Did You Know 72% of People Think Fudge is Too Complicated to Make at Home?

If you’ve ever hesitated to make homemade fudge because it seems finicky or time-consuming, I have a secret to share: these Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are about to change everything. With just a handful of ingredients and no candy thermometer required, this recipe proves that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth fudge can be yours in minutes. The magic happens when sweet cherries meet fluffy marshmallow creme, creating a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and showstopping.

I first discovered this recipe while digging through my grandmother’s handwritten dessert journals – those stained, dog-eared pages hold more wisdom than any modern cookbook. She’d scribbled “Cherry Mashmellow Squares” in her looping cursive (spelling was never her strong suit), with three bold underlines beneath the title. That was her code for “company-worthy.” After one bite of these creamy, ruby-speckled bars, I understood why.

What makes these Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars special isn’t just their effortless preparation – though that’s certainly a bonus. It’s how the tartness of maraschino cherries cuts through the rich chocolate foundation, while marshmallows lend an irresistible pillow-soft texture. They’re like a chocolate-covered cherry got a glamorous makeover with help from a campfire s’more. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps yet simple enough for spontaneous weeknight cravings, this recipe has become my most requested treat.

Why This Recipe Works When Others Fail

Traditional fudge recipes often fail home cooks with grainy textures or stubborn mixtures that refuse to set. The genius of this version lies in three foolproof elements:

Sweetened condensed milk acts as both sweetener and stabilizer, eliminating the need for precise sugar crystallization
Marshmallow creme (not melted marshmallows) ensures silky consistency every time
Chilled cherries patted completely dry prevent any unwanted moisture from ruining the fudge’s structure

As you’ll see when we get to the instructions (coming up in part two!), the method is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bought fudge at the mall. The hardest part? Waiting for these Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars to set before slicing – though I won’t judge if you sneak a warm spoonful straight from the pan.

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Print Recipe

Decadent fudge bars with sweet cherries and fluffy marshmallows for a delightful treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Fold in flour until just combined. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
Sprinkle chopped cherries and marshmallows over the top. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until marshmallows are puffed.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Author: Trusted Blog

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and tart cherries. These Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are a nostalgic treat with a playful twist—perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply indulging in a little afternoon delight with a cup of tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Always use good-quality butter for the creamiest fudge base. Cold butter straight from the fridge works best here.
2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness to balance the tart cherries. If you prefer a slightly less sweet bar, you can reduce this to 1 ¾ cups.
½ cup whole milk – Whole milk adds richness, but 2% will work in a pinch.
4 oz unsweetened chocolate – Chopped finely so it melts evenly. A high-quality chocolate makes all the difference!
1 tsp vanilla extract – Pure vanilla, please! The artificial stuff just won’t do justice to these bars.
1 cup mini marshmallows – These melt into gooey pockets of joy. If you only have large marshmallows, just give them a rough chop.
½ cup dried cherries – Tart and chewy, they cut through the sweetness beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of dried cherries and cranberries.
Pinch of salt – Don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors.

Let’s Make These Dreamy Bars

Before we begin, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the fudge out so much easier—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Melt the butter and chocolate. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This is the foundation of our fudge, so take your time—low and slow prevents scorching.
Add the sugar and milk. Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the sugar and milk. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks glossy and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Bring to a gentle boil. Increase the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a soft boil. Set a timer for 3 minutes and stir occasionally. This step ensures the fudge sets properly later.
Remove from heat and add vanilla. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla and that all-important pinch of salt. The aroma at this stage is heavenly—take a deep breath and enjoy it!

Now, we’re ready for the fun part—the marshmallows and cherries! But before we get to that, let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. This keeps the marshmallows from melting completely, so they stay delightfully gooey in the finished bars.

Conclusion

These Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy marshmallow—a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these decadent bars for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.

Ready to give this recipe a try? Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it with us in the comments or on social media—we’d love to see your twist on these dreamy bars! And if you’re craving more sweet treats, check out our other dessert recipes for more inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to pit and chop them finely. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may add a slightly tart flavor compared to the sweeter maraschino variety.

How should I store these fudge bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, chilling them is the way to go!

Can I substitute the marshmallow fluff with mini marshmallows?

Yes! You can fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows instead of using fluff. Just be gentle when mixing to keep them from melting completely.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is key for the fudgy texture, but in a pinch, you can make a homemade version by simmering 2 cups of milk with ¾ cup sugar until reduced by half. It’s a bit more work, but it’ll do the trick!