Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully sweet, chewy, and colorful dessert that’s both nostalgic and a total crowd-pleaser, Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars should be at the top of your list. With glossy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, ruby-red cherries, and crunchy peanuts all swirled together, every bite feels like a little celebration. Their cheerful appearance and unbeatable combination of flavors make them perfect for sharing — though you may regret giving any away!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars lies in their simplicity — each ingredient brings something essential to the table, from rich flavor to a satisfying crunch or a pop of color. Assemble your ingredients, and you’re halfway to festive dessert bliss.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Deliver the perfect balance of bittersweet depth to anchor all the sweet, nutty, and fruity notes.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy texture and adds just the right amount of sweetness that binds everything together.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky finish, making the fudge bars impossibly luscious.
- Mini marshmallows: Bring cloud-like softness and a whimsical, chewy bite throughout the bars.
- Candied cherries, halved: Lend festive pops of color and juicy bursts of fruity flavor in every slice.
- Salted peanuts: Provide irresistible crunch and a pinch of salt that keeps the sweetness in check.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens all the other flavors and adds a familiar, cozy aroma.
How to Make Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang on the sides. This little trick guarantees an easy (and pretty!) release when your Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are set and ready to slice.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Base
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously to help everything melt smoothly and prevent scorching. Once the mixture is glossy and well combined, you’ll know your fudge base is ready for the magic add-ins!
Step 3: Stir in Flavor & Fun
Remove your pan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract. Next, gently fold in the mini marshmallows, candied cherry halves, and salted peanuts. Take a moment to marvel as the colors and textures come together. Don’t overmix — you want every slice of Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars to have whole pieces of marshmallow, fruit, and nuts.
Step 4: Spread and Chill
Spread the gooey mixture evenly into your parchment-lined pan, working it into the corners for an even thickness. Pop the pan in the fridge and let the bars chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Try to resist sneaking a taste — the anticipation is part of the fun!
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy
When the fudge is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into neat bars or squares. Serve up your beautiful Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars on a pretty plate and watch them disappear in record time.
How to Serve Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate your Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars from casual treat to showstopping dessert. Sprinkle a few extra chopped candied cherries or a dusting of powdered sugar for sparkle. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a little melted white chocolate in zig-zags over the top before refrigerating — it makes each piece look like it came straight from a bakery.
Side Dishes
Because Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are rich and satisfying, they pair best with something cool and light. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries for a lovely contrast. If you’re sharing at a party, a simple platter of salty pretzels or a fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness and add dimension to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the basic bars! Slice your Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars into bite-sized cubes and spear them with festive toothpicks for a party-ready treat. Stack them in glass jars for a rustic holiday gift, or arrange them in cupcake liners for individual servings. However you present them, their bright color and cheery vibe will make them the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their perfect fudge texture and keeps the marshmallows from getting sticky.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a special homemade treat any time you like.
Reheating
No reheating needed — Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you like your fudge extra soft, let the bars sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the marshmallows and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars?
Absolutely! While salted peanuts offer crunch and classic flavor, you can easily swap in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Choose what you love or what you have on hand — just be sure they’re salted for the perfect sweet-salty balance.
Do I have to use candied cherries?
Candied cherries give that signature holiday look and burst of sweetness, but dried cherries work in a pinch for a tangier bite. Just keep in mind that the color will be less vibrant and the flavor slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
Regular-size marshmallows can be chopped into smaller pieces as a substitute. If you love marshmallow pockets in every bite, miniatures are ideal, but the recipe is flexible enough for both.
Can Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in dairy-free chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and a non-dairy sweetened condensed milk (which is available in many stores). The bars will still set beautifully and taste amazing with these simple swaps.
How do I keep my fudge bars from sticking to the pan?
The parchment paper lining is your best friend here! It makes for easy removal and keeps everything neat. Be sure to leave enough overhang so you can lift the entire block out when it’s set.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars soon. Their playful look and fabulous flavor never fail to brighten any table or gathering. Give this recipe a try, and watch these charming bars become one of your favorite sweet traditions!
