Pin It Luscious whole cherries wrapped in decadent chocolate, artfully arranged into a stunning pyramid for an unforgettable dessert centerpiece.
This dessert became a hit at our family gatherings, combining sweetness and elegance in each bite.
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 and 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.
Pin It This recipe has brought smiles and sweet moments to our family celebrations, making dessert a shared joy.
Notes
Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate if preferred. Use a cherry pitter for clean and easy pitting.
Required Tools
Cherry pitter, 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.
Pin It With just a few simple steps, you can create an elegant dessert that delights both the eyes and palate.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cherries work best for dipping?
Fresh, firm cherries with stems are ideal as they hold well and offer a fresh burst of flavor. Alternatively, well-drained maraschino cherries can be used for sweetness and color.
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Use a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate gently until smooth to prevent scorching.
- → Can I add extra flavors to the cherries before coating?
Soaking cherries in kirsch or brandy for about an hour infuses a subtle adult flavor that complements the chocolate coating beautifully.
- → What garnishes enhance the chocolate coating?
Finely chopped pistachios, desiccated coconut, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate add texture, color, and an extra layer of taste.
- → How should I store the finished chocolate-covered cherry pyramid?
Keep the pyramid chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and chocolate firmness.
- → Is it necessary to dry cherries before dipping?
Yes, thoroughly drying cherries after washing prevents moisture from interfering with chocolate adhesion, ensuring a smooth coating.