Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are a delightful, indulgent treat that combines the perfect balance of rich chocolate, chewy marshmallows, sweet candied cherries, and crunchy salted peanuts. These bars are the ideal dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, bringing a dish to a party, or simply treating yourself to something sweet and comforting. The smooth, creamy texture of the fudge contrasts wonderfully with the textures of the marshmallows, peanuts, and cherries, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to prepare. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and butter creates a velvety base for the chocolate chips to melt into, while the marshmallows and candied cherries add a delightful sweetness and color to the bars. The salted peanuts provide the perfect contrast, bringing a savory crunch that balances out the overall sweetness.

No matter the occasion, Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with their delightful flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and only a few simple steps to prepare, making it perfect for a quick and delicious treat.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

The combination of sweet chocolate, chewy marshmallows, sweet candied cherries, and crunchy salted peanuts creates a well-balanced flavor profile.

3. Rich and Creamy Texture

The sweetened condensed milk and butter give these bars a rich, smooth, and creamy base that melts in your mouth.

4. Festive and Colorful

The vibrant red of the candied cherries and the soft, white marshmallows add a fun and festive touch to these bars, making them great for holidays or special occasions.

5. Customizable

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! You can switch out the salted peanuts for almonds, add some shredded coconut, or use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a variation.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

Semisweet chocolate chips
Sweetened condensed milk
Unsalted butter
Mini marshmallows
Candied cherries (halved)
Salted peanuts
Vanilla extract

Variations

Nut-Free Version: Omit the salted peanuts and use additional marshmallows or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for flavor.
White Chocolate Fudge Bars: Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a lighter, sweeter alternative.
Coconut Fudge Bars: Add a handful of shredded coconut to the mix for an extra tropical flavor.
Peanut Butter Fudge: Swirl some peanut butter into the fudge mixture for a nutty, creamy variation.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fudge Base

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until fully combined. Add the chocolate chips and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate the Add-ins

Fold in the mini marshmallows, halved candied cherries, and salted peanuts, mixing gently to distribute them evenly throughout the fudge mixture.

Step 4: Set the Fudge

Pour the fudge mixture into a greased 9×9-inch square baking pan and spread it out evenly. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

Once the fudge has set, cut it into bars or squares. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for later.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make sure to stir the chocolate mixture constantly to prevent it from burning as it melts.
If the fudge seems too thick, you can add a little more sweetened condensed milk to loosen it up.
Let the fudge cool completely at room temperature to ensure the marshmallows and cherries retain their texture.
You can line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal of the fudge once it has set.

How to Serve

Serve these Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea, or offer them as a dessert option at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. They can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, depending on your preference for texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The fudge will firm up when refrigerated and stay fresh for longer.

Freezing

You can freeze these fudge bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Fudge bars do not need reheating, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature. If refrigerated, simply let them sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips?

Yes, dark chocolate chips will give the fudge a more intense chocolate flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the marshmallows and cherries.

2. Can I make this recipe without marshmallows?

Marshmallows add a chewy, airy texture, but if you prefer, you can omit them and increase the amount of peanuts or candied cherries for added texture.

3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of candied cherries?

Candied cherries provide a sweet, chewy texture that complements the fudge, but you can use fresh cherries if you prefer a more natural flavor. Just be sure to remove the pits and chop them up.

4. How can I make these bars more festive for holidays?

You can decorate the top with colored sprinkles, or even drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for a special touch during the holidays.

5. Can I make these bars vegan?

To make the recipe vegan, use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and a plant-based condensed milk alternative.

6. How thick should the fudge mixture be?

The fudge mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when poured into the pan, but it should still be soft and smooth.

7. How can I prevent the marshmallows from melting into the fudge?

Be sure to fold in the marshmallows gently after removing the mixture from the heat, and allow the fudge to cool slightly before adding them to maintain their shape.

8. Can I substitute the salted peanuts with another nut?

Yes, you can substitute salted peanuts with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews, depending on your preference.

9. How do I know when the fudge is fully set?

The fudge should be firm to the touch and easy to cut into bars when fully set. If it’s still too soft, refrigerate it for an additional hour.

10. Can I add other flavors to this fudge?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or try adding a swirl of caramel or peanut butter to create different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are a delicious and festive treat that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts. With their perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and chewiness, these bars are an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this easy-to-make dessert is bound to be a crowd favorite that disappears in no time.