How to Make Decadent Chocolate Covered Cherries at Home

Have you ever tasted chocolate covered cherries? If you haven’t yet, you’re definitely missing out on a heavenly combination of flavors. These treats are perfect for any occasion, be it a special event or simply a mid-week indulgence. And the best part is that you don’t have to run out to a fancy chocolate shop to get them. You can easily make your own chocolate covered cherries right at home!

Making chocolate covered cherries is actually quite simple. All you need are a few ingredients, a little bit of time, and some patience. Once you have all three, you’ll be able to create a batch of delicious treats that will have your taste buds dancing in no time. So, if you’re ready to try your hand at making chocolate covered cherries, this article is for you. We’ll show you step-by-step how to make them, and you’ll be amazed at how easy and fun the process can be.

Choosing the Perfect Cherries

When it comes to making chocolate covered cherries, the first step is always selecting the right cherries! Not all cherries are created equal, and for the best results, you need to start with quality ingredients.

1. Freshness Matters

When selecting cherries for this recipe, always opt for fresh ones that are still firm to the touch and have perky stems. Cherries that are overly soft or have shriveled stems are likely past their prime and won’t work as well. If possible, pick your own cherries at a local farm or purchase them from a trusted source for optimal freshness.

2. Consider Your Variety

There are countless varieties of cherries out there, but not all of them are ideal for chocolate covered cherries. For the best results, opt for sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier, which have a firm texture and juicy flavor that pairs well with chocolate. Tart cherries, on the other hand, may be too sour for this recipe.

3. Go for Size Uniformity

To ensure that your chocolate covered cherries look as good as they taste, try to choose cherries that are roughly the same size. This will make it easier to coat them evenly in chocolate and will create a more professional look when serving.

4. Pit the Cherries

Before dipping your cherries in chocolate, be sure to remove the pits! While some people prefer to leave the pits in for added flavor, it can be challenging to bite into them when they’re coated in chocolate. Use a cherry pitter tool or a small paring knife to remove the pits carefully.

5. Dry Them Well

After washing and pitting your cherries, it’s essential to dry them thoroughly before dipping them in chocolate. Any excess moisture can cause the chocolate to seize up, ruining the smooth texture. Pat them dry with a paper towel and let them sit out for a few minutes to air-dry completely.

6. Chill the Cherries

Once the cherries are pitted and dried, you can also chill them in the fridge or freezer before dipping in chocolate. This will help to firm them up and make the chocolate coating adhere more easily. Just be sure not to freeze the cherries completely, or they may not thaw out properly later on.

Section Two: Ingredients and Tools Needed

Making chocolate-covered cherries requires a handful of ingredients and some essential tools. Here are the things you should prepare before you start dipping those delicious cherries in melted chocolate:

1. Fresh Cherries

The first thing you’ll need, of course, is fresh ripe cherries. Look for firm fruits with glossy skin. Avoid any cherries that are ripened to softness or have any signs of bruising or damage.

2. Chocolate

Choose your preferred type of chocolate for this recipe. Milk, dark, or white chocolate all work well, depending on your taste. Just make sure that you use high-quality chocolate that will melt smoothly.

3. Cream

Heavy cream is necessary to give the chocolate coating a smooth and creamy texture. You can substitute it with milk, but heavy cream will give you better results.

4. Butter

Adding butter to the chocolate mixture will help prevent the chocolate from being too thick and make it easier to work with.

5. Alcohol

Adding alcohol, such as brandy or cherry liqueur, to the filling is an optional step. It gives the cherries a lovely boozy kick that makes them even more irresistible. However, if you’re making these for children, it’s best to skip this step.

6. Vanilla Extract

Adding a bit of vanilla extract to the filling mixture will give it extra flavor and aroma.

7. Mixing Bowls

Use separate bowls to mix the chocolate coating, the filling, and the toppings.

8. Double Boiler or Microwave

You can melt the chocolate either by using a double boiler or in the microwave. A double boiler provides gentle heat that prevents the chocolate from burning, while a microwave is quicker but requires more attention.

9. Candy Thermometer

It’s essential to temper the chocolate correctly, so it sets properly and doesn’t melt when touched. Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the temperature of the chocolate stays within the range of 88 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

10. Toothpicks or Forks

Use toothpicks or forks to dip the cherries into the melted chocolate and to remove them without damaging the coating. Make sure that the utensils are clean and dry before use.

Steps for Making Chocolate Covered Cherries

Now that we know the ingredients required to make chocolate-covered cherries, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making it.

Step 1: Prepping the Cherries

Before we begin, we need to prepare the cherries by washing them and removing their stems. It’s important to select cherries that are not too ripe or too soft. Firm cherries work the best for this recipe.

Once the cherries are washed and dried, it’s time to remove the pits. You can do this manually using a cherry pitter or by slicing the cherry and removing the pit with a sharp knife. Make sure that all the pits are removed and the cherries are free from any stems before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepping the Chocolate

In a double boiler or a saucepan, we need to melt the chocolate until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture. You can add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the chocolate to make it easier to work with and achieve a smoother finish.

While melting the chocolate, you can line a baking sheet with wax paper to place the chocolate-covered cherries.

Step 3: Dip the Cherries in the Chocolate

It’s time to dip the cherries in the chocolate! Using a fork or a toothpick, pick up a cherry and dip it into the melted chocolate. Make sure the entire cherry is coated and then gently tap the fork or toothpick on the edge of the pan to remove any excess chocolate.

Place the chocolate covered cherry onto the prepared baking sheet and repeat this process for all the cherries.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Rest the Cherries

After the cherries are dipped in chocolate, they need to be placed in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the chocolate to set and harden.

Once the chocolate has hardened, remove the cherries from the refrigerator. You can decorate them with some additional drizzles of chocolate or sprinkles if you like.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s time to enjoy the delicious chocolate-covered cherries that you made from scratch! These cherries can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy them for a while after making them.

In conclusion, making chocolate-covered cherries at home is an easy and fun process. By following these simple steps, you can impress your family and friends with homemade chocolate-covered cherries that look and taste amazing. So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, try making your own chocolate-covered cherries at home!

Time to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!

And there you have it, folks! A simple yet delightful recipe for making chocolate covered cherries that you can easily enjoy. You’ll be surprised how easy it is, and how delicious the results are. I hope you had fun reading this article, and I hope you’ll try this recipe out for yourself. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, too! Thanks for stopping by and please visit again for more sweet and simple recipes. Happy snacking!