Description

Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars are a delightful dessert combining tart cherries, fluffy marshmallows, and creamy chocolate fudge on a tender, chewy crust. Perfect for any occasion, these bars offer a rich, multi-layered treat with a beautiful presentation and flexible variations to suit all tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fudge Layer

2 cups rich, creamy chocolate fudge (milk or dark chocolate)

Toppings

1 ½ cups sweet cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or thawed if frozen)
1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges once the bars are baked.
Make the Crust: Mix the softened butter, sugar, and flour in a bowl until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a sturdy base that will hold the layers of fudge, cherries, and marshmallows.
Layer the Fudge: Spread a generous layer of your chosen chocolate fudge over the crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent coverage and gooey goodness in every bite.
Add Cherries and Marshmallows: Distribute the pitted and halved cherries evenly on top of the fudge layer. Then sprinkle mini marshmallows generously over the cherries, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Bake Until Delightful: Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and puffed, and the edges of the crust turn a satisfying golden brown.
Cool and Slice: Allow the Cherry Marshmallow Fudge Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to ensure clean cuts and maintain the gooey layers.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and fudge for easier mixing and spreading.
If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain completely to avoid soggy bars.
Space marshmallows evenly on top to ensure optimal melting and browning.
Do not overbake to keep marshmallows soft and the crust tender.
Line the pan with parchment paper to make removal and slicing easier.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cherry dessert, marshmallow fudge bars, chocolate fudge bars, gluten-free dessert, easy baked bars