Decadent Sweet Cherry Dessert

Indulge in the decadent delight of Rich Sweet Cherries – a delightful treat that tantalizes your taste buds with a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine biting through a luscious chocolate shell to discover a sweet fondant center that oozes with the essence of maraschino cherries. Each bite is a blissful blend of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and juicy cherries, creating a taste sensation that is simply irresistible.

The secret to creating these Amish Chocolate Covered Cherries lies in selecting the finest maraschino cherries, ensuring that each piece bursts with vibrant color and tangy sweetness. As you embark on this culinary journey, take your time to savor the process of crafting these delectable treats. Let the cherries dry to perfection and watch as the liquid center forms magically, ready to surprise and delight with every bite.

Whether you’re gifting these homemade treasures to loved ones or creating them for a special occasion, the joy of making Rich Sweet Cherries extends beyond the kitchen. Embrace the imperfections of your creations, knowing that the love and effort poured into each piece make them truly special. Join me in this delightful tradition of creating moments of happiness with every bite of these heavenly chocolate-covered cherries.

Quick Benefits

• Textural Delight: Experience a delightful combination of crispy chocolate outer layer, soft fondant filling, and juicy maraschino cherry with liquid center.
• Family Favorite: Engage your family in a fun tradition by involving them in the wrapping process, making it a memorable experience for all.
• Make-ahead Convenience: Prepare these treats in advance by freezing, breading, and baking them when needed, making them perfect for gatherings and parties.
• Versatile Leftovers: Transform any leftover treats into new dishes like breakfast hash, salad topper, or a flavorful addition to creamy grits for a delicious twist.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Sweet Cherry Dessert Recipe

• Indulgent Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet maraschino cherries, rich chocolate, and powdered sugar creates a decadent treat that tantalizes your taste buds with each bite.
• Textural Harmony: Experience the delightful contrast of crispy chocolate coating, soft fondant filling, and juicy cherry center, providing a satisfying and diverse mouthfeel.
• Addictive Taste: Once you savor the burst of flavors from these homemade Amish Chocolate Covered Cherries, you won’t be able to resist having just one more.
• Perfect Gift Idea: Impress your loved ones by gifting them these luxurious treats, which are not only delicious but also visually appealing and thoughtfully packaged.
• Family Bonding: Involving your kids in the wrapping process can turn making these sweets into a fun family tradition, where each person’s unique style adds a personal touch.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: With the flexibility to prepare these treats in advance, you can effortlessly plan for gatherings or parties, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goodies.
• Versatile Leftovers: Transform any surplus treats into innovative dishes, such as incorporating them into breakfast hashes, salads, or creamy grits, for a delightful spin on traditional meals.

Ingredients for Decadent Sweet Cherry Dessert

Main Ingredients

• 1 jar of maraschino cherries with stems (about 25 cherries, 16 ounces) and save the juice
• 4 tablespoons of softened salted butter
• 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate (or a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate)
• 4 cups of powdered sugar (390-520 grams, split into portions)

Optional Decorations

• Melted red candy wafers for a decorative drizzle

Pro Tips for Decadent Sweet Cherry Dessert

When making these Rich Sweet Cherries, ensure you choose high-quality maraschino cherries for the best taste. Using real maraschino cherries instead of artificially colored ones will enhance the overall flavor of the candies. Additionally, take the time to properly dry the cherries before coating them in chocolate to allow the liquid center to form beautifully on its own.

To ensure the fondant filling in your Amish Chocolate Covered Cherries has the perfect texture, it’s essential to manage moisture throughout the process. Squeeze the maraschino cherries and use cornstarch to absorb any excess moisture in the filling. The cooking method of frying, steaming, and frying again helps achieve a crispy bottom while fully cooking the filling. Remember, it’s okay if the candies don’t look perfect – the taste is what truly matters, and imperfections can add charm to your homemade treats.

How to Make Decadent Sweet Cherry Dessert

Step 1: Dry the cherries

Remove cherries from jar, reserving 1/4 cup of juice. Place cherries on paper towels to absorb excess liquid, then pat dry thoroughly to ensure fondant adherence.

Step 2: Mix the first fondant ingredients

Combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and cherry juice in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth.

Step 3: Complete the fondant base

Gradually incorporate the remaining powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time per batch, until a soft dough forms. If necessary, reserve some sugar. Chill the dough for 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Wrap each cherry

Dust your hands with powdered sugar. Take a 1 1/2-inch piece of fondant, flatten it, place a dried cherry in the center, wrap the fondant around it, seal it, and roll into a smooth ball.

Step 5: Firm up the fondant-wrapped cherries

Prepare a tray with parchment paper, arrange the cherries on it, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set before coating.

Step 6: Slowly melt the chocolate

Microwave the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted gently to prevent overheating or clumping.

Step 7: Dip cherries in chocolate

Hold the cherries by their stems, dip them individually into the melted chocolate until fully coated, let excess chocolate drip off, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.

Step 8: Add a drizzle if you like

If desired, melt red candy wafers and drizzle over the chocolate-covered cherries to conceal any uneven areas on the coating.

Step 9: Let the chocolate set

Allow the chocolate-covered cherries to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. Store in an airtight container at room temperature once firm.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Rich Sweet Cherries, it is best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. These chocolate-covered cherries are best enjoyed within a week of making them to ensure the optimal texture and taste. Be sure to place a layer of parchment paper between each layer of cherries to prevent them from sticking together.

If you need to store the Rich Sweet Cherries for a longer period, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to regain their best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing the chocolate-covered cherries as it can affect the texture and taste of the filling and chocolate coating.

Remember that these treats are best enjoyed fresh, so try to make them close to when you plan to serve them for the best taste experience. If you have any leftovers, consider using them creatively in other dishes like breakfast hashes, salads, or as a topping for creamy grits to enjoy the flavors in new and exciting ways.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a dairy-free version of these chocolate-covered cherries, you can substitute the salted butter with a plant-based butter alternative like margarine or coconut oil. This swap will ensure that the filling maintains its richness and texture without compromising on flavor.

For a healthier twist, you can opt for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate in the recipe. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and often has a more intense cocoa flavor, which can complement the sweetness of the cherries and filling. You can also adjust the amount of powdered sugar used to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that the filling is sweet enough without being overly sugary.

Consider using natural maraschino cherries without added artificial colors or flavors for a more wholesome version of this recipe. These cherries may have a slightly different color and taste compared to the traditional ones, but they can still provide a delicious and natural sweetness to the chocolate-covered treats.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with these homemade Amish Chocolate Covered Cherries, consider presenting them in a decorative and rustic way by arranging them on a wooden serving board or a vintage platter. Add some fresh cherries and sprigs of mint as garnish to enhance the visual appeal of the treats. You can also drizzle some of the reserved maraschino cherry juice on the board for a pop of color and added flavor.

To elevate the presentation further, serve the chocolate-covered cherries with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This pairing will create a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, making it a luxurious dessert experience. Guests can enjoy the creamy sweetness of the ice cream alongside the rich and indulgent chocolate-covered cherries for a truly decadent treat.

FAQs for Decadent Sweet Cherry Dessert

Question?

What type of cherries should I use for this recipe?

Question?

What is the purpose of using cornstarch in the filling?

Question?

Can I make these chocolate-covered cherries in advance?

Question?

How can I repurpose any leftover chocolate-covered cherries?

Conclusion

Incorporating rich sweet cherries into your recipes can truly elevate the flavors and bring a burst of sweetness to your creations. Whether you’re making homemade Amish Chocolate Covered Cherries or experimenting with new dishes, the vibrant and indulgent taste of rich sweet cherries is sure to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen with these juicy gems, as the possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating the delightful flavor of rich sweet cherries into your culinary creations.

So, go ahead and explore the versatility of rich sweet cherries in your cooking. From decadent desserts to savory dishes with a hint of sweetness, these cherries are a versatile ingredient that can add a touch of magic to your meals. So, next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to reach for those luscious rich sweet cherries and let their delicious flavor shine through in your dishes. Happy cooking!