cherries are a classic in this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like dried cranberries, chopped strawberries, or even blueberries. Just remember that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be a tasty treat!

I hope this clears up any questions you might have! Enjoy creating your Cherry Garcia Fudge, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions along the way!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Cherry Garcia Fudge properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it right:

Refrigeration: Once your fudge is cut into squares, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep it nice and firm while also preserving that rich flavor. It should stay fresh for about a week—if it lasts that long!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze your fudge! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Easy peasy!

Now, about reheating—there’s really no need to heat up this fudge since it’s best enjoyed chilled. However, if you prefer it a bit softer, you can microwave a square for just a few seconds to warm it slightly. Careful not to overdo it; you just want it to soften a bit, not melt completely!

With these storage tips, you can enjoy your Cherry Garcia Fudge whenever the craving strikes. Happy indulging!

Cherry Garcia Fudge: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Sweet Treat

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously rich fudge infused with cherry and chocolate flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped cherries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
Remove from heat and mix in cherries, walnuts, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store fudge in an airtight container in the fridge.
For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of butter.
Use fresh or frozen cherries.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 150
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Cherry Garcia Fudge, fudge, dessert, chocolate, cherry

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