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Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries with Fondant Centers Recipe

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3.9 from 82 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/homemade-chocolate-covered-cherries-with-fondant-centers-recipe/