Nutty Vanilla Cherry Fudge

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 16
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a penchant for easy recipes, Nutty Vanilla Cherry Fudge might just become your new favorite treat. This recipe combines rich chocolate with the perfect bite of walnuts and tangy cherries, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

Ingredients for Nutty Vanilla Cherry Fudge

Semisweet chocolate chips are the foundation, providing the rich, chocolatey base for our fudge. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness, binding the ingredients together. Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor with a smooth, aromatic touch. Walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that complements the chocolate. Dried cherries bring a tart and chewy contrast, balancing the sweetness and adding a pop of color. A hint of salt ties everything together, enhancing the flavors without making the fudge taste salty.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother fudge, ensure your chocolate chips are fully melted before removing from heat.
  • Chop your walnuts to a similar size for an even texture throughout the fudge.
  • If you prefer a softer fudge, reduce the chilling time slightly or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Nutty Vanilla Cherry Fudge as an elegant dessert by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cheese board for a sweet contrast. For an extra indulgent experience, drizzle with a bit of melted dark chocolate before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts, or try dried cranberries or apricots instead of cherries.
How should I store the fudge?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the fudge for up to three months.

Nutty Vanilla Cherry Fudge Recipe Walkthrough

First, prepare your 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. This makes removing the fudge a breeze once it's set. Next, grab a medium saucepan and set it over low heat. Combine the semisweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly. This part requires a bit of patience as you want the chocolate to melt slowly and smoothly without burning. Once you have a silky mixture, remove it from the heat.

Now, it's time to add the vanilla extract and salt to the chocolate mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Toss in the chopped walnuts and dried cherries, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the fudge base. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for about two hours, or until the fudge is firm to the touch. Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut the fudge into squares, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines rich and creamy chocolate with crunchy nuts and tangy fruit.
  • Requires just six simple ingredients, making it approachable for any home cook.
  • No baking involved, a perfect treat for warm days or quick dessert prep.
  • Ready to chill in under 15 minutes of prep, making it an efficient choice for busy schedules.

Ingredients

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, walnuts, and cherries until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
5. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until firm.
6. Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!