Save Luscious whole cherries wrapped in decadent chocolate, artfully arranged into a stunning pyramid for an unforgettable dessert centerpiece.
I first served this for a holiday gathering and everyone was amazed by the elegant presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Cherries: 24 fresh, firm cherries, stems on and pitted (or high-quality maraschino cherries, well-drained)
- Chocolate Coating: 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped, 1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
- Garnishes (optional): 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios, 2 tbsp desiccated coconut, 2 tbsp white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cherries. If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully, keeping the stems intact for easy dipping.
- Step 2:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Step 4:
- Holding each cherry by the stem, dip it into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place the dipped cherry onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5:
- For extra flair, sprinkle some cherries with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut before the chocolate sets.
- Step 6:
- Repeat until all cherries are coated. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate over the bites for a decorative touch.
- Step 7:
- Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Step 8:
- To assemble the pyramid, arrange the chocolate-covered cherries in a pyramid shape on a serving platter: start with a base of 9 cherries, then 7, then 5, then 3, finishing with one at the top.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or store, chilled, for up to 2 days.
Save This recipe always brings smiles when shared with family during holidays and special occasions.
Notes
Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate if preferred. Use a cherry pitter for clean and easy pitting.
Required Tools
Cherry pitter (if using fresh cherries), Heatproof bowl, Saucepan (for double boiler), Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Small spoon (for drizzling and sprinkling garnishes)
Allergen Information
Contains: Tree nuts (if using pistachios), milk (if using butter, white chocolate, or milk chocolate). Dark chocolate may contain traces of milk or nuts; check labels if allergies are a concern.
Save These dessert bites offer a perfect balance of tart cherries and rich chocolate, easy to prepare yet impressive to serve.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cherries work best for this dessert?
Firm, fresh cherries with stems intact are ideal for dipping; alternatively, well-drained high-quality maraschino cherries can be used.
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Use a double boiler by placing the bowl over simmering water, stirring gently until smooth to prevent burning.
- → Can I add toppings to the chocolate-covered cherries?
Yes, sprinkle chopped pistachios, desiccated coconut, or drizzle melted white chocolate before the coating sets for extra flavor and texture.
- → How is the pyramid shape assembled?
Arrange the coated cherries on a serving platter in layers: 9 cherries at the base, followed by 7, 5, 3, and a single cherry on top.
- → How long should the chocolate set before assembling?
Chill the dipped cherries in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm to the touch.
- → Can the cherries be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be stored chilled for up to two days to maintain freshness and firmness.