This luxurious Cherry Chocolate Fudge combines rich, velvety chocolate with sweet glacé cherries and a hint of almond for an irresistible confection. Perfect for gift-giving or serving at special occasions, this no-fail fudge recipe delivers professional-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Fudge Base
- 500g (17.6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate (55% cocoa solids), broken into small pieces
- 397g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 200g (7 oz) glacé cherries, chopped (plus 8 additional cherries for topping)
- 2.5 ml (½ tsp) almond extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a 20cm x 20cm (8-inch x 8-inch) baking tin with non-stick parchment paper, ensuring paper extends up the sides
- Chop glacé cherries, setting aside 8 pieces for decoration
- Break chocolate into small, uniform pieces for even melting
Making the Fudge
- Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water
- Combine chocolate, condensed milk, almond extract, and chopped cherries (except reserved pieces) in the bowl
- Stir continuously until chocolate melts completely and mixture becomes smooth
- Pour mixture immediately into prepared tin
- Smooth surface with an offset spatula for a professional finish
- Decorate with reserved cherry pieces, pressing them lightly into the surface
- Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours until completely set
Timing and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Setting Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
Per Piece (approximately):
- Calories: 125
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 14g
Tips and Tricks
- Chop chocolate into uniform pieces for even melting
- Maintain water at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil
- Use room temperature condensed milk for smoother blending
- Work quickly once chocolate is melted as mixture begins setting immediately
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts for clean edges
- Pat cherries dry before adding to prevent water content from affecting texture
Variations and Substitutions
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a more intense flavor
- Milk chocolate for a sweeter version
- Dried cherries instead of glacé for less sweetness
- Kirsch liqueur (1 tablespoon) instead of almond extract
- Add 100g chopped nuts for additional texture
- White chocolate drizzle over the top for decoration
Common FAQs
Q: Why did my fudge turn grainy?
A: This usually occurs from overheating. Maintain gentle heat and constant stirring for smooth results.
Q: Can I freeze this fudge?
A: Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped properly in airtight containers.
Q: Why isn’t my fudge setting properly?
A: Ensure correct chocolate-to-condensed milk ratio and adequate refrigeration time.
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of glacé cherries?
A: Fresh cherries contain too much moisture and will affect the fudge’s texture. Stick to glacé or dried cherries.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Keeps fresh for up to two weeks when refrigerated
- Layer pieces with wax paper to prevent sticking
- Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving
- Avoid storing at room temperature as texture will soften
