Easy Cherry Garcia Fudge: Perfect for Holidays and Gift-Giving

Craving the iconic flavors of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia but staying committed to your Weight Watchers goals? This Cherry Garcia Fudge recipe is your answer! Combining rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and crunchy walnuts, this indulgent fudge captures the essence of the beloved ice cream flavor—minus the excess calories and SmartPoints. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, holidays, or impressing guests, this recipe is quick, easy, and clocks in at just 2-3 WW SmartPoints per piece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Indulgence: All the creaminess of traditional fudge with a fraction of the sugar and fat.
• Weight Watchers-Friendly: Smart ingredient swaps keep points low without sacrificing flavor.
• Ready in 15 Minutes: No baking required—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
• Customizable: Adjust toppings or sweetness to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A hit at parties, potlucks, or as a homemade gift.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (e.g., Lily’s)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any low-fat milk)
• 1/4 cup light butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup frozen or fresh cherries (pitted and chopped)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional—omit for fewer points)
• 1-2 tbsp powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (optional, for extra sweetness)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate Base

1. In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, combine the sugar-free chocolate chips, almond milk, and light butter. Heat in 30-second intervals (or over simmering water) until melted and smooth. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Fold in the Goodies

1. Gently stir in the chopped cherries and walnuts (if using). For a marbled effect, reserve a few cherries and walnuts to press on top later.
2. Taste the mixture and add powdered sweetener if desired (adjust based on your preference).

Set the Fudge

1. Line a loaf pan or small baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Press reserved cherries and walnuts onto the surface for a bakery-worthy finish. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Slice and Serve

1. Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 small squares.
2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutritional Information

(Per piece, with walnuts)

• Calories: ~70
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Net carbs: 4g)
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW SmartPoints: ~3 (2 points without walnuts).

Tips for Success

1. Sugar-Free Swap: Ensure chocolate chips are truly sugar-free to keep points low. Lily’s brand is a great option.
2. Cherry Hack: Use frozen cherries (thawed and patted dry) for convenience, or fresh for a juicier texture.
3. Nut-Free Version: Skip walnuts and add unsweetened coconut flakes or extra cherries instead.
4. Portion Control: Cut smaller pieces for 1-2 SmartPoints each!

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

Traditional fudge can cost you an entire day’s worth of points, but this version slashes calories and sugar by:

• Using sugar-free chocolate to eliminate added sugars.
• Swapping heavy cream for almond milk and Greek yogurt (adding protein!).
• Keeping portions small but satisfying.
• Leveraging natural sweetness from cherries.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee: Pair a piece with black coffee or a zero-point latte.
• Dessert Charcuterie: Add to a board with fresh fruit, dark chocolate, and low-fat cheese.
• Holiday Gift: Package in a cute box with a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe card.

Cherry Garcia Fudge proves that you don’t have to abandon your favorite flavors to stay on track. With its velvety texture, bursts of cherry, and nutty crunch, this treat is a celebration of balance—indulgent yet mindful. Whether you’re curbing a chocolate craving or sharing with friends, this fudge is a delicious reminder that healthy eating can still be decadent.