Easy Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 73% of Home Bakers Avoid Fudge Because They Think It’s Too Complicated?

If you’ve ever hesitated to make fudge because you imagined hours of candy thermometers and finicky sugar stages, let me introduce you to your new favorite dessert: Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars. These dreamy squares are here to shatter every myth about fudge being difficult—because honestly, shouldn’t indulgence be effortless? With just a handful of ingredients and no special equipment, you’ll be sinking your teeth into layers of creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and tart cherries faster than you can say “second helping.”

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy winter afternoon, craving something sweet but not overly complicated. The combination of rich fudge and bright cherries felt like a hug in dessert form—comforting yet playful. And let’s be real, anything with marshmallow has an automatic invitation to my heart (and my kitchen).

Why These Bars Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

What makes these Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars stand out isn’t just their simplicity—it’s the way the flavors dance together. The deep, velvety chocolate base contrasts perfectly with the airy marshmallow layer, while the cherries cut through the sweetness with their tangy pop. It’s a trio that feels decadent without being heavy, making it ideal for everything from holiday parties to late-night cravings.

Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Not a cherry fan? Swap in dried cranberries or even a swirl of peanut butter. The magic lies in the method: melt, mix, and chill. No baking, no fuss, just pure, uncomplicated joy. And isn’t that what homemade treats should be all about?

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Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and pillowy marshmallows—especially when they come together in a fudgy, dreamy bar. These Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are the kind of treat that makes you pause mid-bite just to savor the moment. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring a little extra joy to your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – The foundation of any good fudge, butter adds that melt-in-your-mouth richness. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness to balance the deep cocoa flavor, but not so much that it overpowers the cherries.
• 4 large eggs – Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter, giving these bars their perfect texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, tying everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Just enough to give structure without making the bars too dense.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The star of the show! Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolatey depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt makes all the difference, balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate.
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped – These little ruby gems add bursts of fruity sweetness. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows – They melt just enough to create gooey pockets of delight. Trust me, you’ll want extra for snacking while you bake!
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Because a little extra chocolate never hurt anybody. These add a lovely texture contrast, too.

Let’s Make These Dreamy Bars

1. Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out so much easier—no sticking!
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well combined.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should look smooth and slightly glossy at this stage.
4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Fold in the Goodies: Gently stir in the chopped cherries, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what we want—those marshmallows will melt into gooey perfection as they bake.

Now, we’re ready to bake these beauties! But before we pop them in the oven, take a moment to admire that luscious batter—those flecks of cherry and marshmallow promise something truly special.

Conclusion

These Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and fluffy marshmallow—a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or need a showstopper for your next gathering, these bars deliver on flavor and texture every time.

Ready to indulge? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! And if you loved this sweet treat, be sure to check out our other easy dessert recipes for more delicious inspiration.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to pit and chop them finely. You may also want to pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the fudge’s texture.

How should I store these fudge bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw before serving!

Can I substitute the marshmallow creme with mini marshmallows?

Yes! If you don’t have marshmallow creme, you can melt 1½ cups of mini marshmallows with the chocolate mixture for a similar gooey texture.

Why is my fudge too soft?

If your fudge isn’t setting, it may need more chilling time. Pop it back in the fridge for another hour or two. Also, make sure you’re using the correct measurements for ingredients like butter and chocolate—too much can lead to a softer consistency.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or almonds would add a lovely crunch. Just fold in ½ cup of your favorite nuts along with the cherries before pouring the mixture into the pan.