The Best Chocolate Covered Cherry Recipe

One of MalibuGift’s best selling chocolate delights is our Gourmet Chocolate Covered Cherries. We thought it would be a great idea to share our chocolate covered cherry recipe with a liquid center for those who are adventurous chefs in the kitchen and for those who want to know how these gourmet chocolate delights are produced. Discover here the perfect chocolate covered cherry recipe with a liquid center in our step-by-step guide, ideal for creating this decadent treat which impresses at any gathering and makes a perfect gift to give.

How Chocolate Covered Cherries are made

How a Chocolate Covered Cherry is made is included in the recipe details below. There are gourmet chocolate covered cherries with a liquid center like ours from MalibuGift, “store bought” chocolate covered cherries with fondant centers which are never fresh, and a plain homemade version which usually comes out a mess after hours of preparing leaving you with the feeling that you should have purchased a gourmet version for simplicity. If you’re determined to make your own chocolate covered cherries, MalibuGift wants to help you satisfy the urge to produce your own gourmet gifts. Listed below are some of the ingredients and supplies you’ll need to create your own gourmet chocolate covered cherries.

Ingredients:

• Maraschino cherries are what we suggest for an extra burst of flavor

• Brandy or cherry liqueur for soaking which is optional but suggested by MalibuGift

• Chocolate coating of gourmet dark, milk, or white chocolate wafers ready to temper.

-Warning: do not use store bought chocolate chips! They won’t melt as needed.

• Coconut oil (optional, for thinning chocolate if needed)

Supplies:

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate

• Toothpicks or skewers for dipping and decorating

• Small spoon or spatula for drizzling chocolate

How MalibuGift Makes Our Famous Chocolate Covered Cherries

Below are the critical steps of a chocolate covered cherry recipe to help you create your own gourmet chocolate covered cherries with a liquid center. MalibuGift won’t produce any other type of chocolate covered cherries. Fondant center chocolates are not gourmet and you might as well head to the grocery store if that’s the type of chocolate you’re looking to gift or enjoy.

Drain your maraschino cherries in a small bowl
In a large bowl, pour enough powdered sugar to fill half of the bowl
Place your chocolate wafers in a warm bowl and slowly heat the bowl
Temper your chocolate. To temper your chocolate successfully, you will need to meet several prerequisites to achieve a glossy and rich look for your candies. You must have a thermometer that can reach 130°F (55°C). This is essential as you will need to check the chocolate’s temperature throughout the process. Once your chocolate has reached 130° F, slowly reduce the temperature to 88° F.
Roll your cherries gently in the powdered sugar
Slowly dip your cherries into the tempered chocolate and place gently on parchment paper.
Repeat as necessary which includes if the cherries leak post the chocolate setting
This process is the same for Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Cherries. However, use sugar free ingredients that include Maltitol Syrup, a sugar free and alcohol free sweetener

Where to Get the Best Chocolate Covered Cherries

We understand making chocolate covered cherries can be a laborious process. They can take hours to produce a small amount and the number of damaged candies or chocolate covered cherries that “leak” can be excessive if not produced by experienced chocolatiers. Listed below are a few options we think are the best to purchase chocolate covered cherries if you decide it’s too much to make them yourself.

Specialty Chocolatiers like Malibu Gift and other gourmet confectioners: MalibuGift and other high quality chocolatiers typically offer artisanal chocolate and other prime ingredients used for producing gourmet chocolate covered cherries.
Gourmet Food Stores: Visit gourmet food stores or specialty grocery stores that carry a wide selection of chocolates and sweets. Remember, do not purchase any chocolate covered cherries that have a fondant center.
Online Retailers: Websites like MalibuGift, Amazon, & Etsy, or specialty chocolate websites often have a variety of chocolate-covered cherries available for purchase. You can read reviews and choose from different brands and flavors without leaving your home.
Chocolatiers with Nationwide Presence: Large chocolatier brands like Godiva, See’s Candies, or Harry & David often have chocolate-covered cherries as part of their product offerings. Typically, they have fondant centers which we think are just terrible!
When purchasing chocolate-covered cherries, consider factors such as the quality of chocolate used, the freshness of the cherries, and any additional flavors or fillings offered.

FAQ’s

What are common issues when making chocolate covered cherries and how can they be resolved?

The most common issue that occurs when making chocolate covered cherries is they leak. The center can ooze out from the chocolate. We dip our chocolate covered cherries twice to solve this problem and offer a thick gourmet chocolate coating.

How can you ensure the chocolate coating is smooth and shiny?

Smooth and shiny chocolate comes from proper chocolate tempering during the manufacturing process.

Can you use frozen cherries for chocolate covered cherries?

No, you can’t use frozen cherries while making chocolate covered cherries. The moisture is too much and will cause instant “leaking”

What type of chocolate works best for chocolate covered cherries?

You can use a few different types of chocolate to make your chocolate covered cherries. We suggest using chocolate wafers with a large percentage of cocoa for the best taste and ease of tempering

What is the best method for melting chocolate for this recipe?

The best method for melting chocolate is “slow and low”. We suggest not using a microwave but a small pot warmed from the stove.

How long do chocolate covered cherries need to set before serving?

Chocolate covered cherries are ready to enjoy 2-3 days after producing. The chocolate will have set and you’ll know soon enough if you’re cherries are “leaking’