Luscious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet meets decadent in these cherry marshmallow fudge bars that promise pure indulgence.

Layers of rich chocolate and soft marshmallow create a dreamy dessert experience.

Bursting with vibrant cherry flavor, this recipe brings a delightful twist to classic fudge.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and fruity notes.

The combination of smooth chocolate and fluffy marshmallow creates an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will fall head over heels for these luxurious bars.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need For Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, buttery foundation that adds delightful texture and classic cookie-like flavor to the dessert bars.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold together and delivers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust caramelize slightly during baking for a deeper, more complex taste.

• Chocolate Chips: Delivers rich, velvety chocolate flavor and creates the luxurious fudge base with intense depth and smoothness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as a creamy binder that helps create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture and adds natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic essence that elevates and balances the chocolate's intense flavor profile.

• Mini Marshmallows: Provides soft, pillowy texture and sweet cloudlike bursts that complement the dense chocolate layer.
• Maraschino Cherries: Introduces vibrant color, tangy-sweet flavor, and a playful fruity element to contrast the rich chocolate.
• Walnuts: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that adds complexity and textural contrast to the dessert bars.

Handy Equipment For Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• 9×9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized bars with even layers.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of the fudge bars.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Saucepan: Ideal for melting chocolate chips and condensed milk smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Great for spreading chocolate and pressing toppings into the fudge layer.
• Knife: Needed for cutting the bars into neat squares after chilling.

How To Make Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Craft the Base

Grab your baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Crush graham crackers and blend them with melted butter and a touch of sweetness. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, creating a solid foundation. Pop it in the oven for a quick toast until edges turn golden.

• Create Chocolate Magic

Gently melt chocolate chips with creamy condensed milk in a saucepan. Stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy pool. Splash in vanilla for an extra flavor boost. Pour this decadent chocolate blanket over the cooled crust, ensuring it covers every inch evenly.

• Dress with Fruity Flair

Scatter mini marshmallows across the chocolate landscape. Sprinkle chopped maraschino cherries for bursts of vibrant color and tangy sweetness. If desired, add a handful of crunchy walnuts for texture. Press the toppings lightly so they nestle into the chocolate.

• Chill and Slice

Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let it rest for a couple of hours. The fudge will firm up, transforming into a delectable treat. Once set, slice into perfect squares and indulge in your homemade dessert masterpiece.

Tips And Variations For Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Crust Perfection Tip: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker mixture evenly into the pan, creating a compact and uniform base for your bars.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them ideal for party planning or busy weekends.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes for a crunchy texture that's safe for nut-allergic friends and family.
• Cherry Twist Variations: Experiment with different fruit additions like dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, or fresh raspberries to create unique flavor combinations that complement the chocolate base.

Ideas For Serving Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Sweet Celebration Platter: Arrange fudge bars on a festive dessert board with fresh cherries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
• Party Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the rich chocolate and cherry flavors, creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Coffee Break Delight: Pair these bars with a hot espresso or cappuccino, letting the sweet chocolate and cherry notes harmonize with the robust coffee flavors.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package individually wrapped bars in cute cellophane bags with a ribbon, perfect for holiday gifts or potluck contributions that will impress friends and family.

Storing Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain optimal texture for up to 5 days. Separate layers carefully to preserve marshmallow and cherry integrity.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. These delightful treats can be frozen for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy a sweet surprise anytime a craving hits.
• Temperature TLC: Keep bars chilled at 40°F or below to maintain their rich, creamy consistency and prevent marshmallow from becoming too sticky or soft. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Ingredient Longevity: Check maraschino cherries and chocolate chips for expiration dates before preparing. Fresh ingredients ensure maximum flavor and prevent potential spoilage during storage, keeping your dessert deliciously safe to enjoy.

Heavenly Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent cherry marshmallow fudge bars offer a delightful blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries. Chocolate lovers will savor this simple, no-bake dessert that promises pure enjoyment.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.75 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan to create a compact, uniform base that will anchor the dessert’s rich layers.
2. Fudge Layer Creation: Melt chocolate chips and condensed milk over gentle heat, incorporating vanilla extract and stirring until the mixture achieves a glossy, velvety consistency that promises indulgent smoothness.
3. Layering and Topping Assembly: Pour the molten chocolate evenly over the cooled crust, then artfully distribute mini marshmallows, maraschino cherries, and walnuts across the surface. Lightly press the toppings to ensure they nestle into the chocolate foundation, creating a visually stunning and texturally complex dessert.
4. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the assembled treat for a minimum of two hours, allowing the layers to set and flavors to harmonize. Once fully chilled, slice into precise squares, revealing the decadent stratification of chocolate, marshmallows, cherries, and nuts.

Notes

• Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable, compact base that prevents crumbling and ensures perfect bar structure.
• Smooth Chocolate Melting: Use low, gentle heat when combining chocolate chips and condensed milk to prevent scorching and maintain a glossy, silky texture.
• Topping Distribution Strategy: Scatter marshmallows, cherries, and walnuts with deliberate spacing to guarantee each bar receives a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Chilling Precision: Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow complete setting, which helps layers bond and enhances overall flavor development and structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg