Decadent Delight: Mastering Chocolate Covered Cherries – Three Irresistible Recipes

Chocolate covered cherries, a timeless confection, evoke feelings of nostalgia and pure indulgence. The combination of sweet, juicy cherries enrobed in rich, decadent chocolate is simply irresistible. While store-bought versions are readily available, nothing compares to the satisfaction of creating your own homemade chocolate covered cherries. This article will guide you through three distinct and delicious recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic treat. Whether you prefer a traditional approach, a boozy upgrade, or a vegan-friendly alternative, there’s a chocolate covered cherry recipe here for you.

Why Make Your Own Chocolate Covered Cherries?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why making your own chocolate covered cherries is worth the effort:

* **Superior Quality:** You control the ingredients, ensuring the use of high-quality chocolate, fresh cherries, and pure flavorings.
* **Customization:** Adapt the recipes to your preferences. Experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, white), liqueurs, and toppings.
* **Freshness:** Homemade chocolate covered cherries are undeniably fresher than store-bought ones, offering a more vibrant and intense flavor.
* **Cost-Effective:** Depending on the ingredients you choose, making your own can be more economical than buying premium versions.
* **A Rewarding Experience:** The process of creating these delightful treats is both enjoyable and satisfying, making them perfect for gifting or personal enjoyment.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

Before starting any of the recipes, gather the following essential ingredients and equipment:

**Ingredients:**

* **Cherries:** Fresh, pitted cherries are ideal. Bing cherries are a popular choice due to their size and sweetness. Maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry) can be used, but the flavor profile will be different.
* **Chocolate:** High-quality chocolate is crucial. Choose your preferred type – dark, milk, or white – based on your taste. Chocolate with a higher cocoa content (60-70%) offers a more intense flavor.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Used to create the creamy fondant filling.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and smoothness to the fondant filling.
* **Milk or Cream:** Helps to achieve the desired consistency for the fondant filling.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavor of the filling.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Liqueurs (brandy, cherry liqueur, rum), flavor extracts (almond, peppermint), toppings (chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt).

**Equipment:**

* **Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl and Saucepan:** For melting the chocolate.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the fondant filling.
* **Electric Mixer:** For creaming the butter and sugar.
* **Spoons and Spatulas:** For mixing and dipping.
* **Wax Paper or Parchment Paper:** For lining baking sheets.
* **Toothpicks or Dipping Tools:** For dipping the cherries in chocolate.
* **Baking Sheets:** For setting the chocolate covered cherries.

Recipe 1: Classic Chocolate Covered Cherries

This recipe provides a straightforward and delicious method for creating classic chocolate covered cherries. It focuses on simplicity and highlights the natural flavors of the cherries and chocolate.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound fresh Bing cherries, pitted and stems trimmed (leaving about 1/2 inch of stem)
* 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cherries:** Gently wash and dry the cherries. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the chocolate to adhere properly. If using maraschino cherries, rinse them thoroughly and pat them extremely dry. Allow them to air dry on a wire rack for at least an hour.
2. **Make the Fondant Filling:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny amount more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
3. **Fill the Cherries:** Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently stuff a small amount of the fondant filling into the cavity of each cherry. Smooth the filling around the cherry.
4. **Chill the Filled Cherries:** Place the filled cherries on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the filling. This will make them easier to dip.
5. **Melt the Chocolate:** Fill a saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the chopped chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning. Make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl.
6. **Dip the Cherries:** Remove the chilled cherries from the refrigerator. Using a toothpick or dipping tool, carefully dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
7. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the chocolate-covered cherries back on the lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with toppings like chopped nuts or sea salt while the chocolate is still wet.
8. **Chill to Set:** Refrigerate the chocolate-covered cherries for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
9. **Serve and Store:** Once the chocolate is set, the chocolate-covered cherries are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe 2: Boozy Chocolate Covered Cherries

This recipe elevates the classic chocolate covered cherry with a touch of sophistication. The addition of liquor infuses the cherries with a rich and complex flavor, creating a truly indulgent treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound fresh Bing cherries, pitted and stems trimmed (leaving about 1/2 inch of stem)
* 8 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped
* 1/4 cup (2 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1 tablespoon heavy cream
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1-2 tablespoons cherry liqueur, brandy, or rum (depending on preference)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cherries:** Follow the same cherry preparation steps as in the Classic Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe. Ensure the cherries are thoroughly dried.
2. **Make the Boozy Fondant Filling:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the cherry liqueur, brandy, or rum. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste, being careful not to make the filling too runny. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
3. **Fill the Cherries:** Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently stuff a small amount of the boozy fondant filling into the cavity of each cherry. Smooth the filling around the cherry.
4. **Chill the Filled Cherries:** Place the filled cherries on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Freezing helps prevent the filling from oozing out during dipping and gives a firmer texture when bitten into.
5. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the dark chocolate using the double boiler or microwave method as described in the Classic Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the boozy filling, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.
6. **Dip the Cherries:** Remove the frozen filled cherries from the freezer. Using a toothpick or dipping tool, carefully dip each cherry into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate. Work quickly as the filling will start to soften as it warms.
7. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the chocolate-covered cherries back on the lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with toppings like chopped nuts, sea salt, or cocoa powder while the chocolate is still wet. The bitterness of cocoa powder balances out the sweetness well.
8. **Chill to Set:** Refrigerate the chocolate-covered cherries for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
9. **Serve and Store:** Once the chocolate is set, the boozy chocolate covered cherries are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The alcohol content may slightly soften the filling over time, so they are best enjoyed within a few days.

