Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever tasted the delightful Cherry Garcia ice cream, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cherry Garcia Fudge. I was introduced to this sweet gem during a family gathering, where one of my cousins whipped up a batch and the whole dessert was gone faster than you could say “cherry on top!” Every bite is a delightful melody of creamy white chocolate, sweet cherries, and little bursts of chocolate goodness—it’s just heavenly!
What makes this fudge even more special is how simple it is to make! Seriously, it comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s a great recipe for kids and adults alike, so feel free to drag the little ones into the kitchen for some fun and bonding time! Just a heads up: this sweet confection may not last long once friends and family catch a whiff of it.
What’s in Cherry Garcia Fudge?
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the superstar of the fudge recipe! It gives that rich, velvety texture that keeps you coming back for more. I often have a can or two in my pantry—worth it for those spontaneous dessert cravings!
White Chocolate Chips: These melt beautifully and contribute to the creamy base of the fudge. I usually opt for Ghirardelli or Nestlé brands because they melt smoothly and taste divine.
Maraschino Cherries: We’re adding those lovely little cherry bits to create that signature flavor. Don’t skimp on chopping them up—they need to be evenly distributed throughout the fudge for the perfect bite.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These tiny gems provide little pockets of chocolatey goodness in every piece. Plus, they look super cute peeking out of the fudge!
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract if you can; it really makes a difference!
A Pinch of Salt: This may seem like a small detail, but trust me; a little salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors in this treat.
Is Cherry Garcia Fudge Good for You?
Okay, let’s be real for a second. This fudge isn’t exactly a health food, but sometimes you just have to indulge! While it’s loaded with sweetness, there are a few perks to note.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Ok, it’s definitely rich in sugars, but it’s also high in calories and provides a quick energy boost (just don’t go overboard!).
Cherries: Our beloved maraschino cherries are a fun fruity addition. They do have some health benefits, like being rich in antioxidants, albeit a little loaded with sugar from the syrup.
Together, they make for a delightful dessert. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation!
How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge?
1. First things first, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, letting a bit hang over the sides. This will make it easier to lift out the fudge later.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate chips. Stir, stir, stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. This part can be so soothing—just you and the chocolate!
3. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point.
4. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Pour this luscious fudge mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Don’t be shy—really get in there!
6. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s firm. Go binge-watch that show you’ve been meaning to catch up on; you deserve it!
7. Once it’s set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the dish. Cut it into squares and get ready to share (or keep it all to yourself, no judgment here!).
The Perfect Wrap-Up!
I promise, once you take your first bite of this Cherry Garcia Fudge, you’ll be transported to sweet bliss. It’s such a fun and easy dessert, perfect for gatherings or just as a sweet treat to enjoy on your own. If you try it, let me know how it turns out. I can already predict that you’ll be the rockstar at your next gathering or family meal with this one! Happy fudging!
