Cherry Marshmallow Fudge: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge: Prepare to be transported to a realm of pure, unadulterated sweetness! This isn’t just any fudge recipe; it’s a delightful explosion of cherry goodness, perfectly balanced with the fluffy charm of marshmallows. Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth confection, studded with bright red cherries and the soft, pillowy texture of marshmallows. Are you drooling yet?

Fudge, in its various forms, has a rich history, often associated with American ingenuity and a desire for decadent treats. While the exact origins are debated, it’s believed to have emerged in the late 19th century, perhaps as a “fudged” batch of caramels. Over time, countless variations have sprung up, each offering a unique twist on this classic dessert. This Cherry Marshmallow Fudge recipe is my personal favorite, adding a playful and vibrant touch to the traditional treat.

What makes fudge so universally loved? It’s the irresistible combination of rich, chocolatey flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s a comforting indulgence, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. The addition of cherries and marshmallows elevates this fudge to a whole new level of deliciousness. The slight tartness of the cherries cuts through the sweetness, while the marshmallows add a delightful chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a fudge-making adventure!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Fudge Base:
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 7 ounces marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cherry Swirl:
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves (high-quality recommended)
• 1 tablespoon kirsch (cherry liqueur), optional but enhances the flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• For the Marshmallow Pieces:
• 1 cup mini marshmallows, cut in half (this helps them distribute evenly)

Preparing the Fudge Base:

1. In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Using a heavy-bottomed pan is crucial to prevent scorching! Stir constantly over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent any sugar crystals from sticking and burning.
2. Once the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved, bring it to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. A “rolling boil” means the mixture continues to boil even while you’re stirring. This is a critical step for achieving the right fudge consistency.
3. Continue boiling for exactly 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Use a timer to ensure accuracy. If you undercook it, the fudge will be too soft; if you overcook it, it will be grainy. Don’t be tempted to stop stirring!
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Stir vigorously until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient. If the chocolate isn’t melting easily, you can return the pan to very low heat for a few seconds at a time, stirring constantly, until it’s melted. Be careful not to overheat the mixture, or the chocolate could seize.

Creating the Cherry Swirl:

1. In a small bowl, combine the cherry preserves, kirsch (if using), and almond extract. Stir well to combine. The kirsch really elevates the cherry flavor, but it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you prefer.
2. If your cherry preserves have large chunks of cherries, you can gently mash them with a fork or pulse them briefly in a food processor to create a smoother swirl. This will help the cherry flavor distribute more evenly throughout the fudge.

Assembling the Cherry Marshmallow Fudge:

1. Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. The parchment paper will make it much easier to remove the fudge later. Make sure the parchment paper is pressed firmly into the corners of the pan.
2. Pour half of the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the cherry swirl mixture over the fudge base. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cherry mixture into the fudge, creating a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl, or the cherry flavor will be too evenly distributed, and you won’t get those beautiful swirls.
4. Sprinkle half of the halved mini marshmallows evenly over the cherry-swirled fudge.
5. Pour the remaining fudge mixture over the marshmallows and cherry swirl. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. Repeat the cherry swirl process with the remaining cherry mixture, swirling it gently into the top layer of fudge.
7. Sprinkle the remaining halved mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the fudge.
8. Gently press the marshmallows into the fudge to help them adhere. This will prevent them from falling off when you cut the fudge.

Chilling and Cutting:

1. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set completely. Patience is key here! The longer the fudge chills, the firmer it will be and the easier it will be to cut.
2. Once the fudge is firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
3. Place the fudge on a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut the fudge into squares. For clean cuts, run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. A warm knife will slice through the fudge much more easily.
4. Cut the fudge into your desired size. I usually aim for 1-inch squares, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
5. Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The fudge will stay fresh longer if it’s stored properly. You can also freeze the fudge for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the fudge. Use good quality chocolate chips, cherry preserves, and vanilla extract.
• Don’t overcook the fudge: Overcooking the fudge will result in a grainy texture. Use a timer and follow the instructions carefully.
• Don’t over-swirl the cherry mixture: Over-swirling will result in a less defined swirl and a less intense cherry flavor.
• Chill the fudge completely: Chilling the fudge completely is essential for achieving the right consistency and making it easy to cut.
• Use a warm knife to cut the fudge: A warm knife will slice through the fudge much more easily and create clean cuts.

Variations:

• Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the fudge for added texture and flavor.
• Use different extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint extract or orange extract, to create different flavor combinations.
• Add dried fruit: Add chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots to the fudge for added sweetness and chewiness.
• Use different types of chocolate: Use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting:

• Fudge is too soft: If the fudge is too soft, it may not have been cooked long enough. You can try re-melting the fudge and cooking it for a few more minutes, but be careful not to overcook it.
• Fudge is grainy: If the fudge is grainy, it may have been overcooked or the sugar may not have dissolved completely. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to fix grainy fudge.
• Chocolate is seizing: If the chocolate is seizing, it means it’s overheating and becoming dry and clumpy. Try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening to the mixture and stirring vigorously.

Conclusion:

This Cherry Marshmallow Fudge isn’t just another dessert; it’s a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone begging for more. The combination of the rich, decadent fudge, the chewy sweetness of the marshmallows, and the bright, tangy burst of cherries creates a symphony of sensations in every bite. Seriously, if you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, you absolutely must give this recipe a try.

I know what you might be thinking: “Fudge? That sounds complicated!” But trust me, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. It requires minimal ingredients and only a few simple steps. Even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of this irresistible fudge in no time. And the best part? You’ll be rewarded with a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet candy shop.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! This Cherry Marshmallow Fudge is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, bring it to a potluck, or simply enjoy it as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch of elegance, try cutting the fudge into small squares and arranging them on a decorative platter. You can also drizzle it with melted white chocolate or sprinkle it with chopped nuts for added flavor and visual appeal.

Looking for variations? Get creative! Swap out the cherries for other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty flavor. Or, for a truly decadent experience, swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella. The possibilities are endless! You can even experiment with different types of marshmallows, like flavored or mini marshmallows, to create your own unique twist on this classic treat.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I can’t wait for you to try it. Imagine the smiles on the faces of your friends and family as they savor each bite of this creamy, chewy, and utterly delicious fudge. It’s the perfect way to spread a little joy and create lasting memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or don’t, since this is mostly stovetop!), and get ready to embark on a fudge-making adventure. I promise you won’t regret it. And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Insert your social media handle/hashtag here]. Let me know what variations you tried and how much everyone loved it. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to make this already amazing Cherry Marshmallow Fudge even better. Happy baking (or, well, fudge-making)! I hope this becomes a new favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!