If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s both tasty and easy to make, look no further! Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and tangy cherries. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step to create these delightful bites. With just a few simple ingredients and no complicated skills, you’ll impress anyone who tries them. Let’s dive in and satisfy that sweet tooth together!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Toppings
– Extra cocoa powder for dusting
– Shredded coconut for dusting
Equipment Needed
– Small square baking dish (approx. 8×8 inches)
– Parchment paper
– Medium saucepan
– Spatula
These ingredients come together to create a rich treat. The dark chocolate chips give a deep flavor. Sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess. Dried cherries give sweetness and a chewy texture. Walnuts add crunch, but they’re optional. Sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the taste.
For a fun twist, you can dust the bites with cocoa powder or coconut. Both add a nice touch.
To make these bites, you need a few tools. A small square baking dish helps shape the fudge. Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the fudge out later. A medium saucepan is perfect for melting the chocolate. Finally, a spatula helps spread the mixture evenly.
For the full recipe, you can find it [here](#). Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Line the baking dish with parchment paper.
– Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan.
Start by preparing your baking dish. Place parchment paper in the bottom of an 8×8 inch square dish. This makes it easy to lift out the fudge later. Next, take a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir them together over low heat. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth.
Cooking Steps
– Melt chocolate mixture over low heat.
– Stir in vanilla extract and add dried cherries and walnuts.
Once the chocolate is melted, remove the pan from the heat. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then add 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries. If you like, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Stir well, so every bite has a mix of flavors.
Setting the Fudge
– Pour mixture into the baking dish and level it out.
– Cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Now, pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt on top. Press it gently into the fudge. Let the fudge sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. When it’s firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into bite-sized squares. For a special touch, dust them with cocoa powder or shredded coconut. Enjoy your sweet treat! You can find the full recipe [here](#).
Tips & Tricks
Expert Tips
– Ensure chocolate is completely melted for smooth texture.
– Don’t rush cooling; room temperature cooling helps set the fudge.
To melt chocolate, use low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If you rush the cooling, the fudge may not set well. Allow it to cool at room temperature first for the best results.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
– Use the correct measurements for ingredients.
– Don’t skip using parchment paper.
Using the right measurements matters. Too much or too little can ruin your fudge. Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the fudge out later. It also keeps the dish clean.
Enhancing Flavor
– Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to intensify flavor.
– Explore flavor variations, like adding orange zest or almond extract.
A pinch of sea salt can make the chocolate taste richer. If you like, try adding orange zest for a fruity twist. Almond extract can add a lovely nutty flavor too. For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites section.
Variations
Flavor Combinations
You can change the flavor of your Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites easily. Try using milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. This swap gives a sweeter taste that many enjoy. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruits add a nice chewiness and a burst of flavor. Mixing flavors keeps things exciting and fun!
Dietary Modifications
For those who want a vegan treat, you can make this fudge without dairy. Use dairy-free condensed milk and chocolate. This option still keeps the fudge creamy and delicious. If you need a gluten-free treat, avoid any ingredients that contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites without worry.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites pair well with fresh fruits or nuts. Create a lovely dessert platter for your guests. You can also serve these bites with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Both options add a creamy touch that complements the fudge. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures for a delightful experience. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain their rich flavor. For the best taste and texture, place the container in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life
These delightful bites can last up to two weeks when stored in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them! They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months without losing flavor.
Thawing Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen fudge bites, thaw them in the refrigerator. This method helps keep their texture nice and smooth. Avoid letting them thaw at room temperature; this can make them too soft and change their lovely shape.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but it will alter the flavor profile and sweetness level. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste, while milk chocolate adds more sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter treat, milk chocolate works well.
Where can I buy pre-made cherry chocolate fudge bites?
Check local gourmet chocolate shops or online retailers for pre-made options. Many shops offer delicious fudge bites, especially around holidays. Look for shops that focus on quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Fresh cherries may add moisture, which could affect the fudge’s consistency; it’s better to use dried. Dried cherries pack a punch of flavor without changing the fudge’s texture. They also blend well with the chocolate.
How do I know when the fudge is set?
