If you’ve ever yearned for that perfect blend of rich chocolate and luscious cherry sweetness, this Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with Fondant Centers Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine biting into a glossy, smooth chocolate shell, unveiling a soft, luxurious fondant center encasing a juicy maraschino cherry. It’s a treat that feels like a delightful secret just for you, made from simple ingredients yet boasting a taste sophistication that’s ideal for gifting or indulging yourself. Prepare to fall head over heels for this classic confection with a homemade twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible gleam on the chocolate coating. With just a handful of pantry essentials and fresh cherries, you’ll create candy that looks decadent and tastes heavenly.
- 10-12 oz jar maraschino cherries drained, patted dry: These cherries are the heart of the recipe, providing juicy sweetness that bursts in every bite.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: This transforms into a fondant center that’s silky, sweet, and perfectly pillowy.
- 3 Tbsp light corn syrup (or slightly more if needed): Adds chewiness and sheen to the fondant, helping it mold smoothly around the cherry.
- 2 Tbsp reserved cherry juice from the jar: Infuses the fondant with authentic cherry flavor, tying everything beautifully together.
- 1 Tbsp water (adjust if needed): Balances the fondant’s consistency to achieve a pliable texture ideal for wrapping.
- 12-16 oz high-quality chocolate (semi-sweet or dark preferred): Ensures a rich, glossy coating with a satisfying snap, enhancing the overall experience.
- Optional: neutral oil, coconut or vegetable, or a small dab of butter: Helps smooth the chocolate coating and adds extra shine.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with Fondant Centers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cherries
Start by thoroughly draining your maraschino cherries and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because excess moisture will keep your chocolate from setting properly. Let the cherries sit a moment so the last bits of water evaporate — the drier, the better for a smooth coating later.
Step 2: Make the Fondant Center
Mix together the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, cherry juice, and water until you have a thick, moldable fondant dough. The texture should resemble soft clay—if it feels too stiff, add tiny drops of water; if too sticky, sprinkle in more powdered sugar. This fondant is what lends the cherries that melt-in-your-mouth softness inside the chocolate shell.
Step 3: Wrap Each Cherry in Fondant
Pinch off small portions of the fondant, flatten them gently, then place a cherry in the center and wrap the fondant completely around it, sealing any gaps. Lightly dust the finished pieces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and gently roll any seams closed. Transfer these wrapped cherries onto a parchment-lined tray, spacing them out carefully. This step takes a bit of patience but is so worth the effort for that perfect bite.
Step 4: Chill the Cherry Centers
Refrigerate or freeze the fondant-wrapped cherries for 1 to 2 hours. Chilling firms them up, making the dipping process much easier and more precise. Plus, this helps the fondant and cherry bond into a lovely little package that will shine through the chocolate coating.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
Gently melt your chocolate in a microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler for control. Stir continuously until smooth and glossy. If desired, stir in a splash of neutral oil or a dab of butter to create an even sleeker coating that’s easier to work with. Getting this step just right is key, since the chocolate shell is what truly envelops and preserves the magic inside.
Step 6: Dip the Cherries
Using a fork, dip each chilled cherry into the melted chocolate, giving it a generous coating. Let the excess drip off before placing the cherry on parchment paper. If you see any cracks or imperfections, patch them with a little extra chocolate for a seamless finish. This part is fun and insanely satisfying—watch those cherries transform into miniature works of edible art!
