Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge

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Creamy, rich, and loaded with bursts of cherry and chocolate, this Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge is a no-bake treat that turns heads and steals hearts. Inspired by the iconic ice cream flavor, this fudge layers sweet white chocolate with tart cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect bite.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday tray, craving something indulgent without much effort, or looking for a colorful dessert that wows on the first look, this easy fudge recipe is your go-to. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a dessert you’ll keep coming back to, again and again.

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What Kind of Cherries Should I Use?

For the bold, ruby-red pops in each bite, maraschino cherries are ideal. Their sweetness and color hold up beautifully against the richness of the white chocolate. Be sure to drain and pat them dry before chopping so your fudge sets up firm and smooth.

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Ingredients for the Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge

White Chocolate Chips – The sweet and creamy base that ties the entire fudge together.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Helps melt the chocolate into a silky texture while adding richness.

Butter – Just a tablespoon gives added smoothness and depth.

Vanilla Extract – Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.

Maraschino Cherries – Chopped and dried, they add juicy bursts of fruity flavor and bright color.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – For that classic chocolate contrast that mimics Cherry Garcia.

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How To Make the Irresistible Cherry Garcia Fudge

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease if needed.

Step 2: Melt the Base

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.

Step 3: Flavor and Fold

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Then gently fold in chopped, dried maraschino cherries and most of the semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve a few for the top).

Step 4: Pour and Press

Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top and gently press them in.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge is firm enough to cut into squares.

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How to Serve and Store Cherry Garcia Fudge

This fudge is rich and vibrant, so small squares go a long way—perfect for gift boxes, party platters, or sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee. To serve, simply slice into bite-sized squares using a sharp knife.

Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just wrap tightly in plastic and keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Fresh cherries contain too much moisture and can affect the texture. Stick with maraschino cherries or try dried cherries for a deeper flavor.

Can I make this fudge in the microwave?

Yes! Combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.

What type of white chocolate works best?

Use high-quality white chocolate chips or bars. Avoid candy coating or almond bark, as they don’t have the same flavor or melt consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a 9×13 pan and extend the chill time a bit longer.

How do I keep my fudge from being too soft?

Make sure your cherries are well-dried before mixing in, and don’t skip the chilling step. Refrigeration helps the fudge firm up nicely.

Is this fudge gluten-free?

Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels, especially on chocolate chips and flavorings.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Cherry Garcia Fudge, check out these other mouthwatering treats:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter delight.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a fruity and creamy individual dessert.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies if you want the richness of cheesecake in a cookie.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons for more cherry goodness with a chewy coconut base.
• Chocolate Instant Pudding when you need a quick, velvety fix.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cherries? Use dark chocolate instead?

I love seeing how you all put your own spin on these recipes. Share your tweaks, tips, or even your photos!

👉 For more sweet inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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