This Cherry Fantasy Fudge is a fruity twist on my Original Fantasy Fudge, with sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy walnuts folded into a smooth, creamy base. It is a simple and delicious treat–no need to be intimidated!–for holidays, gifts, or whenever you want a little extra sweetness in your fudge! It reminds me of chocolate-covered cherries! If you love fudge, you will want to try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge next. It’s a rich and creamy combination of two classic flavors that’s just as easy to make.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the fudge and helps it set. It is key to the texture, so there are no good alternatives here.
- Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to have the most control over the salt in the recipe. Salted butter would also work if that is what you have.
- Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk is regular milk with 60% of the water removed. It’s sometimes called “unsweetened condensed milk” because it has no added sugar, unlike sweetened condensed milk. The cans look similar, but they are not the same—do not use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe, as it will make the fudge too sweet and change the texture. Evaporated milk works best because it can handle high heat without curdling.
- Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate flavor, I used semi-sweet chocolate chips. You could try milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different taste.
- Marshmallow Fluff: Marshmallow fluff, also called marshmallow creme, is a soft, spreadable version of marshmallows. It has the same sweet, vanilla flavor but with a smooth, gooey texture that melts easily into recipes. It helps make fudge soft and creamy while adding sweetness. You can find it in jars at the store, or you can make homemade marshmallow fluff.
- Walnuts: I love the nutty crunch from walnuts in fudge, but you can certainly leave them out if preferred! Pecans or almonds would also work great!
- Maraschino Cherries: The maraschino cherries give the fudge a sweet, fruity twist. Be sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture. You could try dried cherries for a chewier texture.
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead Of Maraschino Cherries In Fudge?
I do not recommend using fresh cherries in fudge. They have a higher water content compared to maraschino cherries. The extra moisture could affect the texture of the fudge, making it too soft or preventing it from setting properly. For a better alternative, dried cherries would work well since they have less moisture and still add a fruity flavor.
How To Prevent Grainy Fudge: Tips For Smooth and Creamy Fudge
To keep your Cherry Fantasy Fudge from being grainy, follow these tips:
- Stir continuously while melting the sugar and butter mixture to prevent it from crystallizing.
- Don’t overheat the sugar. When cooking the sugar and milk mixture, make sure it reaches a gentle boil—too high of heat can cause sugar crystals to form.
- Once the fudge is in the pan, don’t stir it anymore. Stirring after it sets can make it grainy.
- Use a candy thermometer. If you are worried about the temperature getting too high, use a candy thermometer to make sure you don’t overcook the mixture.
By following these steps, you’ll get smooth, creamy fudge with no graininess!
Can I Make Cherry Fantasy Fudge Without A Candy Thermometer?
Yes, you can make Cherry Fantasy Fudge without a candy thermometer! Here’s how:
- Get ready: Fill a bowl with ice water and have a regular spoon ready next to the stove.
- Boil the sugar and butter: Put the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a pot. Heat it until it starts to boil and let it bubble for a few minutes.
- Test the mixture: Dip the spoon in the boiling mixture to coat it. Then, quickly put the spoon in the ice water. Take it out and feel the mixture between your fingers. If it feels like a soft, squishy ball that you can flatten (like gooey caramel), it’s ready!
- Keep testing: You might need to test it a few times until it’s just right. (Now that is a science experiment I like!)
With practice, you will know when the fudge is ready to set!
How To Harden Cherry Fantasy Fudge
To set the fudge, let it rest at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 4 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can pop the fudge into the freezer for 30 minutes or so to speed up the process. Fudge is best when served at room temperature, so take it out of the refrigerator or freezer a few minutes before eating.
How To Store Cherry Fantasy Fudge
Store Cherry Fantasy Fudge in an airtight container. (I like to separate the layers with parchment or wax paper.) If you plan to eat it within a week or two, you can leave it at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you want to store it for a few months, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Don’t forget to label the date! Before serving, let it come to room temperature to soften.
Cherry Fantasy Fudge
Ingredients
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (126 g) evaporated milk
- 1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7-ounces) marshmallow fluff, or marshmallow creme
- 1 cup (117 g) walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (120 g) maraschino cherries, drained, patted dry, and chopped
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, mix the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Leave on heat until the mixture registers 234°F on a candy thermometer (about 5 minutes). To check without a thermometer, drop a small spoonful of the mixture into a glass of cold water—it should form a soft ball that flattens slightly when pressed between your fingers.
- Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate chips, whisking until melted and smooth.
- Add marshmallow fluff, walnuts (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir to incorporate.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries last to prevent bleeding.
- Transfer the fudge to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Let the fudge set at room temperature for 4 hours. Or, refrigerate for at least 4 hours for a firmer texture.
- Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This cherry fudge is so good! It is almost like candy, but better!
Elizabeth
This cherry fudge is not my favorite, but it does give me chocolate covered cherries vibes (I am not a huge chocolate cherry dessert person). I like the walnuts, though!
Bella
This fudge has a great mix of chocolate and cherries. The texture is smooth and the sweetness is on point. I love it!
Annabelle
I wasn't sure about the maraschino cherries in this fudge, but I liked them! The texture is perfect, too.
Stephanie
I really loved the combination of the chocoalte, walnuts, and cherries. Plus, it seems easy enough to make.