Step 7: Set and Enjoy
Let your chocolate-covered cherries rest at room temperature or refrigerate them until the chocolate hardens completely. While you can enjoy them right away, I highly recommend letting them sit for several days up to 1 or 2 weeks. This resting time allows the fondant to soften and liquefy, creating that unmistakable, dreamy cherry cordial center everyone adores.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with Fondant Centers Recipe
Garnishes
Add a little extra flair by sprinkling your chocolate covered cherries with crushed nuts, sea salt flakes, or even edible gold dust just before the chocolate sets. These little touches elevate the presentation and offer delightful texture contrasts that make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent bites with a glass of rich red wine or a cup of dark coffee to complement the deep chocolate and tart cherry flavors. They’re also wonderful alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a plate of assorted cheeses for an impressive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, arrange your chocolates in decorative boxes layered with parchment, or place them in pretty mini cupcake liners. You can also thread them on skewers alternating with fresh fruit for a fun dessert display or use elegant serving platters with doilies for a timeless charm. Presentation truly makes these cherries feel like a cherished delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your homemade chocolate covered cherries in an airtight container at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator. Avoid humid spots since moisture can dull the chocolate’s shine and cause it to bloom. Properly stored, they stay delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats in a single layer on parchment paper before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw them slowly in the fridge before enjoying to preserve texture and flavor. Freezing works well if you want to prepare batches ahead of time for holidays or special occasions.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t really necessary since these cherries are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If your chocolate loses some gloss, gently warming them for just a few seconds in a warm spot can help restore a bit of sheen, but avoid overheating to prevent melting the fondant centers.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be tricky because their moisture content is higher and the pits make the fondant wrapping difficult. Maraschino cherries are perfect for this recipe as they’re already pitted and have a consistent sweetness and texture that pairs beautifully with the fondant.
How long does it take for the fondant center to liquefy?
It typically takes several days up to 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature for the fondant to soften and create that classic cordially liquid center. Patience is key here, and the flavor transformation is worth every second.
What chocolate works best for coating?
High-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate is ideal because it balances the sweetness of the fondant and cherries. Melting wafers or candy melts can work, but for authentic flavor and texture, stick with real chocolate for the best results.
Is the corn syrup necessary?
Corn syrup ensures the fondant has a smooth, pliable texture and shiny appearance while preventing crystallization. You can’t easily substitute it with other sweeteners without altering the texture, so it’s best to use light corn syrup as suggested.
Can these cherries be made vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan-friendly powdered sugar, ensure your chocolate is dairy-free, and substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative or extra coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this recipe quite adaptable.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with Fondant Centers Recipe is a true labor of love, turning simple components into a luxurious treat that dazzles friends, family, or yourself. From the rich chocolate to the luscious cherry-filled center, each bite is pure magic. I encourage you to try making them at home—you’ll not only impress with presentation but also savor a classic candy that’s bursting with charm, nostalgia, and incredible flavor.
Print
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with Fondant Centers Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 30 servings
Description
Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries feature juicy maraschino cherries enveloped in a soft, sweet fondant center and coated in smooth, high-quality chocolate. This classic American candy is perfect for gifting or enjoying as a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Cherries
- 10–12 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Fondant Center
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp light corn syrup (add slightly more if needed)
- 2 Tbsp reserved cherry juice from the jar
- 1 Tbsp water (adjust if needed)
Chocolate Coating
- 12–16 oz high-quality chocolate (semi-sweet or dark) or a mix of good-quality chocolate melting wafers/candy melts
- Optional: a bit of neutral oil (coconut or vegetable) or a small dab of butter to smooth the chocolate coating
Instructions
- Prep the Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit briefly at room temperature to allow any excess moisture to evaporate before continuing.
- Make the Fondant Center: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, light corn syrup, reserved cherry juice, and water. Stir until you form a thick, moldable fondant-like dough. Add tiny splashes of water or cherry juice as needed to adjust consistency.
- Wrap the Cherries: Take a small piece of the fondant and flatten it in your hand. Place one cherry in the center and wrap the fondant completely around it, sealing all sides. Lightly dust the coated cherry with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Place the wrapped cherries on a lined tray.
- Chill the Centers: Refrigerate or freeze the cherry-fondant balls for 1 to 2 hours so they firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently warm the chocolate using a microwave in short bursts or set up a double boiler. Stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and fully melted. Optionally, add a small amount of neutral oil or butter to thin and smooth the coating.
- Dip the Cherries: Using a fork, carefully dip each chilled cherry-fondant ball into the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the cherry on parchment paper. If there are any small cracks or holes in the coating, patch them with extra melted chocolate.
- Set and Enjoy: Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. For best flavor and texture, let the cherries rest for several days to 1–2 weeks to allow the fondant inside to liquefy into a classic cherry cordial center.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are dry to prevent chocolate from seizing.
- Adjust liquid in fondant slowly to avoid overly soft or sticky centers.
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and smooth coating.
- Chilling the fondant-covered cherries before dipping is essential for a clean coating.
- Allow resting time for the fondant inside to become soft and liquid for authentic cherry cordial texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
