Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.

Melt the Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in 1 cup of cherry pie filling and halved cherries. Do not overmix, as you want visible cherry swirls in the fudge.

Transfer to Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Add Toppings: Spoon extra cherry pie filling over the top and gently swirl it into the surface. Add fresh cherries or chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For best texture, chill overnight.

Slice and Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge from the pan. Slice into bars with a sharp knife and serve chilled or at room temperature.