Soft Cherry Fudge with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Velvety cherry-studded fudge topped with silky dark chocolate ganache. Elegant, nostalgic, and perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
Equipment
- 8x8-inch pan
- Parchment paper
- Heat-safe bowl
- Small saucepan
- Silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- Cherry Fudge Layer
- White chocolate chips 2 cups
- Unsalted butter 3 tablespoons
- Sweetened condensed milk 1 cup
- Almond extract ½ teaspoon
- Vanilla extract ½ teaspoon
- Maraschino cherries drained & chopped ½ cup
- Salt pinch optional
- Ganache Topping
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate ¾ cup
- Heavy cream ½ cup
- Butter 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment and lightly butter.
- Melt white chocolate, butter, and condensed milk in a bowl over simmering water until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in almond extract, vanilla, and optional salt. Rest 2–3 minutes.
- Fold in thoroughly drained cherries. Spread into the pan and refrigerate ~45 minutes.
- Heat cream until steaming. Pour over dark chocolate, rest 2–3 minutes, then stir smooth. Add butter.
- Spread ganache over the chilled fudge. Refrigerate 2–3 hours until firm.
- Lift out using parchment and slice into squares, wiping the knife between cuts.
Notes
Drain and pat cherries completely dry to avoid soft, watery fudge.
Melt white chocolate gently—low heat prevents seizing.
Slice while cold for clean edges; serve closer to room temperature for best texture.
Melt white chocolate gently—low heat prevents seizing.
Slice while cold for clean edges; serve closer to room temperature for best texture.