Description
This Cherry Coke Fudge recipe combines the rich sweetness of white chocolate and maraschino cherries with a playful cola-flavored chocolate layer. It features a two-layer fudge that is simple to prepare using microwave heating and chill time, resulting in a creamy, flavorful treat with 36 servings that captures the nostalgic taste of cherry cola in a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Cherry Fudge Layer
- 22 maraschino cherries
- 24 - 28 ounces white chocolate chips (24 ounces if using white confectionery coating chips without cocoa butter; 28 ounces if using pure white chocolate with cocoa butter)
- 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 6 drops cherry flavoring
Chocolate Cola Layer
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 8 drops cola flavoring
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Cut the maraschino cherries into quarters. Pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels and set aside to ensure they do not add excess moisture to the fudge.
- Make Cherry Fudge Mixture: Combine the white chocolate chips and 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave White Chocolate: Heat the white chocolate mixture in the microwave at 70% power for 1 minute, then remove and stir to distribute heat evenly.
- Continue Heating: Heat the mixture for an additional 45 seconds at 70% power, then let the bowl rest inside the microwave for 3 minutes to allow the chips to soften.
- Stir White Chocolate Mixture: Remove the bowl and stir gently until the white chocolate chips just begin to melt, creating a smooth mixture.
- Add Flavorings and Cherries: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and cherry flavoring thoroughly. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries evenly into the fudge mixture.
- Spread Cherry Layer: Pour and spread the cherry fudge evenly into a non-stick tin foil or parchment paper-lined 8-inch square pan.
- Chill Cherry Layer: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes until the layer is set.
- Make Chocolate Cola Mixture: Stir together the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave Chocolate Mixture: Heat the chocolate mixture at 70% power in the microwave for 1 minute and 15 seconds, then allow the bowl to rest inside the microwave for 3 minutes.
- Stir and Flavor: Stir the chocolate mixture until the chips melt completely, then add 8 drops of cola flavoring and mix well.
- Spread Chocolate Layer: Evenly spread the chocolate cola mixture over the chilled cherry fudge layer in the pan.
- Set Fudge: Cover the pan and let the fudge rest at room temperature for about 8 hours, or alternatively chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours until the fudge is firm.
- Prepare to Serve: If needed, allow the fudge to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into 36 squares for serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of white chocolate chips depending on whether you use confectionery coatings or pure white chocolate; confectionery coatings require less weight because they do not have cocoa butter.
- Patting the cherries dry is important to prevent excess moisture, which can affect fudge texture.
- Microwave times may vary by appliance; watch the fudge consistency closely to avoid overheating.
- Flavor drops such as cherry and cola flavoring are concentrated; use sparingly to achieve desired taste.
- Allowing fudge to come to room temperature before cutting prevents cracking and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
