This Cherry Fudge with Dark Chocolate is a creamy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat made with white chocolate, marshmallow cream, cherry gelatin, dried cherries, and a rich dark chocolate topping. It delivers the perfect balance of bright cherry flavor and deep chocolate richness, creating a fudge that feels nostalgic, festive, and irresistibly smooth. Whether you’re making holiday gifts, party desserts, or simply want a simple no-fail fudge recipe, this cherry fudge will be the standout sweet everyone remembers.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this decadent fudge because it’s creamy, fruity, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make—no candy thermometer, no complex steps, and no tricky timing required. The combination of white chocolate and marshmallow cream gives the fudge its signature silky texture, while cherry gelatin and dried cherries bring bright flavor and gorgeous color. Topped with a shiny dark chocolate layer, this fudge looks stunning and tastes even better. Perfect for gifting, party trays, and holiday baking spreads.

Cherry Fudge with Dark Chocolate

There’s something magical about homemade fudge—especially when it blends the nostalgic sweetness of cherry with the richness of dark chocolate. This Cherry Fudge with Dark Chocolate is a recipe that brings together classic flavors in a modern, effortless way. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for gifting or special celebrations.

One of the reasons this recipe works so well is the use of white chocolate and marshmallow cream, a combination that guarantees smooth, creamy fudge every single time. The marshmallow cream melts seamlessly into the hot mixture, creating a texture that sets beautifully without becoming grainy or overly firm.

The cherry flavored gelatin does more than just add color; it delivers an unmistakable cherry flavor that feels bright and fun, making this fudge perfect for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. It gives the fudge a naturally pink hue that looks stunning under the dark chocolate topping.

Dried cherries add chewy bursts of real fruit in every bite. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the fudge, giving it depth and preventing it from being one-note. They also bring texture—something that always elevates fudge from simple to memorable.

The method is simple: melt, boil, mix, fold, pour, chill. No need for a candy thermometer or complicated sugar stages. This recipe is intentionally approachable, making it great for new bakers or kids who want to help in the kitchen.

The dark chocolate topping adds a gorgeous contrasting layer. The bitterness of dark chocolate plays beautifully against the sweetness of the fudge, creating a well-rounded bite that appeals to both sweet lovers and chocolate purists.

Because the fudge sets in the fridge, the texture becomes dense, creamy, and easy to slice cleanly into squares. It packs well, making it ideal for dessert boxes, cookie trays, and edible gifts. Wrapped in parchment or placed in candy tins, it stays fresh and delicious for days.

This recipe also scales up beautifully. Double the batch for parties or cut it into tiny cubes for large gatherings. Every piece delivers that same signature combination: creamy cherry fudge with a snap of dark chocolate on top.

Whether you’re prepping for the holidays, making treats for school or office events, or simply craving something sweet and nostalgic, this fudge will hit the mark. It’s festive, delicious, simple to execute, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Servings & Time

Servings: 25–36 squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

Fudge Base

• 2 1/2 cups white chocolate

• 7 oz marshmallow cream (Fluff)

• 3/4 cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 3/4 cup heavy cream

• Pinch of salt

• 1 Tbsp cherry flavored gelatin

• 1/2 cup dried cherries

Dark Chocolate Topping

• 10 oz melted dark chocolate

Instructions

1. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.

2. Melt butter, sugar, cream, and salt in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

3. Bring mixture to a boil.

4. Once boiling, set timer for 5 minutes.

5. Add cherry gelatin and stir during the boiling process.

6. After 5 minutes, remove saucepan from heat.

7. Add white chocolate and marshmallow cream to a mixing bowl.

8. Pour hot mixture over chocolate and marshmallow cream.

9. Whisk until mixture is smooth and chocolate is fully melted.

10. Fold in dried cherries.

11. Pour cherry fudge mixture into the prepared pan.

12. Pour melted dark chocolate evenly on top.

13. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until firm.

14. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap dried cherries with dried cranberries for a tart twist.

• Use milk chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter topping.

• Add almond extract for a cherry–almond flavor profile.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store fudge in the refrigerator up to 7 days.

• Freeze up to 3 months; thaw in fridge.

• Keep layers separated with parchment to avoid sticking.

Serving Variations

• Add sprinkles for a festive touch.

• Drizzle white chocolate on top before chilling.

• Cut into mini cubes for holiday dessert platters.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Do not skip the full 5-minute boil—texture depends on it.

• Avoid overheating chocolate; pour the hot mixture directly over it.

• Let fudge set completely before slicing for clean cuts.