Description
A wickedly rich, no-bake dark chocolate fudge infused with cherry gelatin and studded with juicy maraschino cherries. Perfect for Halloween parties and spooky dessert tables!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Fudge Base
- 3 cups rich dark chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
Flavor & Color
- 1 box (3 oz) cherry gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup sweet maraschino cherries, chopped (well-drained and patted dry)
Garnish & Topping
- maraschino cherry halves, for garnish (press into top before chilling)
- red gel food coloring (optional) (a few drops, for dramatic swirls)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Chocolatey Core: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. (Microwave option: heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.)
- Infuse the Flavors: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and optional almond extract.
- Create the Bloody Hue: Stir in the cherry gelatin powder until fully dissolved. For dramatic red streaks, add a few drops of red gel food coloring and swirl just once or twice.
- Fold in the Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries; do not overmix.
- Pour and Smooth: Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Garnish: Arrange maraschino cherry halves on top; press lightly so they adhere.
- Chill: Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
- Slice: Lift out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 36 squares with a hot, dry knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
Store fudge covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze (well wrapped) for up to 2 months. For cleaner swirls, color only half the mixture and marble it in. Add spooky sprinkles before chilling for extra Halloween flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Candy, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1.5
- Cholesterol: 5