Irresistible Chocolate Covered Cherries
Homemade chocolate covered cherries with a juicy cherry center soaked in almond-flavored syrup and coated in smooth semi-sweet or dark chocolate. A quick, easy, and elegant treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 20-25 cherries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) fresh cherries with stems
- 8 ounces (225 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- Optional: maraschino cherries
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Rinse 1 pound (450 grams) of fresh cherries and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid moisture.
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar and ½ cup (120 ml) water. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract to the syrup, then submerge the cherries (with stems) in the warm syrup. Let soak for about 20 minutes.
- Remove cherries from syrup and place on wire rack or paper towels to dry for about 10 minutes until sticky but not dripping.
- Set up a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) chocolate chips and stir gently until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Holding a cherry by the stem, dip it into melted chocolate, swirling to coat fully. Let excess drip off, then place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all cherries.
- Optional: While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on each cherry.
- Allow cherries to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed setting.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Ensure cherries are completely dry before dipping to prevent chocolate from seizing. Use good-quality chocolate for best flavor and texture. If chocolate thickens, gently rewarm over double boiler and add a small splash of vegetable oil to smooth. Keep cherries spaced on baking sheet to avoid sticking. For a boozy twist, soak cherries in cherry liqueur before syrup soak. Store in airtight container refrigerated up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chocolate covered
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: chocolate covered cherries, homemade treats, easy chocolate recipe, almond extract, fruit and chocolate, quick dessert