Recipe 3: Vegan Chocolate Covered Cherries

This recipe offers a delicious and ethical alternative for those following a vegan lifestyle. It utilizes plant-based ingredients to create a decadent and satisfying treat that everyone can enjoy.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound fresh Bing cherries, pitted and stems trimmed (leaving about 1/2 inch of stem)
* 8 ounces vegan dark chocolate, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup refined coconut oil, softened (but not liquid)
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar (ensure it’s vegan-friendly – some brands use bone char)
* 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cherries:** Follow the same cherry preparation steps as in the Classic Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe. Thorough drying is particularly important for vegan recipes, as excess moisture can affect the texture of the vegan chocolate.
2. **Make the Vegan Fondant Filling:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened coconut oil and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the plant-based milk and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny amount more plant-based milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Be mindful of the coconut flavor; if you dislike it, use refined coconut oil, which has a neutral taste.
3. **Fill the Cherries:** Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently stuff a small amount of the vegan fondant filling into the cavity of each cherry. Smooth the filling around the cherry.
4. **Chill the Filled Cherries:** Place the filled cherries on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the filling. This will help maintain their shape during dipping.
5. **Melt the Vegan Chocolate:** Melt the vegan dark chocolate using the double boiler or microwave method as described in the Classic Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe. Ensure that your chosen chocolate is certified vegan to avoid any animal-derived ingredients.
6. **Dip the Cherries:** Remove the chilled cherries from the refrigerator. Using a toothpick or dipping tool, carefully dip each cherry into the melted vegan dark chocolate, ensuring it’s completely coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
7. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the chocolate-covered cherries back on the lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with vegan-friendly toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or vegan sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.
8. **Chill to Set:** Refrigerate the chocolate-covered cherries for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
9. **Serve and Store:** Once the chocolate is set, the vegan chocolate covered cherries are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The coconut oil in the filling may make them slightly softer at room temperature, so refrigeration is recommended.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Covered Cherries

* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate significantly impacts the overall taste. Invest in good-quality chocolate for the best results.
* **Thoroughly Dry the Cherries:** Moisture is the enemy of chocolate. Ensure the cherries are completely dry before filling and dipping to prevent the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.
* **Control the Temperature of the Chocolate:** Melting the chocolate gently and avoiding overheating is crucial for a smooth and glossy finish. Maintain a consistent temperature while dipping.
* **Use Dipping Tools:** Toothpicks or dipping forks make the dipping process easier and more precise. Avoid using your fingers, as they can leave smudges on the chocolate.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Give the chocolate covered cherries enough space on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Get creative with toppings! Chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut are all excellent options.
* **Store Properly:** Store chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent the chocolate from melting.
* **Consider Tempering the Chocolate:** Tempering the chocolate will result in a smoother, shinier finish and a better “snap.” However, it’s an optional step that requires more effort and precision.

Troubleshooting

* **Chocolate Seizing:** If the chocolate seizes and becomes grainy, it’s likely due to moisture. Try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or shortening to the chocolate and stirring vigorously to smooth it out.
* **Filling Oozing Out:** This can happen if the filling is too soft or if the cherries are not chilled properly. Make sure the filling is thick enough and that the cherries are well-chilled before dipping.
* **Chocolate Not Setting:** This could be due to the chocolate not being melted properly or the cherries not being chilled long enough. Ensure the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, and that the cherries are refrigerated until the chocolate is firm.
* **Uneven Chocolate Coating:** This can happen if the chocolate is too thick or too thin. Adjust the consistency of the chocolate by adding a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening if it’s too thick, or by adding a bit more chopped chocolate if it’s too thin.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate covered cherries are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways:

* **As a Dessert:** Serve them as a simple yet elegant dessert after a meal.
* **As a Gift:** Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
* **As a Party Favor:** Offer them as party favors at weddings, birthdays, or other special events.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
* **In Baked Goods:** Chop them up and add them to cookies, brownies, or cakes for a burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Making your own chocolate covered cherries is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a truly special treat. With these three recipes and helpful tips, you can easily master the art of chocolate covered cherries and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Whether you prefer the classic version, a boozy upgrade, or a vegan-friendly alternative, there’s a recipe here to suit every taste and preference. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the decadent delight of homemade chocolate covered cherries!