Dive into the irresistible world of Chocolate Covered Cherries, a classic confection that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home, offering a delightful blend of juicy sweetness and decadent chocolate. This recipe is your guide to crafting these beloved treats, perfect for gifting, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherries:
- 1 pound fresh, ripe cherries, preferably Bing or Rainier
- 8 ounces good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (use chocolate chips specifically for melting or a bar)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, to help chocolate set smoother)
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries:
Experience the joy of crafting your own perfect Chocolate Covered Cherries! This recipe makes it simple to achieve a gourmet-quality treat in under an hour, delivering a satisfyingly rich burst of flavor. The key is using fresh, vibrant cherries and good quality chocolate for an explosion of taste and texture that will have you coming back for more. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional setting time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Cherries: Gently wash the fresh cherries under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It is crucial that the cherries are thoroughly dry, as any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or bloom. Leave the stems on; they make for a perfect handle when dipping and add a lovely aesthetic.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. If using, add the coconut oil or vegetable shortening. You have a couple of options for melting:
- Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Place the bowl of chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate constantly until it is smoothly melted and glossy.
- Microwave Method: Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is almost entirely melted, then stir until any remaining lumps have dissolved and the chocolate is smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn easily.
- Dip the Cherries: Once the chocolate is smoothly melted, it’s time for the fun part! Hold a cherry by its stem and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate, rotating it to coat it evenly. Use a fork or a toothpick inserted into the stem to help guide and coat the cherry. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-dipped cherries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Ensure they are not touching each other. This will prevent them from sticking together as they cool.
- Allow to Set: Let the Chocolate Covered Cherries sit at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes. For faster setting, or if your kitchen is warm, you can carefully place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, but avoid leaving them in the fridge for too long, as this can cause condensation and affect the chocolate’s sheen.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Cherries:
You’ll adore these homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries for their sheer elegance and the delightful pop of fresh fruit they offer. Unlike a rich, dense brownie or a creamy chocolate truffle, these treats provide a bright, juicy contrast to the decadent chocolate coating, making them lighter and incredibly refreshing. Plus, making them yourself is astonishingly cost-effective compared to buying them from specialty candy shops, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious indulgence without breaking the bank. The simple combination of perfectly ripe cherries and high-quality chocolate creates a flavor profile that’s both classic and utterly addictive.
This delightful recipe demystifies the art of creating professional-looking confections right in your own kitchen. The visual appeal of a perfectly dipped cherry, combined with the burst of sweet-tart flavor, makes them an ideal treat for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. Don’t wait to experience the joy of crafting these beautiful and delicious morsels – gather your ingredients and get dipping today!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing your Chocolate Covered Cherries is key to maintaining their deliciousness and preventing them from becoming soggy or discolored.
- Refrigeration: Store your finished Chocolate Covered Cherries in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between any layers if you need to stack them. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that condensation can sometimes form on the chocolate in the refrigerator, which might slightly affect the sheen.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze your Chocolate Covered Cherries. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheating/Serving from Frozen: If you wish to serve frozen cherries, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying. They are best enjoyed within a few hours of thawing. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as this will melt the chocolate.
Final Thoughts:
These Chocolate Covered Cherries are a universally loved treat that brings a touch of gourmet magic to any occasion. Effortlessly simple to make, yet incredibly rewarding, they are a testament to how delicious homemade can be. Give them a try – you might be surprised at how easy it is to create such a delightful confectionery confection!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gently wash the fresh cherries under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It is crucial that the cherries are thoroughly dry, as any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize or bloom. Leave the stems on; they make for a perfect handle when dipping and add a lovely aesthetic.1 pound fresh, ripe cherries, preferably Bing or Rainier
- Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. If using, add the coconut oil or vegetable shortening. You have a couple of options for melting:
- Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat. Place the bowl of chocolate over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate constantly until it is smoothly melted and glossy.
- Microwave Method: Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the chocolate is almost entirely melted, then stir until any remaining lumps have dissolved and the chocolate is smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn easily.
8 ounces good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening - Once the chocolate is smoothly melted, it’s time for the fun part! Hold a cherry by its stem and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate, rotating it to coat it evenly. Use a fork or a toothpick inserted into the stem to help guide and coat the cherry. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.1 pound fresh, ripe cherries, preferably Bing or Rainier, 8 ounces good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Place the chocolate-dipped cherries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Ensure they are not touching each other. This will prevent them from sticking together as they cool.
- Let the Chocolate Covered Cherries sit at room temperature until the chocolate has hardened. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes. For faster setting, or if your kitchen is warm, you can carefully place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes, but avoid leaving them in the fridge for too long, as this can cause condensation and affect the chocolate’s sheen.