This Cherry Oreo Fudge is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the crunch of Oreo cookies, all set in a creamy, smooth fudge. Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this fudge recipe comes together quickly and requires no baking. Let’s jump into the recipe for this delightful treat!
Ingredients
For the Fudge:
- White Chocolate Chips (3 cups)
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 oz)
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Maraschino Cherries (3/4 cup, drained and chopped)
- Oreo Cookies (15-18 cookies, roughly chopped)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra Oreo pieces (for topping)
- Chopped Cherries (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries and Oreos
- Drain and Chop Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop the cherries into small pieces and set them aside.
- Chop the Oreos: Roughly chop the Oreo cookies into pieces. You can leave some larger chunks for added texture.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
- Melt Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, combine the white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add the Mix-ins
- Add Cherries and Oreos: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and Oreo cookie pieces into the melted chocolate mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the fudge.
Step 4: Set the Fudge
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Pour the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Toppings (Optional): For extra flair, sprinkle additional Oreo pieces and chopped cherries on top of the fudge.
- Chill the Fudge: Place the dish in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is firm and set.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Cut into Squares: Once the fudge is fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan. Cut the fudge into squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve: Enjoy this deliciously sweet and creamy Cherry Oreo Fudge!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per square, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugars: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries may add too much moisture to the fudge, so it’s best to stick with maraschino cherries or dried cherries, which have a more concentrated flavor and less liquid.
2. How do I store the fudge?
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
3. Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the fudge will no longer have that classic “cookies and cream” look.
4. Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge?
Absolutely! You can customize this fudge by adding nuts (such as almonds or pecans), dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows for extra texture and flavor.
5. Can I make this fudge dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and a dairy-free condensed milk alternative to make this fudge suitable for those avoiding dairy.
6. Can I make this fudge without Oreos?
If you prefer a simpler cherry fudge, you can omit the Oreos and just use the cherries. The fudge will still be delicious and creamy.
7. Why is my fudge too soft?
If your fudge is too soft, it might be due to excess moisture from the cherries. Make sure to thoroughly pat them dry before adding them to the fudge. You can also chill the fudge for longer to help it firm up.
8. How can I make the fudge more firm?
For firmer fudge, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk by a few tablespoons or let it chill for a longer period (overnight) to ensure it sets properly.
Conclusion
This Cherry Oreo Fudge is the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. With the sweetness of maraschino cherries and the classic crunch of Oreo cookies, it’s a fun and easy dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy it at holiday gatherings, parties, or as a simple indulgence anytime!