Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe: The Ultimate Indulgence

Is there anything more decadent and delightful than a perfectly crafted chocolate-covered cherry? The burst of sweet cherry juice mingling with the rich, smooth chocolate is a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Forget the store-bought versions, which often disappoint with their overly sweet fillings and waxy chocolate. This recipe empowers you to create exquisite chocolate-covered cherries at home, using high-quality ingredients and techniques that elevate this classic treat to a whole new level. Get ready to impress your friends, family, or, let’s be honest, yourself, with these irresistible little luxuries!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed for success, even for beginner chocolatiers. Here’s why it’s so effective:

• Real Cherries: We use fresh or high-quality jarred cherries, allowing for a superior flavor compared to artificial cherry flavoring.
• Simple Syrup Soaking: Soaking the cherries in a simple syrup not only adds sweetness but also helps to preserve them and prevent them from drying out.
• Creamy Fondant Filling: The homemade fondant filling is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced, providing the ideal contrast to the tartness of the cherry and the richness of the chocolate.
• Tempered Chocolate: Tempering the chocolate is crucial for achieving that glossy shine and satisfying snap. We provide clear instructions on how to temper chocolate at home.
• Detailed Instructions: Each step is explained in detail, with helpful tips and troubleshooting advice to ensure a successful outcome.

Ingredients

• Cherries: 1 pound fresh or jarred maraschino cherries (with stems, if possible), pitted or unpitted. If using jarred cherries, drain well and pat dry.
• Simple Syrup:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
• Fondant Filling:
  • 1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• Chocolate Coating:
  • 12 ounces high-quality dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening or coconut oil (optional, for added shine and smoother melting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and pat them completely dry. If using jarred cherries, drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier the cherries, the better the chocolate will adhere.
2. Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
3. Soak the Cherries: Place the cherries in a shallow dish and pour the cooled simple syrup over them. Make sure the cherries are mostly submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cherries to absorb the sweetness and prevents them from drying out later.
4. Make the Fondant Filling: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be thick and smooth, but not too stiff. If the filling is too dry, add a tiny bit of milk or cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too wet, add more powdered sugar.
5. Assemble the Cherries: Remove the cherries from the simple syrup and pat them dry again with paper towels. Take a small amount of fondant filling (about 1-2 teaspoons) and gently wrap it around each cherry, completely encasing it. Shape the filling into a smooth ball around the cherry. Place the coated cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Chill the Cherries: Place the baking sheet with the assembled cherries in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the fondant filling. This will make them easier to dip in chocolate.
7. Temper the Chocolate: Tempering chocolate gives it a beautiful shine and a satisfying snap. There are several methods for tempering chocolate. Here’s a simple microwave method:
   • Place about 2/3 of the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
   • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
   • Remove the bowl from the microwave and add the remaining 1/3 of the chopped chocolate. Stir continuously until all the chocolate is melted and smooth. The unmelted chocolate helps to cool down and temper the melted chocolate.
   • To test if the chocolate is tempered, dip a knife or spatula into the chocolate and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. If the chocolate hardens with a glossy shine and a firm snap, it is properly tempered. If it looks dull or streaky, it is not tempered and you may need to repeat the process or use a different tempering method.
8. Dip the Cherries: One at a time, dip the chilled cherries into the tempered chocolate, making sure they are completely coated. Use a fork or dipping tools to lift the cherries out of the chocolate and gently tap off any excess.
9. Place on Parchment Paper: Place the dipped cherries back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Garnish (Optional): While the chocolate is still wet, you can sprinkle the cherries with chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt, or other desired toppings.
11. Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet with the dipped cherries in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
12. Enjoy! Once the chocolate is set, remove the cherries from the refrigerator and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate will significantly impact the flavor and appearance of your chocolate-covered cherries. Opt for a good-quality brand with a high cocoa percentage for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Dry the Cherries Thoroughly: Excess moisture is the enemy of chocolate. Make sure the cherries are completely dry before dipping them in chocolate to ensure the chocolate adheres properly.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Overheating chocolate can cause it to seize and become grainy. Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, to prevent burning.
• Work Quickly: Tempered chocolate can start to set quickly, so work efficiently when dipping the cherries. If the chocolate starts to thicken, gently reheat it to maintain its consistency.
• Patience is Key: Tempering chocolate can be a bit tricky, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work perfectly the first time. Practice makes perfect!

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They are best enjoyed within a few days for optimal freshness and flavor.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of chocolate? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates.
• Can I use liquor in the filling? Yes, you can add a tablespoon or two of your favorite liquor (such as kirsch or brandy) to the fondant filling for an extra layer of flavor.
• My chocolate is seizing. What do I do? If your chocolate seizes (becomes thick and grainy), try adding a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil and stirring vigorously. Sometimes, this can help to smooth it out. However, if it’s severely seized, it may be best to start with a fresh batch of chocolate.
• Can I freeze chocolate-covered cherries? While you can freeze them, the texture of the fondant filling may change slightly. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Creating homemade chocolate-covered cherries is a rewarding experience that allows you to indulge in a truly special treat. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create exquisite candies that are far superior to anything you can buy in a store. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to embark on a delicious chocolate adventure! Enjoy the process and savor every bite of these delightful homemade treasures.