Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Discover the perfect Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars recipe—rich, gooey, and bursting with cherry sweetness in every bite! These bars combine creamy fudge, fluffy marshmallows, and tangy cherry pieces to deliver an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. Whether you’re a fan of classic desserts or looking to try something delightfully unique, these bars offer the ideal balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Tangy Harmony: The cherries add a bright, tart contrast to the rich, creamy fudge, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry essentials and fresh marshmallows, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime you need a comforting dessert.
• Gooey Texture: The fudge base combined with the soft marshmallows delivers an indulgent softness that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: These bars work great for parties, potlucks, or as a special homemade gift that everyone will adore.
• Fun and Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping cherries for other fruit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars recipe plays a crucial role, from providing rich flavor to the perfect chewiness and that delightful burst of cherry sweetness. Using simple yet delicious components ensures every bite is unforgettable.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, fudgy base.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness that binds the fudge together.
• White Chocolate Chips: Melts smoothly to build the luscious fudge flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows: Contribute soft, gooey pockets in every bar.
• Dried Cherries: Bring that essential burst of fruity tartness to balance the sweet fudge.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
• Splash of Salt: Elevates all the flavors and prevents the bars from being overly sweet.

Variations for Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

This easy-to-adapt Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars recipe invites playful customizations to fit your mood or dietary preferences. Experimenting with different flavors or adding unique ingredients is a delightful way to make this recipe your own.

• Chocolate Cherry: Add dark or milk chocolate chips to increase the chocolatey richness.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Fruit Swap: Substitute dried cherries with cranberries, blueberries, or raisins for a different fruity twist.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate and maple syrup to create a vegan-friendly bar.
• Spiced Delight: Add cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes that accentuate the fudge.

How to Make Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure your fudge bars come out cleanly and retain their shape.

Step 2: Melt Butter and White Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the butter and white chocolate chips together, stirring gently until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Stir in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla

Remove the bowl from heat, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and glossy.

Step 4: Fold in Marshmallows and Dried Cherries

Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and dried cherries to evenly distribute them throughout the fudge mixture without breaking up the marshmallows.

Step 5: Pour Mixture into Pan and Chill

Transfer the fudge mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to slice.

Step 6: Cut and Serve

Once chilled and set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper edges and cut into bars of your preferred size. Store any extras in an airtight container.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips for the best smooth and rich flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Fold the marshmallows and cherries gently to keep their texture intact.
• Chill Properly: Allow enough chilling time to ensure the bars set completely for clean slicing.
• Room Temperature Fudge: Before cutting, let the bars sit for a few minutes at room temperature to avoid crumbling.
• Slice with a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp, warmed knife to create smooth edges on every bar.

How to Serve Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate, or even some crushed freeze-dried cherries on top for a festive finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dollop of whipped cream, balancing the richness with creamy coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars on a decorative platter lined with fresh cherries or mint leaves. Wrap individual bars in colorful parchment paper for delightful homemade gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to extend freshness for about a week.

Freezing

Freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer the fudge bars soft, warm them for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, or the marshmallows may melt too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Fresh cherries can add extra moisture, which may affect the fudge’s texture, so it’s best to use dried cherries for this recipe to maintain that perfect chewy bite.

Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour—just be sure your condensed milk and marshmallows are gluten-free certified.

How long do Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for about a week when refrigerated and up to two months if frozen.

Can I make these bars ahead for a party?

Yes, they make a fantastic make-ahead dessert since they only require chilling and store well, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

What is the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts for smooth edges and to prevent the fudge from sticking to the blade.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars offer a delightful treat that blends creamy and fruity flavors into every luscious bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch these bars become a scrumptious staple in your dessert lineup!

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