Chocolate Covered Cherries
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet maraschino cherries with these Chocolate Covered Cherries. The creamy almond-flavored fondant adds a unique twist, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions. They're a treat that both children and adults will adore.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter.
- Beat in marshmallow cream, salt, and almond flavoring. Add confectioners sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition.
- Turn onto waxed paper and knead well.
- Refrigerate for one hour.
- Drain cherries.
- Roll in fondant, covering completely. Chill balls in refrigerator.
- Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Dip chilled fondant into chocolate and place on waxed paper to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother fondant, ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming. If you want to reduce sweetness, consider using semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. You can also substitute the almond flavoring with vanilla extract for a different taste. If you're short on time, pre-made fondant can be used instead of making it from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate-covered cherries make a delightful dessert on their own, but they can also be served alongside a rich dessert like Sour Cream Apple Pie or Coconut Kisses for a varied dessert spread. For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter during holidays or celebrations. Pair with a glass of dessert wine or coffee for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store chocolate-covered cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If they start to lose their firmness, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate coating slightly before serving. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture of the cherries.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Covered Cherries contains roughly 501 calories, with 8g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you will need to pit them and possibly soak them in a simple syrup to enhance their sweetness and moisture. Keep in mind that fresh cherries will have a different texture and flavor compared to maraschino cherries.
What can I use instead of cake paraffin?
If you prefer not to use cake paraffin, you can omit it entirely, or use a small amount of vegetable shortening to help the chocolate coating set smoothly. This will give a similar sheen and help prevent the chocolate from cracking.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?
To prevent chocolate from seizing, ensure that no water gets into the melting bowl, and use a low heat setting. Adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the chocolate can also help maintain a smooth consistency while melting.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).