Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Sweet maraschino cherries covered in Nutella, coated with dark chocolate, and sprinkled with flaky sea salt make the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe. This delightful treat is perfect for gifts, parties, and holidays. With its unique combination of sweet and salty flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Decadent Flavor: The rich taste of chocolate combined with creamy Nutella elevates the classic cherry treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These chocolate-covered cherries are ideal for holidays, birthdays, or simply as a sweet snack.
• Great Gift Idea: Package them beautifully for friends and family; they’ll love receiving this homemade delight.
• No Baking Required: Enjoy a tasty dessert without the hassle of turning on the oven.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your journey to create the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Silicone molds
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Fork or spoon
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Silicone molds: These make it easy to shape the cherries with Nutella while ensuring they pop out effortlessly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate smoothly without burning it.
• Fork or spoon: Useful for dipping the cherries into melted chocolate evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking while cooling and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Cherries

• 15 oz Nutella
• 16 maraschino cherries (I like Collins brand)

For Coating

• 8 oz dark chocolate (if using a chocolate bar cut into small pieces)

For Garnish

• ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

How to Make Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

1. Drain the cherries and remove any stems. Let them dry on a paper towel-lined plate for about 2 minutes.
2. Gently pat the tops and sides of the cherries to remove any remaining juice.

Step 2: Fill the Molds

1. Add a heaping teaspoon of Nutella to each of the 16 silicone molds.
2. Spread the Nutella around slightly in each mold.
3. Place one cherry into each mold, pressing down slightly.

Step 3: Cover with Nutella

1. Spoon a bit more Nutella over each cherry to cover them completely.
2. Smooth it around so that it covers all sides of the cherry.

Step 4: Freeze

1. Place filled molds in the freezer for 1 hour until firm.

Step 5: Melt Chocolate

1. In a clean and dry microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate in 30-second increments.
2. Stir between each increment until smooth; this should take about 3-4 increments.

Step 6: Coat Cherries

1. Remove frozen cherries from molds one at a time.
2. Dip each cherry into melted chocolate using a fork or spoon to coat thoroughly.

Step 7: Drain Excess Chocolate

1. Tap the fork on the side of the bowl multiple times to let excess chocolate drip off.
2. Wipe the bottom of the fork along the edge of the bowl to remove extra chocolate.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Place coated cherries on a parchment-lined sheet tray.
2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before refrigerating them for another 30 minutes.
3. Enjoy your delicious chocolate-covered cherries!

How to Serve Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Serving chocolate covered cherries can be just as delightful as making them. These sweet treats are perfect for various occasions and can be presented in multiple ways that enhance their appeal.

For Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Place the chocolate covered cherries in decorative boxes for a charming homemade gift.
• Party Platters: Arrange them on a platter among other desserts for an eye-catching display at parties.

As Party Favors

• Individual Bags: Fill small cellophane bags with a few cherries tied with a ribbon for guests to take home.
• Dessert Tables: Incorporate them into dessert tables at weddings or special events for added sweetness.

For Holidays

• Christmas Treats: Use festive packaging or serve them on themed platters during holiday gatherings.
• Valentine’s Day Surprise: Present them in heart-shaped boxes as a romantic gesture.

How to Perfect Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

To ensure your best chocolate covered cherries turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Drying the Cherries: Make sure to dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Excess moisture can prevent the Nutella from adhering properly.
• Bold Using Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for better taste and texture. This makes a significant difference in flavor.
• Bold Maintain Clean Tools: Ensure all bowls and utensils are clean and dry when melting chocolate. This helps achieve a smooth consistency.
• Bold Chill Before Coating: Freeze the Nutella-covered cherries before dipping them in chocolate. This helps maintain their shape during coating.
• Bold Don’t Rush Freezing: Allow enough time for the cherries to freeze completely. This will help the layers stick together perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your chocolate covered cherries can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Bold Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the rich chocolate, creating a delicious contrast.
2. Bold Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cherries.
3. Bold Cheese Platter: Include brie or goat cheese for a savory option that pairs well with sweet treats.
4. Bold Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee can enhance the flavors of chocolate, making it an excellent beverage choice.
5. Bold Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provides a nice textural contrast alongside the soft chocolate covered cherries.
6. Bold Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness without overpowering the sweetness of your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.

• Overcrowding the molds: Filling too many cherries in one mold can lead to uneven coating. Use separate silicone molds for each cherry for optimal results.
• Not drying the cherries: Skipping the drying step can cause the Nutella and chocolate to slide off. Always ensure your cherries are dry before coating them.
• Skipping the freezing step: Failing to freeze the Nutella-covered cherries can result in a messy coating. Be sure to freeze them for at least one hour for a better texture.
• Using wet tools: Melting chocolate in a bowl that isn’t completely dry can ruin your chocolate consistency. Always use clean, dry utensils for melting.
• Not tapping off excess chocolate: Forgetting to tap off excess chocolate leads to puddles on your tray. Use a fork or spoon to gently tap the side of your bowl before placing them on parchment paper.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Use parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

• Place chocolate covered cherries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place cherries on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting too much.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute Nutella with a dairy-free chocolate spread and use vegan dark chocolate.

What type of dark chocolate should I use?

For the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe, choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for richer flavor.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just ensure they are pitted before coating with Nutella.

How do I make my chocolate coating smoother?

For smoother coating, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening when melting the chocolate.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total time is approximately 85 minutes, including prep and freezing time.

Final Thoughts

The Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe is not only indulgent but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by using different types of nuts or flavored chocolates. Perfect for gifts, parties, or simply treating yourself—give this delightful recipe a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of chocolate-covered cherries with this irresistible recipe. Sweet maraschino cherries are filled with creamy Nutella, enveloped in rich dark chocolate, and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This treat is perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to birthday celebrations or simply as a sweet snack. With an effortless preparation process that requires no baking, you’ll impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat. Whether packaged as gifts or served at parties, these chocolate-covered cherries are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone wanting more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz Nutella
• 16 maraschino cherries (Collins brand preferred)
• 8 oz dark chocolate (or chopped chocolate bar)
• ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

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Instructions

1. Drain and dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly.
2. Fill silicone molds with a heaping teaspoon of Nutella and press one cherry into each mold.
3. Cover the cherries completely with more Nutella, then freeze for 1 hour.
4. Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
5. Dip each frozen cherry into the melted chocolate, draining excess before placing on parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and refrigerate for another 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 108
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg