Save to Pinterest Luscious whole cherries wrapped in decadent chocolate, artfully arranged into a stunning pyramid for an unforgettable dessert centerpiece.
This dessert has been a favorite at family gatherings, impressing everyone with its taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- Cherries: 24 fresh, firm cherries, stems on and pitted (or high-quality maraschino cherries, well-drained)
- Chocolate Coating: 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped 1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
- Garnishes (optional): 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios 2 tbsp desiccated coconut 2 tbsp white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cherries. If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully, keeping the stems intact for easy dipping.
- Step 2:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Step 4:
- Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place the dipped cherry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- For extra flair, sprinkle some cherries with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut before the chocolate sets.
- Step 6:
- Repeat until all cherries are coated. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the bites for a decorative touch.
- Step 7:
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Step 8:
- To assemble the pyramid, arrange the chocolate-covered cherries in a pyramid shape on a serving platter: start with a base of 9 cherries, then 7, then 5, then 3, finishing with one at the top.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or store, chilled, for up to 2 days.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this dessert, especially enjoying the fun of picking cherries from the pyramid shape during celebrations.
Notes
For an adult twist, soak cherries in kirsch or brandy for 1 hour before coating. Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate if preferred.
Required Tools
Cherry pitter heatproof bowl saucepan (for double boiler) baking sheet parchment paper small spoon (for drizzling and sprinkling garnishes)
Allergen Information
Contains: Tree nuts (if using pistachios), milk (if using butter, white chocolate, or milk chocolate). Dark chocolate may contain traces of milk or nuts check labels if allergies are a concern.
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These chocolate-covered cherry bites are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.
Your Questions Answered
- → What type of cherries work best for coating?
Fresh, firm cherries with stems on are ideal for dipping, as the stems help with handling. Maraschino cherries also work if well drained.
- → How do you melt the chocolate without burning it?
Use a double boiler method by placing a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, stirring chocolate until smooth and fully melted.
- → Can the coating be flavored or varied?
Yes, adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or butter to the chocolate improves texture; you can also soak cherries in kirsch or brandy for extra depth.
- → What garnishes complement chocolate-covered cherries?
Chopped pistachios, desiccated coconut, and white chocolate drizzle add appealing texture, flavor, and appearance.
- → How should the pyramid be assembled?
Arrange coated cherries in layers: a base of nine, then seven, five, three, and one at the top for a balanced, eye-catching display.
- → How long can the chocolate-covered cherries be stored?
Keep them chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and texture.