Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries the Queens Delight
Recipe Introduction: Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries
Fancy a go at making your own chocolate covered cherries ? Honestly, these are way better than the shop bought ones.
Ever wondered how to make chocolate covered cherries ? Let me tell you! They're sweet, a little bit boozy and utterly delicious.
Queen's Delight: A Sweet Treat
These homemade chocolate covered cherries are perfect for any occasion. The original version is a decadent treat of juicy cherry with creamy fondant and rich dark chocolate.
It's hard to say exactly where they came from, but they've been loved for ages.
This is a medium difficulty recipe. It takes about 45 minutes to prep, 5 minutes to cook (melt the chocolate) and then around 2 hours for chilling.
The recipe yields around 24 cherries, perfect for sharing or gifting.
Why You'll Love These
These aren't just tasty, they are also a lovely gift! I think this choc covered cherries recipe is a winner, winner, chicken dinner! These chocolate covered cherries Valentine's Day treats are super special.
Serve them after Sunday roast or a cheeky dessert.
Let's get started, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Crafting the Queen's Delight
Ready to make homemade chocolate covered cherries ? Honestly, you'll never go back to the store-bought ones. Let's gather what you need! It's easier than you think.
Main Ingredients for The Best Cherries
Here’s the lowdown on what goes into making these delights.
- Fresh Cherries: 24 with stems (about 340g/12oz ). Look for plump, firm cherries. Bing or Rainier are ideal.
- Boozy Option: 4 tablespoons ( 60ml ) Brandy, Kirsch, or cherry juice. Quality booze makes a difference!. Soak for extra flavour.
Mastering the Fondant Filling
- Butter: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml / 43g/1.5oz ) unsalted, softened. The creamier the better.
- Corn Syrup: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) light. This keeps it smooth.
- Almond Extract: 1/4 teaspoon. It adds a classic touch.
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon. A pinch enhances sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups ( 240g/8.5oz ), sifted, plus more if needed. Sifting is key!.
- Liquid: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) milk or heavy cream. Start with 1 tablespoon, add more for the perfect texture.
The Chocolate Coating The Crowning Glory
- Semi Sweet Chocolate: 12 ounces ( 340g ), finely chopped. Go for high-quality chocolate. You can really tell the difference.
- Optional Smoother: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) vegetable shortening or coconut oil. For a super smooth melt.
These homemade chocolate covered cherry desserts are really elevated with good ingredients.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Cherries
For these choc covered cherries , classic is best, but don't be afraid to tweak the flavors!.
- Essential Combination: Almond extract in the fondant is classic.
- Flavor Enhancers: A tiny pinch of sea salt on top after dipping. It is heavenly!.
- Quick Sub: Vanilla extract instead of almond. It's a subtle swap.
The right chocolate is essential. It is a part of our Christmas Favorites Recipes .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You don't need fancy gear for an easy chocolate covered cherries recipe!.
- Melting: Double boiler or heat safe bowl and saucepan.
- Setting Up: Baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
- Dipping: Toothpicks or dipping tools.
- Mixing: Stand or hand mixer (optional). Honestly, muscles work too.
Now that you know how to make chocolate covered cherries , and you are ready for a memorable Chocolate covered cherries Valentine's Day .
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries: The Queen's Delight
Honestly, who doesn't love chocolate covered cherries ? But those shop bought ones? Often they're just a bit...meh. Let's make something special.
A batch of Homemade chocolate covered cherries from scratch is far superior, think fresh cherries, creamy fondant, and rich chocolate.
Perfect for a Chocolate covered cherries gift , especially for Valentine's or Christmas favorites recipes .
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key
First, gather your ingredients. Chop 340g (12oz) semi sweet chocolate. Soften 45ml (3 tbsp) butter. Measure out 30ml (2 tbsp) of light corn syrup, sift 240g (8.
5oz) of powdered sugar, and choose your booze 60ml (4 tbsp) brandy, kirsch or juice. Have your cherries ready. This essential mise en place saves loads of time.
And when using a double boiler, be extra careful! Always avoid direct heat!
step-by-step: From Cherry to Bliss
Here's how to turn cherries into choc covered cherries :
- Pat dry 24 cherries (stems on!). Soak in your chosen booze for extra flavor. Pat dry again.
- Cream the butter, corn syrup, almond extract, and salt. Add sifted powdered sugar and milk, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Pro Tip: If it's too sticky, add more powdered sugar.
- Wrap each cherry in fondant. About 1 tablespoon per cherry. Make sure that the cherry is sealed completely.
- Chill these bad boys for at least 2 hours in the fridge. Or overnight. Trust me, you need this.
