Indulge in the absolute delight of homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries. A perfect blend of tart maraschino cherries and rich chocolate, this classic dessert offers a burst of flavors. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, these can be your go-to treat for special occasions or just a sweet end to a meal.
The key ingredient for this recipe is the maraschino cherries. These cherries are preserved in a sweet syrup and flaunt a bright, unnatural red color. They are often used as garnish in cocktails and desserts. If you don't have them at home, you can easily find them in the canned fruit aisle at your local supermarket. Another ingredient you might need to purchase is the chocolate candy coating, which is often found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherries
Maraschino cherries: Cherries that have been preserved in a sweet syrup, adding a tart and sweet flavor.
Butter: Enhances the flavor and gives a smooth texture to the sugar dough.
Corn syrup: Adds sweetness and retains moisture, helping the dough to stay soft.
Powdered sugar: Makes the dough sweet and helps in its formation.
Chocolate candy coating: This will be melted and used to cover the cherries, giving them a delicious chocolate outer layer.
One reader, Janaye Beltran says:
This chocolate covered cherries recipe is a game-changer! It's so simple to make and the end result is absolutely divine. The combination of the sweet cherries and rich chocolate is a match made in heaven. I can't wait to make these again for my next gathering!
Techniques Required for Making Chocolate Covered Cherries
How to prepare the cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries and set them on paper towels to dry.
How to make the dough: Combine the butter and corn syrup in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar and mix to form a dough. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
How to wrap the cherries: Wrap each cherry in 1 teaspoon of dough and chill.
How to melt the chocolate: Melt the chocolate candy coating according to the package directions.
How to dip the cherries: Dip each cherry in the melted chocolate and place them on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
How to chill the cherries: Chill the cherries until the chocolate is set.
How to serve: Serve and enjoy.
How To Make Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries
Easy, quick, and delightfully sweet, these chocolate covered cherries make the ultimate no-bake fruit dessert with just 5 simple ingredients.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 30maraschino cherries,with stems
- 3tbspbutter,softened
- 3tbspcorn syrup
- 2cupspowdered sugar,sifted
- 1lbchocolate candy coating
Instructions
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Drain the cherries and set on paper towels to dry.
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Combine the butter and corn syrup, in a medium bowl, until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and mix to form a dough.
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Chill for 30 minutes.
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Wrap each cherry in 1 teaspoon of dough and chill.
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While the cherries are chilling, melt candy coating according to package directions. Dip each cherry in the chocolate and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
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Chill cherries until set.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390.50kcal
- Fat: 13.08g
- Saturated Fat: 8.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.22g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.56g
- Carbohydrates: 67.60g
- Fiber: 1.75g
- Sugar: 63.24g
- Protein: 2.03g
- Cholesterol: 15.51mg
- Sodium: 33.31mg
- Calcium: 57.85mg
- Potassium: 123.11mg
- Iron: 0.58mg
- Vitamin A: 54.84µg
- Vitamin C: 0.23mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherries
When melting the chocolate candy coating, it's important to do so in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, also known as a double boiler. This method ensures that the chocolate melts evenly and prevents it from burning. Also, make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl, as this can cause the chocolate to overheat. Once the chocolate is melted, remove the bowl from the heat but keep the chocolate over the warm water while dipping the cherries to keep it from hardening.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Chocolate Covered Cherries
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment before starting to make the chocolate covered cherries. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Use a cherry pitter: Invest in a cherry pitter to quickly and efficiently remove the pits from the cherries, saving time and effort.
Work in batches: When dipping the cherries in chocolate, work in small batches to ensure that the chocolate coating remains smooth and easy to work with.
Chill the cherries: Place the cherries in the freezer for a few minutes before dipping them in chocolate. This will help the chocolate set quickly, saving time and reducing the waiting period.
Opt for pre-made dough: Consider using pre-made marzipan or almond paste instead of making the dough from scratch to save time and effort.
Use a double boiler: Melt the chocolate using a double boiler to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, glossy finish on the chocolate covered cherries.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
maraschino cherries - Substitute with fresh cherries: Fresh cherries can be used as a substitute for maraschino cherries. They will provide a more natural and less sweet flavor to the chocolate-covered cherries.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and flavor to the chocolate mixture.
corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for corn syrup. It will add a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the chocolate mixture.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar. It may require additional mixing to ensure it dissolves completely in the chocolate mixture.
chocolate candy coating - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for chocolate candy coating. They will melt easily and provide a rich, chocolatey coating for the cherries.
