Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Discover the perfect sweet treat with these Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars—rich, gooey, and bursting with cherry flavor in every bite! This delightful dessert perfectly combines the luscious taste of cherries with soft marshmallows and creamy fudge to create a dessert bar that’s irresistibly delicious and wonderfully comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together effortlessly for quick baking.
• Perfect Balance: Combines tart cherries, sweet marshmallows, and smooth fudge for a perfect flavor blend.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance and store without losing freshness or taste.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into bars that are perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Customizable: Adaptable to dietary preferences and flavor twists for a personalized touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, this recipe ensures each component enhances the taste, texture, and appearance of your Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars. From rich chocolate to juicy cherries, every ingredient plays a vital role in making the bars truly special.

• Chocolate Chips: Choose semi-sweet for rich fudge flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness, binding the fudge base perfectly.
• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows provide gooey texture and a soft, chewy contrast to the fudge.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds tartness and fruity bursts that complement the chocolate beautifully.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps with smooth texture in the fudge layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate’s richness.

Variations for Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Feel free to experiment and tailor this recipe to fit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s surprisingly easy to customize. Swap or add ingredients without losing that classic, irresistible charm.

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Mixed Berry Twist: Substitute cherry pie filling with mixed berries or strawberry topping for fresh variety.
• White Chocolate Swap: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamy, sweet alternative.
• Spiced Up: Add cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle spicy kick that enhances the cherry flavor.

How to Make Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking and make removal easy after baking.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and fully combined to create a velvety fudge base.

Step 3: Mix in Flavorings

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor and balance sweetness.

Step 4: Layer the Bars

Pour half of the melted fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Evenly spread the cherry pie filling on top, then sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the cherries. Finally, pour the remaining fudge mixture over the marshmallow layer, spreading gently for full coverage.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for neat edges and easier serving.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars during baking to avoid drying out the marshmallows or fudge.
• Even Spreading: Spread the cherry filling and fudge layers evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and condensed milk are at room temperature for smooth melting.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Helps to set layers so bars hold their shape when sliced.

How to Serve Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Garnishes

Enhance presentation by sprinkling a few extra mini marshmallows, fresh cherries, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream adds an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweet richness beautifully and create a comforting dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars on colorful platters or stack them with parchment paper in between for a rustic look. Wrapping individual bars in decorative parchment and tying them with ribbon also makes a perfect homemade gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate, which also helps the bars firm up nicely.

Freezing

Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, preserving that perfect gooey texture.

Reheating

Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive softness and gooeyness, making them taste freshly baked. Avoid overheating to prevent melting the marshmallows unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but you may want to cook them down slightly with sugar to create a jam-like consistency for better layering and flavor distribution.

Are Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars gluten-free?

They can be gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chocolate chips and ensure your cherry pie filling contains no gluten ingredients.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and coconut-based sweetened condensed milk to create a delicious dairy-free version.

How do I prevent marshmallows from melting too much during baking?

Baking just until the fudge is set and marshmallows are lightly golden helps maintain their texture—take care to not overbake.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water, wiping it clean between cuts to ensure smooth edges and prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars bring together the best of rich chocolate, soft marshmallows, and tangy cherries in a warm, delightful treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring a quiet moment, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and cravings alike. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cherry-infused dessert bar in your baking repertoire!

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