- Melt 340g (12 oz) chocolate in a double boiler. Add 15ml (1 tbsp) shortening for extra smoothness.
- Dip each cherry into the chocolate. Tap off any excess.
- Place dipped cherries on parchment paper.
- Chill again! For at least 30 minutes .
Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to make easy chocolate covered cherries ? Don't rush ! The chilling process is crucial.
- The fondant should be soft, not sticky! Avoid overheating the chocolate, or it will become grainy! Want to make it even more special? Add a little peppermint extract to the chocolate for a festive twist!
Enjoy!
Now you have it Chocolate covered cherry desserts . Seriously, homemade chocolate covered cherries with stems are the best thing ever.
The perfect balance of sweet and rich. Forget the store-bought stuff! Let me know what you think and make sure to spread the love this Chocolate covered cherries Valentine's Day .
Recipe Notes: Ace Your Chocolate Covered Cherries
Alright, you're ready to make some Homemade chocolate covered cherries? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about some key stuff that'll help you nail this recipe.
Trust me, these little tips will make a world of difference. You'll make a chocolate covered cherries gift that is amazing!
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Skills!
- Plating and Presentation Ideas : Honestly, these choc covered cherries are so pretty! A simple way to show them off is to arrange them on a nice plate. Pop them in cute paper cases. Dust them with a tiny bit of cocoa. Christmas Favorites Recipes always look great when presented well!
- Complementary Sides or Beverages : These are rich. So, balance them with something lighter. A glass of chilled Prosecco or a cup of hot black coffee work wonders.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
- Refrigeration Guidelines : These guys need to chill! Store your easy chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep for up to a week.
- Freezing Options (if applicable) : I wouldn’t recommend freezing these. The fondant can get a bit weird when it thaws.
- Reheating Instructions : Just take them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you want to eat them. That'll get them to the right temperature.
Variations: Mix It Up!
- Dietary Adaptations : Want these to be dairy-free? Use a non-dairy butter substitute for the fondant. Use dairy-free chocolate for coating. Boom! Problem solved.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : For the summer, try using fresh local cherries. For winter, maybe even a cherry liqueur instead of brandy. Chocolate covered cherries Valentine's Day don't need to be only for Valentine's Day.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat Info
- Simplified Nutrition Information : One chocolate covered cherries with stems will set you back about 120-150 calories. It's a treat, not health food!
- Key Health Benefits : Cherries do have antioxidants! But, let's be real, you're not eating these for your health. Enjoy it!
Making Chocolate Covered Cherry Desserts should be fun. Don't stress too much. If it's not perfect the first time, that's okay! Keep practicing.
Now you know How To Make Chocolate Covered Cherries !
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my chocolate covered cherries leaking? That's a bit of a bother!
Leaking usually happens if the fondant isn't completely sealed around the cherry. Before dipping, make sure the fondant covers the entire cherry, except for the stem. Also, ensure the cherries and fondant are well chilled before dipping; a firmer fondant is less likely to leak when it hits the warm chocolate.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for my chocolate covered cherries?
Absolutely! Semi sweet chocolate is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment. Dark chocolate will give you a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will be sweeter and creamier. You can even use white chocolate for a fun twist.
Just remember to use high-quality chocolate for the best results nobody wants a dodgy chocolate situation!
How do I store my homemade chocolate covered cherries to keep them fresh?
The best way to store chocolate covered cherries is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the chocolate from blooming (developing a white coating) and keep the fondant from getting too soft.
They will typically last for up to a week in the fridge, but let's be honest, they probably won't last that long!
My chocolate isn't melting smoothly. What am I doing wrong?
Unevenly melted chocolate is a common issue. Make sure you're using a double boiler or a heat safe bowl set over simmering, not boiling, water. Avoid getting any water or steam into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
Adding a tablespoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil can also help create a smoother, glossier melt. Tempering your chocolate will also lead to a better result.
Can I add alcohol to my chocolate covered cherries? Is that alright?
Indeed! Adding a touch of booze can elevate these treats. Soaking the cherries in brandy, Kirsch, or even a cherry liqueur before wrapping them in fondant adds a delightful kick. Alternatively, you can incorporate a small amount of liquor into the fondant itself.
Just be mindful of the overall liquid content to maintain the right consistency.
Are there any healthier variations of chocolate covered cherries?
While they are a treat, you can make some tweaks! Use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for more antioxidants and less sugar. You could also experiment with using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the fondant, although this will affect the texture.
Consider adding nuts or seeds for extra nutrients and fiber. That's a win if you ask me.
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries The Queens D
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120-150 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7-9g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
