Dreamy Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet memories dance through my childhood whenever I think about cherry marshmallow fudge bars.

Vibrant red cherries peek from layers of creamy chocolate goodness, creating a nostalgic treat.

My grandma’s kitchen always smelled incredible when she prepared these decadent squares.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between rich chocolate and bright fruit notes.

Soft marshmallow melts into delicate chocolate, forming a symphony of texture and flavor.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will absolutely adore this simple yet spectacular recipe.

These bars guarantee smiles and second helpings at every single gathering.

How To Store Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Neatly

• Seal the cherry marshmallow fudge bars in an airtight container to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing the marshmallows from becoming too sticky.
• Layer the bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together during storage.
• For longer preservation, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months – simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving and enjoy them as if they were freshly made.

Great Pairings With Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Crunch and Sweet Symphony: Pair these luscious cherry marshmallow fudge bars with a crisp, chilled glass of almond milk. The nutty smoothness complements the rich chocolate and cuts through the sweet marshmallow layer, creating a delightful balance.
• Brew the Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee. The robust coffee notes will enhance the deep chocolate flavor and provide a sophisticated contrast to the sweet cherry and marshmallow elements.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Match these bars with a small pour of ruby port or sweet dessert wine. The wine's fruity undertones will beautifully highlight the maraschino cherry hints while providing a luxurious drinking experience.
• Nutty Sidekick Recommendation: Consider a side of toasted almonds or hazelnut biscotti. These nutty accompaniments will echo the potential walnut texture in the bars and add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Add-On Ideas

• Cherry Chocolate Swirl: Replace maraschino cherries with dark chocolate chunks and add a cherry liqueur drizzle for an adult-friendly version that intensifies the dessert's rich flavor profile.
• Nutty Cherry Crunch: Incorporate toasted almonds and pecans instead of walnuts, then sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for extra texture and crunch that complements the soft marshmallow layer.
• No-Bake Cherry Blast: Skip the baking step by using store-bought graham cracker crust, and chill the entire dessert in the refrigerator for a quicker, easier preparation method that still delivers incredible taste.
• Berry Marshmallow Fusion: Substitute maraschino cherries with fresh raspberries and add white chocolate chips to create a lighter, more fruity version that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly.

FAQs About Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• What makes the cherry marshmallow fudge bars special?

These bars combine the rich chocolate fudge base with sweet maraschino cherries and fluffy marshmallows, creating a decadent dessert that offers multiple textures and flavors in every bite.

• Can I skip the nuts in the recipe?

Absolutely! The walnuts are optional, so you can easily omit them if you have a nut allergy or simply don’t enjoy them. The bars will still taste delicious without the nuts.

• How do I get clean, neat cuts when slicing the bars?

For perfect squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a warm, damp cloth between each cut. This helps you achieve smooth, professional-looking edges.

• Is this dessert good for potlucks or gatherings?

Yes! These cherry marshmallow fudge bars are great for sharing. They’re easy to transport, can be made ahead of time, and look impressive when served on a dessert platter.

Why Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Are Sticky-Sweet Treats

• Whip Up Quick Dessert: These cherry marshmallow fudge bars deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a delightful sweet treat in under 3 hours.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Texture: The recipe combines crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth chocolate fudge layer, and soft marshmallow topping, offering a delectable multi-textured experience that will impress family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the bars by adding or removing walnuts, adjusting cherry quantities, or experimenting with different chocolate types, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable to individual preferences.
• No-Bake Finishing Touch: After initial baking, the bars set beautifully in the refrigerator without additional cooking, ensuring stress-free preparation and guaranteed success for bakers of all skill levels.

What To Include In Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sandy base for a crunchy and sweet foundation of the dessert.
• Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the crust hold together.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, rich chocolate layer with deep flavor.
• Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create smooth fudge texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall chocolate flavor with warm, classic notes.

• Mini Marshmallows, Maraschino Cherries: Adds playful texture and bright cherry sweetness.
• Walnuts (Optional): Provides crunchy contrast and nutty depth to the dessert.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

Easy Steps For Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

Step 1: Create Delectable Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Press the mixture firmly into a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Remove and let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Chocolate Layer

• Chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk

Stir constantly until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Take the pan off the heat and swirl in vanilla extract. Pour this decadent chocolate mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Decorate with Playful Toppings

• Mini marshmallows
• Chopped maraschino cherries
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Gently press the toppings into the chocolate layer so they nestle slightly.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until the fudge sets completely. Once firm, lift out the bars using the parchment paper and slice into perfect squares. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips For Gooey Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

• Customize Crust Crunch: Swap graham crackers with chocolate cookie crumbs or gluten-free alternatives for a personalized base that suits different dietary needs.
• Perfect Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler or low, steady heat to prevent chocolate from burning, ensuring a silky smooth fudge layer with rich, consistent texture.
• Cherry Variation Hack: Experiment with fresh or dried cherries instead of maraschino for a more natural sweetness and intense fruit flavor profile.
• Freeze for Firmer Bars: Chill bars in the freezer for 30 minutes to create cleaner, more precise cutting lines and a delightfully firm texture.
• Nut-Free Option Alert: Replace walnuts with toasted coconut flakes or seeds for a crunchy alternative that maintains the recipe's delightful textural contrast.

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate cherry marshmallow fudge bars blend rich dessert layers with nostalgic charm. Rich chocolate base and pillowy marshmallow create irresistible indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar

Fudge Layer:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
• 0.75 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a touch of sweetness. Press the mixture compactly into a parchment-lined baking pan, creating an even base that will support the decadent layers to come.
2. Transform chocolate chips and condensed milk into a silky, glossy fudge by gently melting them together over low heat. Infuse the mixture with a whisper of vanilla extract, stirring until perfectly smooth and luxurious.
3. Carefully pour the molten chocolate mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring complete and even coverage that will serve as a rich, creamy canvas for the upcoming toppings.
4. Artfully scatter mini marshmallows across the fudge landscape, interspersing vibrant, chopped maraschino cherries and crunchy walnuts. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to create a harmonious, textured surface.
5. Allow the dessert to rest and solidify in the refrigerator, giving the layers time to meld and set completely. After a minimum of two hours, slice into elegant squares, revealing the beautiful layers of flavor and texture within.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor profile that complements the cherry’s tanginess.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty depth and create a more complex texture in the dessert.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the fudge layer soggy, ensuring a perfect set and clean cutting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg