Delight your senses and simplify your holiday baking with this exquisite Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge. A perfect blend of rich, smooth chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy roasted pistachios, and tart dried cherries, this fudge isn’t just a dessert; it’s a festive experience waiting to happen. In the bustling holiday season, finding moments of joy and ease is paramount. That’s precisely why this recipe, proudly sponsored by Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, is a true game-changer. As a staple in my pantry for countless baking adventures, Eagle Brand makes achieving confectionery perfection accessible to everyone. All opinions expressed, the delectable recipe, and stunning photos are genuinely my own, crafted to bring you holiday cheer. #ad
Imagine a dessert that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas – vibrant, indulgent, and utterly irresistible. This Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge delivers just that. Each bite offers a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures: the velvety richness of premium chocolate, the playful chewiness of marshmallows, the satisfying crunch of salted pistachios, and the burst of sweet-tartness from plump dried cherries. What makes this recipe truly magical is its incredible simplicity. Utilizing the transformative power of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk and the convenience of a microwave, you can whip up this divine creation in mere minutes – typically under 10! It’s the ultimate stress-free treat, ideal for gifting, sharing at parties, or simply indulging yourself during the holiday rush.
Embrace the Uncookie Exchange: A Stress-Free Holiday Tradition
The concept of a holiday cookie exchange is well-known, a beloved tradition for many. But let’s be honest, for all its charm, it can also become a significant source of holiday stress. Spending countless hours baking multiple batches of intricate cookies, only to feel rushed and exhausted, is a common reality for many during the busiest time of the year. This year, I propose a brilliant alternative: the Uncookie Exchange. Instead of traditional cookies, gather your friends and family to swap decadent bars, rich brownies, and, of course, scrumptious fudge!
An Uncookie Exchange offers all the joy of sharing homemade treats without the demanding time commitment. Think about it: bars and fudge are generally much simpler to prepare, often requiring fewer ingredients and less active baking time compared to elaborately decorated cookies. This innovative exchange allows you to enjoy the festive spirit, savor delicious homemade confections, and most importantly, reclaim precious holiday moments that might otherwise be spent slaving away in the kitchen. Fudge, in particular, shines in this scenario. Its quick preparation time means you can easily create multiple batches, ensuring you have plenty to exchange and enjoy. This simple shift can transform your holiday baking experience from a chore into a truly delightful part of the season, leaving you more time to cherish with loved ones.
The Magic Ingredient: Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
At the heart of this incredibly easy and delicious fudge lies Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk. This extraordinary ingredient isn’t just a sweetener; it’s a foundation that elevates ordinary recipes into truly exceptional desserts. What makes it so remarkable? Its simplicity and purity. Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk famously contains just two core ingredients: milk and sugar. That’s it! This straightforward composition is a testament to its enduring quality and effectiveness in baking.
The legacy of Eagle Brand is as rich as its taste. Since its creation by Gail Borden in 1856, the product’s original ingredient list has remained unchanged, a testament to its timeless appeal and consistent performance. For over 147 years, Eagle Brand has been the undisputed leader in the sweetened condensed milk category, a truly impressive feat in the competitive world of baking essentials. Beyond the classic, Eagle Brand also offers a variety of exciting options, including fat-free, luscious caramel, fragrant hazelnut, and festive pumpkin spice versions. This versatility means you can infuse your desserts with a wide range of flavors, making it the perfect base for hundreds of effortless recipes. By relying on Eagle Brand, you unlock a world of quick and delicious creations, giving you more freedom to spend quality time with family and friends – truly capturing the essence of the season.
Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is renowned for transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Among its top-rated recipes, the Foolproof Chocolate Fudge stands out. Requiring just four ingredients, it’s a testament to how easy and delicious fudge can be with this magical ingredient. Another fan favorite is the Magic Cookie Bars recipe, celebrated for its ease of preparation and universally loved taste. And now, this incredible Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge, packed with pistachios, cherries, marshmallows, and rich chocolate, has quickly become a new favorite, embodying the ease and decadence that Eagle Brand is known for.
This recipe isn’t just about making fudge; it’s about crafting memories and sharing joy. The combination of classic rocky road elements with the festive additions of cherries and pistachios makes it an ideal dessert for any holiday gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The simplicity of using sweetened condensed milk ensures a consistently creamy texture without the need for complex candy-making techniques, guaranteeing success every time, even for novice bakers.
Essential Ingredients for Your Rocky Road Fudge
To create this irresistible Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that blend seamlessly to create a decadent treat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available nature of its components. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: A crucial base for the rich chocolate flavor. Opt for a good quality brand for the best results, as the chocolate flavor will truly shine.
- Milk chocolate chips: Adding milk chocolate chips alongside semi-sweet creates a balanced sweetness and an even creamier texture, enhancing the overall chocolate experience.
- Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk: The cornerstone of this fudge recipe, providing unparalleled creaminess and sweetness without requiring complex sugar cooking.
- Unsalted butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and contributes to the fudge’s smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavors and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the fudge.
- Dried cherries: These tart, plump berries provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and add a festive, vibrant color.
- Roasted and salted pistachio nuts: The pistachios offer a delightful crunch and a savory note that perfectly balances the sweetness. Roasting them beforehand brings out their nutty flavor.
- Chopped marshmallows or miniature marshmallows: The classic rocky road component, adding soft, fluffy pockets of sweetness and a characteristic chewy texture.
- ¼ cup good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for melting on top (optional): For an extra touch of elegance and chocolatey goodness, a drizzle of melted chocolate elevates the presentation.
Crafting Your Delicious Chocolate Pistachio Cherry Rocky Road Fudge
Creating this irresistible fudge is a remarkably straightforward process, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules or spontaneous baking sessions. Follow these simple steps to bring this decadent dessert to life:
- Begin by combining both the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, the sweetened condensed milk, and the unsalted butter in a medium-sized, microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave the mixture for an initial 90 seconds. The goal is to start the melting process without overheating.
- After the first heating, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture thoroughly with a spatula. Even if the chocolate chips aren’t fully melted, the residual heat will continue to work its magic. Return to the microwave for another 15 seconds.
- Stir again to encourage further melting and incorporation of all ingredients. If necessary, heat for an additional 15 seconds. It’s perfectly normal if some small chocolate pieces remain; they will continue to melt as you stir. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Once the chocolate base is well-combined and mostly melted, stir in the vanilla extract, roasted and salted pistachios, dried cherries, and chopped marshmallows. Fold these additions gently into the chocolate mixture until they are evenly distributed. Ensure all the delicious inclusions are coated in the rich chocolate.
- Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge out later. Scoop the fudge mixture into the prepared pan.
- Using a spatula, spread the fudge evenly into the pan, ensuring it fills the corners and has a smooth top surface.
- Optional decorative step: For an extra festive touch, you can press a few additional marshmallows, dried cherries, or a sprinkle of pistachios onto the surface of the fudge before it sets. This adds visual appeal and highlights the delicious ingredients within.
- Optional chocolate drizzle: Melt ¼ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate into a small ziplock bag, snip a tiny corner off, and drizzle artistically over the top of the fudge. This creates a beautiful finish.
- Chill the fudge in the refrigerator until it is completely firm, typically for at least 2-3 hours. This allows it to set properly and makes slicing much easier.
- Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 1-inch squares. Store the finished fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture. Enjoy your homemade delight!
Storing Your Homemade Fudge for Lasting Freshness
Proper storage is key to maintaining the exquisite taste and creamy texture of your Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge. To keep your fudge fresh and enjoyable for an extended period, always store it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out, absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator, and helps maintain its optimal consistency. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this delightful fudge can remain fresh and delicious for approximately 2 to 3 weeks, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for holiday entertaining or gifting. For longer storage, you can also freeze fudge in an airtight container for up to 3 months, thawing it in the refrigerator before serving.
As a devoted fan of all things “Rocky Road,” combining its classic appeal with the festive flavors of cherry and pistachio has been a true holiday revelation. The result is a heavenly dessert that is both familiar and exciting, perfect for bringing a touch of jolly indulgence to any celebration. This Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge truly embodies the spirit of sweet simplicity and festive delight!
Explore More Sweetened Condensed Milk Desserts!
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of baking with sweetened condensed milk, there’s a whole world of delightful desserts waiting for you to discover. Here are some other fantastic recipes that leverage the magic of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Fresh Fruit Ice Cream
- Easy Microwaveable Oreo Fudge
- Easy Creamy Lime Cheesecake Pie
- Milk Chocolate Fudge Covered Popcorn Bars
- Easy S’mores Fudge
- Easy Microwaveable Buckeye Fudge
Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge
By Kim Lange
Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Rocky Road Fudge is incredibly smooth, rich and chocolatey, bursting with lots of fluffy marshmallows, roasted and salted pistachios and tart plump dried cherries! It’s pure Christmas Heaven! Great for gifting and party fun!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 8 mins
Course: Dessert
Servings: 30 Servings
Calories:
Ingredients
- 2 cups good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup good quality milk chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup roasted and salted pistachio nuts
- 2 cups chopped up marshmallows or miniature marshmallows
- ¼ cup good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for melting on top.
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate chips, the sweetened condensed milk, and the butter in a medium size glass bowl and heat in the microwave for 90 seconds.
- Stir to combine and heat another 15 seconds.
- Stir and heat an additional 15 seconds.
- As you are stirring, if chocolate isn’t melted all the way, it will still keep melting and that is fine. Add the extract, pistachios, cranberries and chopped marshmallows to the chocolate in the bowl. Stir to combine.
- Scoop into a parchment lined 8×8 pan.
- Spread with a spatula.
Optional
- Press some random marshmallows on the top if you want, along with some cherries and nuts.
- Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips in microwave and spoon into a ziplock bag, snip end and drizzle on top.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Slice into 1-inch squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Keyword: cherry, eagle brand, easy fudge, fudge, marshmallow, microwaveable fudge, pistachios, sweetened condensed milk
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