The fudge should be firm to the touch and easily lift out of the baking dish once cooled. After chilling, it will firm up nicely. You can also check by pressing lightly on the surface; it should feel solid but not hard.
This blog post covered how to make delicious cherry chocolate fudge. You learned about the key ingredients and the simple steps to prepare it. I shared tips to ensure a smooth texture and ideas to enhance flavor. Remember to experiment with different chocolate types or toppings. Store your fudge properly to keep it fresh and tasty. With these steps, you can make a treat everyone will love. Enjoy your fun time in the kitchen!
. Enjoy your cooking adventure! - Line the baking dish with parchment paper. - Combine chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan. Start by preparing your baking dish. Place parchment paper in the bottom of an 8x8 inch square dish. This makes it easy to lift out the fudge later. Next, take a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir them together over low heat. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts and becomes smooth. - Melt chocolate mixture over low heat. - Stir in vanilla extract and add dried cherries and walnuts. Once the chocolate is melted, remove the pan from the heat. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then add 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries. If you like, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Stir well, so every bite has a mix of flavors. - Pour mixture into the baking dish and level it out. - Cool at room temperature before refrigerating. Now, pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt on top. Press it gently into the fudge. Let the fudge sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. When it's firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper. Cut it into bite-sized squares. For a special touch, dust them with cocoa powder or shredded coconut. Enjoy your sweet treat! You can find the full recipe [here](#). - Ensure chocolate is completely melted for smooth texture. - Don’t rush cooling; room temperature cooling helps set the fudge. To melt chocolate, use low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If you rush the cooling, the fudge may not set well. Allow it to cool at room temperature first for the best results. - Use the correct measurements for ingredients. - Don’t skip using parchment paper. Using the right measurements matters. Too much or too little can ruin your fudge. Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the fudge out later. It also keeps the dish clean. - Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to intensify flavor. - Explore flavor variations, like adding orange zest or almond extract. A pinch of sea salt can make the chocolate taste richer. If you like, try adding orange zest for a fruity twist. Almond extract can add a lovely nutty flavor too. For the full recipe, check out the Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites section. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites easily. Try using milk or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate. This swap gives a sweeter taste that many enjoy. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruits add a nice chewiness and a burst of flavor. Mixing flavors keeps things exciting and fun! For those who want a vegan treat, you can make this fudge without dairy. Use dairy-free condensed milk and chocolate. This option still keeps the fudge creamy and delicious. If you need a gluten-free treat, avoid any ingredients that contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites without worry. Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites pair well with fresh fruits or nuts. Create a lovely dessert platter for your guests. You can also serve these bites with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Both options add a creamy touch that complements the fudge. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures for a delightful experience. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. To keep your Cherry Chocolate Fudge Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain their rich flavor. For the best taste and texture, place the container in the refrigerator. These delightful bites can last up to two weeks when stored in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them! They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months without losing flavor. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen fudge bites, thaw them in the refrigerator. This method helps keep their texture nice and smooth. Avoid letting them thaw at room temperature; this can make them too soft and change their lovely shape. Yes, but it will alter the flavor profile and sweetness level. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste, while milk chocolate adds more sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter treat, milk chocolate works well. Check local gourmet chocolate shops or online retailers for pre-made options. Many shops offer delicious fudge bites, especially around holidays. Look for shops that focus on quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh cherries may add moisture, which could affect the fudge's consistency; it's better to use dried. Dried cherries pack a punch of flavor without changing the fudge’s texture. They also blend well with the chocolate. The fudge should be firm to the touch and easily lift out of the baking dish once cooled. After chilling, it will firm up nicely. You can also check by pressing lightly on the surface; it should feel solid but not hard. This blog post covered how to make delicious cherry chocolate fudge. You learned about the key ingredients and the simple steps to prepare it. I shared tips to ensure a smooth texture and ideas to enhance flavor. Remember to experiment with different chocolate types or toppings. Store your fudge properly to keep it fresh and tasty. With these steps, you can make a treat everyone will love. Enjoy your fun time in the kitchen!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4595c9aa-01ff-458f-8b24-1f1962356b2c-250x250.webp)