What is chocolate cherry and how is it made?

Chocolate cherry is a dessert or flavor combination that pairs sweet, rich chocolate with tart or sweet cherries. It can refer to chocolate-covered cherries, where whole cherries are coated in chocolate, or recipes that blend chocolate and cherries, such as cakes or sauces. Traditional chocolate-covered cherries often use maraschino or fresh cherries with a syrupy center, enrobed in dark or milk chocolate. The balance between the fruity tartness of cherries and the smooth, creamy taste of chocolate creates a popular treat enjoyed worldwide.

Are chocolate cherries good for your health?

Chocolate cherries can offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which may support heart health. Cherries provide vitamins, fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, many chocolate cherry products contain added sugar and syrups that increase calories and reduce nutritional value. Choosing chocolate cherries with higher cocoa content and natural cherries helps maximize benefits while limiting sugar intake.

How do you store chocolate-covered cherries to keep them fresh?

To keep chocolate-covered cherries fresh, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideally, keep them in an airtight container at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Refrigerating chocolate-covered cherries can cause condensation and alter their texture, so it’s best avoided unless the environment is very warm. Proper storage preserves both chocolate texture and cherry flavor, extending shelf life to about 1-2 weeks.

Can I make chocolate cherry desserts at home?

Yes, making chocolate cherry desserts at home is simple and rewarding. Popular recipes include chocolate cherry brownies, chocolate-covered fresh cherries, and cherry chocolate mousse. Most recipes require basic ingredients like fresh or canned cherries, chocolate chips or bars, sugar, and butter. Melting chocolate and dipping cherries or combining chopped cherries into batters are common methods. Homemade treats allow control over ingredients and sweetness levels.

What are the best cherries to use for chocolate cherry recipes?

The best cherries for chocolate cherry recipes depend on taste preference and recipe type. Fresh tart cherries like Montmorency offer bright acidity that contrasts well with sweet chocolate, ideal for desserts needing a tangy note. Sweet cherries, such as Bing or Rainier, provide a milder flavor and juicier texture. For chocolate-covered cherries, maraschino cherries are often used for their sweetness and firmness. Frozen cherries can work well when fresh are unavailable.

Chocolate Cherry Recipe for 7 Irresistible Sweet Treats

Name: Chocolate Cherry
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ounces dark chocolate (60-75% cacao, in bars, wafers, or block form); 10 cherries with stems attached, cleaned and dried; 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) Provides rich flavor and antioxidants (for variations); 150g fresh or frozen cherries Adds natural sweetness and tartness (for additional options); 100g almond flour Enhances texture and suits gluten-free diets; 50g coconut sugar A healthier alternative to refined sugar; 2 tbsp coconut oil Helps with smooth melting and adds healthy fats

Description

🍫 Indulge in a delightful treat that combines juicy cherries with rich, luscious dark chocolate for a perfect balance of flavors.
🍒 Enjoy a quick and simple recipe that transforms fresh cherries into an irresistible sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ounces dark chocolate (60-75% cacao, in bars, wafers, or block form)

10 cherries with stems attached, cleaned and dried

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) Provides rich flavor and antioxidants (for variations)

150g fresh or frozen cherries Adds natural sweetness and tartness (for additional options)

100g almond flour Enhances texture and suits gluten-free diets

50g coconut sugar A healthier alternative to refined sugar

2 tbsp coconut oil Helps with smooth melting and adds healthy fats

Instructions

1-Pit each cherry on its side while keeping the stems intact to maintain their shape.

2-Dip each cherry halfway into the melted chocolate by holding the stem, then place it on a parchment-lined surface.

3-Refrigerate, covered, for about 20 minutes until the chocolate sets, creating a shiny, firm coating.

4-For a full recipe blend, combine almond flour and coconut sugar in a mixing bowl, then pour in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring to blend thoroughly.

5-Fold in the remaining cherries carefully to keep their shape and distribute evenly.

6-Pour the batter into a lined baking pan and smooth the surface, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7-Allow to cool before slicing, and serve the chocolate-dipped cherries alongside plain cherries for added variety. Take care to avoid direct heat and moisture when melting the chocolate to keep it silky.

Notes

🍫 When using block chocolate, shave it with a serrated knife for faster, even melting.
🌡️ Be cautious to avoid direct heat and moisture while melting the chocolate to keep it smooth.
🍒 Keep the cherry stems intact to make dipping easier and for a decorative touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Melting chocolate: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Melting and dipping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chocolate-covered cherry
Calories: 70
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Chocolate, Cherries, Sweet Treats, Dessert