If you adore the heavenly combination of chewy marshmallows, rich chocolate, and a bright burst of cherry sweetness, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that layers soft buttery dough with gooey marshmallows, luscious cherry-studded fudge, and a crumbly topping that all come together in one irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss, these bars deliver on every level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one is essential to achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor in the Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the vibrant cherries that pop with sweetness, every item plays a starring role.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich and tender crumb that keeps the bars moist.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Adds the necessary sweetness and helps with the golden color.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and contributes to the fudgy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, fragrant note.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base and topping layers for the bars.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides just a touch of lift for a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows: Melts into gooey pockets that add chewy delight.
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings the luscious chocolate fudge element that ties everything together.
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: Creates a creamy, rich fudge sauce that’s sweet and smooth.
- 1½ cups chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry): Adds bursts of juicy cherry flavor and festive color.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers a crunchy contrast and nutty depth for extra texture.
How to Make Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan so your bars won’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This crucial step builds the foundation for your tender bars, so don’t rush it! Then, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, beating until everything is silky smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures even dispersion throughout your dough and keeps your bars from being dense. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mixture, stirring gently until you have a soft, cohesive dough that’s ready to be layered in the pan.
Step 3: Layer the Bottom Dough and Marshmallows
Press about two-thirds of your dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer. The thickness here matters, so press down firmly without making it too thin. Next, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over this dough layer. These little clouds of sweetness will melt into delightful, gooey pockets in the next steps.
Step 4: Make the Cherry Chocolate Fudge
Over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts fully and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and fold in the well-drained, chopped maraschino cherries along with the nuts if you’re using them. The cherries will provide vibrant color and bursts of flavor nestled in the rich fudge layer.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cherry chocolate fudge mixture evenly over the marshmallow layer in your pan, spreading it out carefully. Now crumble the remaining dough over the top in small pieces—this creates that irresistible crumbly topping that gives the bars character. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to keep their shape.
How to Serve Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant finish, dust the cooled bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or scatter a few extra mini marshmallows and maraschino cherry halves on top. This adds a festive touch that makes these bars look as good as they taste!
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness with creamy coolness. A steaming cup of rich cocoa or your favorite coffee also pairs beautifully, making this dessert ideal for cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter, perhaps layering with fresh cherries or edible flowers for an eye-catching display. You can also try serving them in clear glass jars layered with whipped cream to create a decadent dessert parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them where they will stay moist and slice easily for up to 5 days. Proper storage ensures that every bite stays just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to have a sweet treat ready anytime you want a quick indulgence.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, briefly warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will soften the marshmallows and chocolate, reviving the gooey texture that makes these bars so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but be sure to pit and dry them thoroughly. They will add a more tart and natural flavor, which may change the sweetness balance slightly in the bars.
What if I want to make this recipe nut-free?
Simply omit the walnuts or pecans completely. The bars will still have plenty of delicious texture and flavor from the marshmallows and chocolate fudge.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
This recipe relies on dairy and eggs, but you might experiment substituting vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and flax eggs. The texture and taste will differ, but it can be a fun twist for those avoiding animal products.
Can I substitute mini marshmallows with regular-sized ones?
Yes, you can. However, chopping regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces helps them melt more evenly and distribute better throughout the bars.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?
The key is draining the maraschino cherries very well and patting them dry before adding them to the fudge mixture. Excess moisture can make the bars less firm, so taking this step is crucial for a perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
Making these Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe is truly a joyous experience that rewards you with layers of fudgy, chewy, and fruity goodness in every bite. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes one of your go-to desserts for celebrations, cozy nights, or moments when you simply crave something special. You are going to love sharing this sweet delight with friends and family!
Print
Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars combine a buttery cookie base with gooey mini marshmallows and a rich cherry chocolate fudge topping. Perfect for holidays or any sweet craving, these bars offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, featuring maraschino cherries and optional nuts for added crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Fudge Topping
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1½ cups chopped maraschino cherries (well-drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms.
- Form Base Layer: Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the bottom crust layer.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the dough layer in the pan.
- Prepare Chocolate Fudge: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Cherries and Nuts: Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and gently fold in the chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries and nuts, if using.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cherry chocolate fudge mixture evenly over the marshmallow layer in the pan.
- Top and Bake: Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the fudge layer in small pieces. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 bars for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are very well drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy.
- Refrigerate the bars after cooling for easier slicing and better texture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.
