Love is in the air around Rock Hill as Valentine’s Day rapidly approaches. Everyone is wondering what to give to their sweethearts. Flowers? A nice meal out? Why not keep it simple and stick with a reliable choice: candy. Sure, you could pick up a box somewhere, and that might be just the thing. But homemade candy involves a little effort, and isn’t that what love is really all about? This recipe for Cherry Coke Fudge is certain to make your sweetie’s heart go pitter pat. It’s delicious, too!

 

Ingredients

Cherry Fudge

• 7 oz jar marshmallow crème
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp cherry gelatin
• 10 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained
• 12 oz bag white chocolate baking chips

 

Cherry Coke Frosting

• 6 tbsp Cherry Coke
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

 

Directions

Prep the Cherries

Make sure the cherries are well drained. Allow them to rest in a strainer for several minutes while you gather and prepare your other ingredients. You’ll want as much liquid drained as possible before you proceed to the next step.

Chop the cherries into quarters. Place the chopped cherries on several layers of paper towels, then pat dry. Remove as much liquid as you can without smashing the cherries. Let the cherries continue to dry as you assemble the fudge ingredients.

Prep the Pan

Using parchment paper, line a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the paper extends beyond the top of the pan. Using parchment paper will allow you to lift the finished fudge easily from the pan and will fold back for super-simple cutting.

Cook the Fudge

Combine the butter and whipping cream in a sauce pan. Set the heat to medium and gradually bring up the liquid’s temperature. When the butter and cream are starting to get hot, gradually add the sugar, stirring constantly with a sturdy whisk.

Continue to heat and stir the mixture until it starts to bubble. The goal in this stage is to dissolve the sugar in the hot butter and cream. Once the mixture begins to bubble, stir for approximately 3 minutes more.

Add the cherry gelatin to the bubbling mixture. Stir for another 2 minutes, completely dissolving the gelatin. Remember to scrape the edges regularly as you stir.

Once the sugar and gelatin are dissolved, remove the pot from the heat. Add the white chocolate chips. Continue to stir until all the white chocolate is melted and the mixture has a smooth texture. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallow crème, stirring to again reach a smooth consistency.

Add the Cherries

Using a spatula, fold in the cherries. Make sure to incorporate the cherries throughout the mixture. You don’t want any clumps of cherries in the finished fudge.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, scraping the pot with the spatula. Even out the top if necessary. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a refrigerator to cool.

 

Cherry Coke Frosting

Cool It

Allow the cherry fudge to cool for a while before you begin preparing the Cherry Coke Frosting. The top of the fudge should be cool before you add the frosting.

Pour the powdered sugar into a large bowl. Because you will be adding hot ingredient, make sure that the bowl can handle the heat (metal or Pyrex). Set aside.

Before proceeding to the next step, bring out the chilled cherry fudge pan.

Cook the Frosting

Using a sturdy whisk, combine the butter and cocoa powder in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the Cherry Coke and stir well. When the liquid begins to bubble (not from the Cherry Coke fizz), pour it into the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla extract and stir vigorously until the frosting is smooth.

Immediately pour the frosting mixture evenly over the pan of cherry fudge. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting to the edges of the fudge.

Return the pan to the refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 30 minutes. Fully chilled fudge will be nicely set up and will cut more easily.

 

Serving

Once the fudge has chilled and set, remove the pan from the refrigerator. Gently lift the parchment paper liner from the pan and place on a large cutting board. Fold down the sides of the parchment paper to reveal a beautiful slab of Cherry Coke Fudge. Cut into small chunks. Enjoy!