Dark-Chocolate Dipped Cherries Recipe (With Video)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

10

These chocolate-dipped cherries are a perfect summer treat. Made with just two ingredients—fresh, in-season cherries and melted chocolate—they’re simple to make and fun to eat. We use dark chocolate, which is less sweet than milk chocolate and also high in antioxidants. You can melt it in a double boiler or in the microwave—either way, be sure no water gets into the chocolate during the process, which will cause it to seize. After dipping the cherries, pop them into the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up. All that’s left is to serve them to your guests (and remind them about the pits!).

Dark chocolatecoated cherries arranged on a white platter — Jacob Fox

Melting Chocolate

Heat gently: Whether you're melting chocolate using a double boiler or the microwave, it's important not to apply too much heat too quickly. Doing so can cause the chocolate to scorch, imparting an off-flavor and a gritty texture. Keep the water at a gentle simmer if melting on the stovetop, and cook at no higher than 50 percent power if using the microwave.

Watch the water: Even a drop of water can pull melted chocolate out of its delicate, emulsified state, causing it to seize up and become dry and clumpy. When using a double boiler, be sure the bowl fits snugly inside the saucepan so no moisture can get in. It's also important that the cherries are thoroughly dry before dipping.

Work quickly: Melted chocolate will begin to set up as soon as it cools, so you'll want to work quickly and efficiently. Have your cherries washed, dried, and ready to dip—and have a landing spot prepared to place them before you begin melting.

Be sure to warn guests about the pits before they bite in to the cherries.

The Best Chocolate for This Recipe

When shopping for this recipe, skip the chocolate chips and choose a bar of dark chocolate instead. Chips contain stabilizers, which help them hold their shape in cookies and muffins, so they don't make the best coating.

You can also buy melting wafers, which will provide the glossiest, snappiest finish. Just note that they are made with vegetable fats rather than cocoa butter, which gives them a less decadent taste.

Directions

Bowl of cherries next to a smaller bowl of chocolate pieces — Jacob Fox

Prepare baking sheet; melt chocolate:

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper and set aside. Place chocolate in a bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water. Stir occasionally, until melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Jacob Fox

Microwave Method

Alternatively, microwave chocolate at 50 percent power in 30-second increments, stirring well between each, until mostly melted. If just a few small pieces remain, stir them well into the melted chocolate; they should melt easily.
Dip cherries:

Dip the bottoms of cherries in chocolate. Let excess drip off.

Jacob Fox
Move to baking sheet and refrigerate:

Transfer to prepared baking sheet and refrigerate at least 15 minutes before serving.

Jacob Fox

How to Store Chocolate-Dipped Cherries

You can store these chocolate-dipped cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but they'll have the best texture if eaten within the first 48 hours. This is because, as the cherries sit, they'll release moisture into the chocolate, resulting in softer fruit and a less crisp coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pit cherries before dipping?

If desired, you can pit cherries before dipping, though we choose not to for ease. Pitting makes for a messier and more cumbersome process, and you'll likely lose the stem (which we feel makes for a charming presentation). If you do choose to pit them, use a cherry pitter to keep the fruit whole and round.
Do you need to temper the chocolate for this recipe?

No, you do not need to temper the chocolate for this recipe. While tempering makes for a glossy, snappy finish, it is not necessary for this recipe, where only the bottoms of the cherries are being coated with chocolate. However, if you want a professional looking presentation, follow these steps to temper your chocolate or seek out melting wafers instead.
Can you make this recipe with frozen cherries?

We recommend making this recipe with fresh, in-season cherries, but it is possible to make it with frozen ones instead. Be sure to thaw them thoroughly, then dry them well to keep any liquid from seeping into the melted chocolate. We don't recommend dipping frozen, unthawed cherries, as any frost on the surface will cause the chocolate to seize up.