This Cherry Garcia Fudge recipe is your ticket to a delightful homemade treat, perfectly capturing the iconic flavors you adore. It’s incredibly useful for satisfying sweet cravings, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a moment of pure indulgence with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Garcia Fudge
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (for the “Garcia” swirl)
- Optional: A few drops of red or pink food coloring if you want a more vibrant cherry hue
How to Make Cherry Garcia Fudge
Get ready for a remarkably easy, yet incredibly satisfying fudge experience that bursts with bright cherry and rich chocolate notes. This recipe is a breeze to whip up, featuring a luxuriously creamy texture and the unmistakable delightful duo of fruit and cocoa. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying this decadent treat before you know it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make removing the fudge much easier later on. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
Melt the White Chocolate: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate, as it can seize.
Add Flavor and Salt: Once the white chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the salt and almond extract. The almond extract is crucial for enhancing the cherry flavor and adding that signature “Garcia” complexity.
Incorporate the Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the white chocolate base. If you’re using food coloring for a more vibrant look, add a few drops now and stir until the desired color is achieved.
Create the Swirl: Take the 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips and place them in a separate small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the dark chocolate is just melted and smooth. You want it to be pourable but not too hot.
Assemble the Fudge: Pour about two-thirds of the white chocolate cherry mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle about half of the melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate layer. Then, carefully pour the remaining white chocolate cherry mixture on top, followed by the rest of the melted dark chocolate.
Swirl the Chocolate: Using a toothpick or a thin knife, gently swirl the dark chocolate into the white chocolate layers. Don’t overmix; you want distinct swirls for a beautiful marbled effect.
Chill and Set: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and set.
Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small squares using a sharp knife.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Garcia Fudge
You’ll fall in love with this Cherry Garcia Fudge because it perfectly captures that beloved Ben & Jerry’s ice cream essence in a delightful, chewy confection. The stars of the show are undoubtedly the sweet and slightly tart dried cherries bursting through the creamy white chocolate, beautifully complemented by those rich dark chocolate swirls that mimic the ice cream’s signature chocolate chunks. It’s a fantastic cost-saving alternative to buying artisanal ice cream or pre-made fudge, offering that same gourmet taste right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price.
Unlike a simple chocolate fudge, the addition of dried cherries and the almond extract elevates this treat to something truly special, offering a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekday sweet treat to a show-stopping addition to your holiday dessert table. Don’t wait to experience this incredible flavor fusion; grab your ingredients and give this Cherry Garcia Fudge a try today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Cherry Garcia Fudge fresh and delicious. Once the fudge has set and you’ve cut it into pieces, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, it’s best to store the fudge in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge. Cut it into individual squares, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fudge will last for up to 3 months. To enjoy frozen fudge, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before indulging. Reheating is generally not necessary as fudge is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if for some reason you prefer it slightly softer, you can briefly warm it in the microwave on very low power for just a few seconds.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Garcia Fudge is a dream come true for any fan of the iconic flavor combination, delivering pure joy in every bite. It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe that brings a touch of homemade magic to your dessert repertoire. We highly encourage you to whip up a batch and experience the delightful fusion of cherry and chocolate for yourself!
Cherry Garcia Fudge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make removing the fudge much easier later on. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the white chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate, as it can seize.12 ounces white chocolate chips, 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- Once the white chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the salt and almond extract. The almond extract is crucial for enhancing the cherry flavor and adding that signature “Garcia” complexity.1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the white chocolate base. If you’re using food coloring for a more vibrant look, add a few drops now and stir until the desired color is achieved.1/2 cup dried cherries, few drops red or pink food coloring
- Take the 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips and place them in a separate small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the dark chocolate is just melted and smooth. You want it to be pourable but not too hot.1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- Pour about two-thirds of the white chocolate cherry mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle about half of the melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate layer. Then, carefully pour the remaining white chocolate cherry mixture on top, followed by the rest of the melted dark chocolate.
- Using a toothpick or a thin knife, gently swirl the dark chocolate into the white chocolate layers. Don’t overmix; you want distinct swirls for a beautiful marbled effect.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the fudge is firm and set.
- Once the fudge has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into small squares using a sharp knife.