How to Beautifully Present Chocolate Covered Cherries
Elevate the plating: Arrange the chocolate-covered cherries in a circular pattern on a pristine white plate, creating a visually appealing display that showcases the glossy chocolate coating and vibrant red cherries.
Incorporate edible garnishes: Introduce delicate gold leaf accents to add a touch of luxury and elegance to the presentation, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Utilize contrasting textures: Pair the smooth, glossy chocolate-covered cherries with a sprinkling of finely crushed pistachios to introduce a delightful textural contrast that elevates the sensory experience.
Introduce a drizzle: Create an artful drizzle of raspberry coulis on the plate to add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of fruity sweetness, enhancing the visual allure of the dessert.
Incorporate height: Build a small mound of chocolate shavings in the center of the plate to add height and dimension, creating a visually striking focal point for the dish.
Highlight with a dusting: Finish the presentation with a light dusting of edible glitter to impart a subtle shimmer, adding a touch of whimsy and glamour to the overall plating.
Essential Tools for Making Chocolate Covered Cherries
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients together, such as batter or dough.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Double boiler: A set of two nested pans, where the bottom pan holds simmering water and the top pan is used for melting chocolate or making delicate sauces.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cherry pitter: A handheld tool used to remove the pits from cherries, making it easier to prepare them for recipes.
- Cookie sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, especially in sauces and batters.
- Melon baller: A small tool with a scoop at the end, used to create uniform balls from fruits or vegetables, such as melons or potatoes.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Candy thermometer: A specialized thermometer used to measure the temperature of sugar syrups and melted chocolate when making candies and confections.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for chocolate covered cherries:
- Store the chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This will help keep the chocolate firm and prevent the cherries from getting soggy.
- For longer storage, freeze the chocolate covered cherries for up to 3 months:
- Place the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Transfer the frozen cherries to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thaw the cherries in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. This allows the chocolate to soften gradually and prevents condensation from forming on the surface.
- If you plan to give the chocolate covered cherries as a gift, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight until ready to package and deliver. Avoid storing them in a humid environment, as this can cause the chocolate to develop a whitish bloom on the surface.
Interesting Fact About Chocolate Covered Cherries
Maraschino cherries are made from sweet cherries that are soaked in a brine solution and then dyed red.
Is Making Chocolate Covered Cherries at Home Cost-Effective?
Upon careful consideration, the cost-effectiveness of this chocolate-covered cherries recipe is moderate. While the ingredients are relatively affordable, the quantity of chocolate candy coating required may increase the overall cost. However, the delightful taste and visual appeal make it a worthwhile investment for special occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Rating: 8.
Are Chocolate Covered Cherries Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chocolate covered cherry recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - maraschino cherries, butter, corn syrup, powdered sugar, and chocolate candy coating - are all high in sugar and fat, with little nutritional value. Consuming excessive amounts of these ingredients can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use fresh, pitted cherries instead of maraschino cherries, which are often artificially colored and soaked in sugary syrup
- Replace the butter with a healthier fat source, such as coconut oil or almond butter
- Swap the corn syrup for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, using a smaller amount to reduce overall sugar content
- Substitute the powdered sugar with a mix of almond flour and a sugar-free sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, to create a lower-carb, protein-rich dough
- Opt for a high-quality, dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for the coating, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate or candy coating
By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of chocolate covered cherries that still satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.
Editor's Opinion on This Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
This recipe for chocolate-covered cherries is a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of sweet maraschino cherries, creamy dough, and rich chocolate coating creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The process is simple and the result is a decadent indulgence that will impress your guests. The cherries are a delightful surprise inside the chocolate shell, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether for a special dessert or a homemade gift, these chocolate-covered cherries are sure to be a hit.
Why trust this Easy Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe:
This recipe for chocolate-covered cherries is a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of maraschino cherries and rich chocolate creates a luscious and indulgent dessert. The use of butter and corn syrup in the dough adds a creamy texture, while the powdered sugar provides a perfect sweetness. The cherries are then coated in a decadent layer of chocolate candy coating, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. With its simple yet precise instructions, this recipe guarantees a delectable outcome, making it a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a delightful and irresistible dessert.
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