Indulge in a Decadent Cherry Amaretto Fudge Recipe
February is almost here, and it comes with an abundance of pink everywhere. That’s right—get ready for hearts and chocolates to take over for the next couple of weeks. This vibrant time of year calls for something truly special, like a homemade Cherry Amaretto Fudge recipe. You might think all this pink is my way of distracting myself from the fact that I’m turning 30 in just five days.
You’d probably be right.
The Perfect Cherry Amaretto Fudge Recipe for Valentine’s Day
Let’s kick off the Valentine’s celebrations with some delectable homemade Cherry Amaretto Fudge. If you’re looking for an effortless yet luxurious treat, this recipe will tick all your boxes. It’s a no-fuss fudge made with condensed milk and white chocolate, reminiscent of my beloved Crème Egg fudge recipe. Unlike the traditional method requiring a sugar thermometer, this version is all about simplicity.
If you’re in the mood for more treats that are simple to make, consider trying an easy recipe for coconut ice, which is equally delightful and fuss-free.
What Makes This Cherry Amaretto Fudge Recipe Special?
All you need is to melt sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate, and a bit of butter together. The luscious amaretto flavour comes from a generous reduction of actual amaretto, which combines beautifully with tart dried cherries. Finish it off with flaked almonds for a delightful crunch, and voilà—fudge perfection!
Key Tips for Making Cherry Amaretto Fudge
Making this Cherry Amaretto Fudge recipe requires only a few essential pointers to keep in mind:
Trust the Process
The fudge mixture may appear unappetizing at one point, looking lumpy and strange. Don’t panic! This is completely normal, and with a little extra time, it will transform into a velvety, smooth fudge. Stay calm, and trust that everything will come together beautifully.
Avoid Over-Stirring
During the melting process, be mindful of your stirring. From experience, excessive stirring can cause the mixture to separate, leaving you with an unpleasant texture. Keep the heat low, and only stir occasionally to prevent burning. Patience here is truly a virtue.
Infusing the Fudge with Amaretto Flavour
The rich, aromatic amaretto flavour comes from reducing a full cup of amaretto liquor down to about one-third of a cup. If you’ve never reduced alcohol before, don’t worry—it’s an incredibly straightforward step. Simply pour the amaretto into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low. It will begin to bubble gently, and from there, you just let it do its thing. Occasional stirring is fine, but don’t leave it unattended.
I once learned the hard way when half a bottle of champagne evaporated away because I got distracted. Trust me, you don’t want to make that mistake.
Choosing the Right Cherries for the Cherry Amaretto Fudge Recipe
I highly recommend using dried sour cherries for this Cherry Amaretto Fudge. The tartness balances perfectly with the rich white chocolate and nutty amaretto flavours. Sweet, glacé cherries can be too cloying and may overwhelm the overall taste. The sourness of the cherries adds just the right contrast, cutting through the sweetness and making each bite irresistible.
Adding the Perfect Chocolate Coating
For an extra touch, you can dip some fudge squares in melted milk chocolate. While I used milk chocolate because it was what I had on hand, dark chocolate would work even better. Its bitterness complements the sweet fudge base beautifully, adding depth to the flavour profile. Feeling creative? Use a heart-shaped cutter to mould the fudge into cute hearts, perfect for Valentine’s Day gifting. While I didn’t go quite that sappy, it’s a fun idea if you’re feeling the holiday spirit!
Cherry Amaretto Fudge
Ingredients
- 240 ml (1 cup) amaretto
- 397 g (14oz) sweetened condensed milk (one normal-sized can)
- 600 g (21.1oz) good quality white chocolate, broken into small pieces
- 50 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 150 g (3/4 cup) dried cherries, chopped into halves
- 50 g (2/3 cup) flaked almonds
- Pink or red food colouring (I used gel)
- Dark or milk chocolate to dip (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the amaretto into a small saucepan and heat on medium, stirring occasionally, until reduced down to about 80ml (1/3 cup). Whilst the amaretto is reducing, line an 8 inch square pan with baking parchment or greaseproof paper. Place the reduced amaretto to one side while you prepare the fudge.
- Put the condensed milk, white chocolate, and butter into a medium sized saucepan, and heat on a low temperature, stirring occasionally to avoid the chocolate catching. Do not stir too vigorously or frequently, or you might split thee mixture (I'm speaking from experience here)
- Once the chocolate has completely melted, remove from the heat
- Add the reduced amaretto and stir until completely mixed into the fudge. Add a bit of food colouring and stir into the mixture, until you've reached a nice pink colour. Stir in the chopped dried cherries and most of the flaked almonds, leaving a sprinkling of almonds for later.
- Pour the fudge into the pre-prepared tin, and smooth out so that the top is as flat as possible. Sprinkle the remaining flaked almonds on top. Put the fudge in the fridge to set for at least four hours: I usually leave overnight. Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares using a sharp knife. If wanted, melt some dark or milk chocolate, and then dip the fudge squares into it, and leave to set on a piece of baking parchment.
