Quick & Sweet: No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe for All Ages

Sweet and creamy no-bake cherry fudge can make dessert lovers swoon with its irresistible charm.

Chocolate and cherries dance together in this simple treat that requires zero oven time.

Cool kitchen vibes meet decadent flavors through this effortless recipe.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a dreamy confection that looks impressive but takes minutes to prepare.

Every bite promises rich, smooth texture with bursts of fruity brightness.

Rich dark chocolate provides depth while bright cherries add a playful twist.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this delightful dessert comes together.

Grab a pan and start making magic happen!

Ideal Pairings for No-Bake Cherry Fudge

• Sip Champagne Delight: Crisp, bubbly champagne cuts through the fudge's richness, creating a luxurious dessert experience with balanced sweetness and effervescence.
• Brew Espresso Magic: Strong, dark espresso provides a robust contrast to the sweet cherry fudge, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile and cleansing the palate.
• Match Almond Crunch: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or roasted almond clusters to introduce a nutty texture that complements the smooth, fruity fudge.
• Refresh with Tea: Light, delicate white tea or Earl Grey offers a subtle, aromatic counterpoint to the intense cherry fudge, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Storing No-Bake Cherry Fudge Correctly

• Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 1 week. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent melting.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep in a cool, dry place in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent softening.
• Cut fudge into individual pieces before storing. This makes it easier to grab a quick treat and prevents repeated temperature changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Cherry Fudge

• Why do I need to pat dry the cherries?

Removing excess moisture prevents the fudge from becoming too watery and ensures a proper texture and consistency.

• What does the candy thermometer do?

The candy thermometer helps you accurately reach the precise temperature of 300F, which is crucial for creating the perfect fudge texture and preventing crystallization.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate?

White chocolate chips work best for this recipe because they melt smoothly and create a creamy base for the cherry fudge, maintaining the desired flavor and texture.

• How do I know if the fudge is ready?

The fudge is ready when it reaches 300F on the candy thermometer and has a smooth, glossy appearance after combining all ingredients thoroughly.

Why No-Bake Cherry Fudge Is a Quick and Tasty Treat

• Craft a Stunning Dessert: Create a visually appealing treat that looks like a professional bakery masterpiece with minimal effort.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Master this no-bake recipe with straightforward steps that require basic kitchen skills and minimal cooking expertise.
• Perfect Party Showstopper: Impress guests with a delightful cherry-infused fudge that delivers rich flavors and a beautiful pink color for special gatherings or celebrations.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: Enjoy a flexible dessert that works wonderfully as a holiday gift, potluck contribution, or indulgent personal snack with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Ingredients for No-Bake Cherry Fudge

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth fudge texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form the fudge's structure.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a soft, creamy consistency.
• White Chocolate Chips: Gives the fudge a sweet, creamy base and helps with setting.
• Marshmallow Cream: Contributes to the smooth, soft texture of the fudge.

• Diced Cherries: Adds bursts of fruity flavor and natural color to the fudge.
• Pink Food Coloring: Provides a soft pink hue to match the cherry theme.
• Cherry Juice: Intensifies the cherry flavor and adds moisture.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge.

Instructions to Make No-Bake Cherry Fudge

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare Cherries

Place diced cherries on a clean paper towel and gently pat dry, removing as much liquid as possible while reserving a small amount of cherry juice for later use.

Step 3: Create Fudge Base

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

Step 4: Melt and Boil

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until sugar and butter completely dissolve. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Monitor Temperature

Insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking, stirring frequently until the temperature reaches exactly 300°F (hard crack stage).

Step 6: Add Creamy Elements

• White chocolate chips
• Marshmallow cream

Mix until completely smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 7: Enhance Flavor and Color

• Pink food coloring
• Reserved cherry juice

Step 8: Incorporate Cherries

Fold chopped cherries into the fudge mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 9: Set and Cool

Pour the fudge into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer. Allow fudge to set at room temperature for 3-4 hours.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once fully set, lift fudge from pan using parchment paper edges. Cut into small 1-inch squares for perfect bite-sized treats.

Tips to Achieve Perfect No-Bake Cherry Fudge Texture

• Pat cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from ruining fudge texture.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve perfect fudge consistency.
• Add food coloring gradually to control the shade and create a beautiful pink color.
• Reserve some cherry juice for extra flavor intensity and vibrant color.
• Let fudge set completely at room temperature to ensure firm, clean-cut squares.

Creative Twists on No-Bake Cherry Fudge

• Chocolate Cherry Dream: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor profile and use fresh or frozen cherries instead of dried ones.
• Nutty Cherry Sensation: Fold in chopped almonds or pistachios before pouring the fudge into the pan for added crunch and nutty undertones.
• Boozy Cherry Blast: Incorporate a splash of cherry liqueur or kirsch during the final mixing stage to create an adult-friendly version with deeper cherry complexity.
• Vegan Cherry Bliss: Swap butter for coconut oil, use dairy-free white chocolate chips, and replace marshmallow cream with coconut cream for a plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.

No-Bake Cherry Fudge Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent no-bake cherry fudge delivers sweet summer memories with minimal kitchen effort. Creamy chocolate and tart cherries create a delightful dessert you can whip up in minutes without turning on the oven.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons marshmallow cream

Cherry Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry juice
• 1 drop pink food coloring

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Gently pat diced cherries with paper towels to remove excess moisture, maintaining some reserved liquid.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, cream, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring consistently until ingredients melt and integrate.
4. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then immediately insert a candy thermometer.
5. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the temperature precisely hits 300°F.
6. Remove pan from heat and swiftly incorporate white chocolate chips and marshmallow cream, mixing until completely smooth and glossy.
7. Introduce pink food coloring and reserved cherry juice, blending thoroughly to create a vibrant, consistent color.
8. Fold chopped cherries into the fudge mixture, distributing evenly throughout the creamy base.
9. Transfer the fudge to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread into a uniform layer.
10. Let the fudge rest at room temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop its rich texture.
11. Once set, slice into neat 1-inch cubes for an elegant, bite-sized treat.

Notes

• Pat cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from ruining fudge texture.
• Reserve some cherry juice for adjusting color and intensifying fruity flavor.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure perfect fudge consistency.
• Allow fudge to set completely at room temperature for clean, smooth cutting edges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg