Chocolate Soaked Cherries

Prep: 10 min

Chocolate soaked cherries with a boozy twist make a decadent treat perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious gift for chocolate and cherry lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 48 maraschino cherries with stems
  • 1 Tbsp. shortening

Instructions

  1. If desired, soak cherries in brandy or Kahlua.
  2. Drain half of the cherry juice.
  3. Add booze to the cherries.
  4. Pour melted semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening over cherries to coat.
  5. Place coated cherries on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 1 week before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, allow the cherries to soak in brandy or Kahlua overnight. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply skip soaking and use a splash of cherry juice. When melting the chocolate, avoid water contact to prevent seizing. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer taste, or vegan chocolate chips for a plant-based option.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate soaked cherries make a delightful dessert on their own or can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. They also pair beautifully with a cheese platter or as a topping for cakes. For a festive touch, serve them at parties or as a garnish for cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

Storage & Reheating

Store the chocolate soaked cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks, but the flavor improves after a week. If you want to enjoy them chilled, take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Soaked Cherries contains roughly 173 calories, with 0g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).

173 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 3.9g 5% DV
Carbs 35.7g 13% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 33g 66% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3.4mg
Potassium 17.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.7mcg
Calcium 45.9mg 4% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 make sure to pit them first. Fresh cherries will provide a more natural sweetness and flavor, but they will not have the same preserved quality as maraschino cherries.

How can I make these cherries less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. You can also decrease the amount of chocolate used for coating or opt for unsweetened chocolate and adjust the sweetness with a sugar substitute.

What can I do with leftover chocolate?

If you have leftover melted chocolate, pour it onto a parchment-lined tray and let it set to create chocolate bark. You can also use it for drizzling over other desserts or dipping fruits like strawberries.

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).

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