Few confections feel as elegant and indulgent as chocolate covered cherries. With their glossy chocolate shell and juicy, flavorful center, they strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Whether you enjoy them with a sweet syrupy filling or as fresh fruit dipped in warm, melted chocolate, they’re a treat that never goes out of style.
In this post, we’ll explore the history of chocolate covered cherries, how to make them at home, creative variations, and how they connect to another chocolate favorite — the classic chocolate bar.
A Brief History of Chocolate Covered Cherries
The combination of chocolate and cherries has been around for centuries, but the chocolate covered cherry candy we know today became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Confectioners began pairing whole cherries with chocolate, sometimes adding a sugary fondant or liqueur for extra indulgence. The “cherry cordial” became especially beloved in North America, particularly as a holiday treat.
Over time, variations emerged — from fresh cherry versions made for immediate enjoyment to shelf-stable candies found year-round in boxes and gift tins.
The Two Main Styles
Chocolate covered cherries generally come in two delicious forms:
- Fresh Dipped Cherries: Fresh cherries (with stems on) are dipped in melted chocolate and enjoyed within a day or two. They offer a bright, juicy burst with each bite.
- Cordial Cherries: These are preserved cherries encased in chocolate with a sweet syrup or fondant filling. The filling often liquefies over time, creating a luscious texture contrast.
Both styles have their fans, and both offer a unique way to enjoy the pairing of tart fruit and rich chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Cherries at Home
Ingredients:
- Fresh cherries or jarred maraschino cherries (drained and dried)
- Chocolate (dark, milk, or white — melting chocolates work best)
- Optional: liqueur for flavoring, sprinkles, or crushed nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Cherries: Wash and thoroughly dry fresh cherries, leaving the stems intact. If using maraschino cherries, pat them dry to prevent chocolate from seizing.
- Melt the Chocolate: Use a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler to gently melt your chocolate until smooth.
- Dip and Coat: Hold the cherry by its stem, dip it into the chocolate, and swirl until fully coated. Let excess drip off.
- Set and Enjoy: Place cherries on parchment paper and let the chocolate harden before serving.
For cordial cherries, an additional step of wrapping the cherries in fondant before dipping in chocolate creates that classic liquid center after a few days of resting.
Variations to Try
- White Chocolate Cherries: Swap traditional chocolate for a creamy white coating.
- Drizzled Designs: Once set, drizzle with contrasting chocolate for a decorative finish.
- Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle with crushed almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
- Alcohol-Infused: Soak cherries in liqueur before coating for an adult twist.
The Chocolate Bar Connection
While chocolate covered cherries are their own unique treat, they share a deep connection with the humble chocolate bar. Both rely on high-quality chocolate as their foundation, and many home confectioners start with melting down chocolate bars to create the perfect coating for cherries.
In fact, some chocolate bars even take inspiration from cherry cordials, incorporating cherry pieces, cherry flavoring, or cherry-infused caramel into their recipes. If you love the combination of chocolate and cherries, you might find yourself reaching for both a box of chocolate covered cherries and a cherry-flavored chocolate bar when the craving hits.
Why We Love Them
Chocolate covered cherries are a dessert that feels both timeless and special. They can be as simple as fresh fruit dipped in chocolate or as elaborate as hand-crafted cordials made weeks in advance. Their rich, fruity sweetness makes them ideal for holidays, romantic occasions, and gifting — and they never fail to impress.
Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a classic chocolate bar or savoring them on their own, these little gems prove that when it comes to pairing flavors, chocolate and cherries are a match made in confectionery heaven.