Chocolate-Covered Cherries

This homemade chocolate-covered cherries recipe features fresh cherries covered in rich, dark chocolate. These chocolate cherries are a long-time favorite, and it’s a perfect flavor combination.

Several chocolate covered cherries with the stems are sitting on a white background.

I’m really digging these easy Chocolate Covered Cherries. It’s a big statement for me because I always hated those ones that came in the boxes. You know what I’m talking about? The $1.50 a box kind with that leaky, sugary stuff that oozes when you take a bite? Sorry, but I just think that stuff is gross.

I thought I would always hate the chocolate-covered cherry. Until now.

I’ve seen a whole slew of chocolate combined with fresh fruit, from chocolate-filled strawberries to chocolate-filled raspberries. I just decided to extend that to the beloved cherry.

Because, you know, combining chocolate and cherries is so original. [insert eye roll here]

Key Ingredients

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

  • Cherries — You’ll need 24 fresh cherries with stems.
  • Chocolate chips — We’ll be using dairy-free chocolate chips to create the chocolate coating.
  • Coconut oil — Use refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavor or virgin coconut oil for a stronger coconut flavor.
A closeup of chocolate covered cherries.

How to Make Chocolate-Covered Cherries

  1. Remove the pit from each cherry, reserving the stem for decorations. 
  2. Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil and stir until smooth.
  3. Dip the pitted cherries in the dark chocolate and them on a tray lined with waxed paper.
  4. Insert the stem into the center of the cherry so the chocolate will set around it.
  5. Speed up the chocolate-setting process by placing the tray in the fridge.

Here’s a more detailed set of step-by-step instructions:

Step One: Prep the Cherries

Several fresh cherries on a wooden cutting board.

The first step is to prep the cherries by washing them and patting dry. Remove the pits. I did this by using a needle nose plier, but there are also cherry pit tools. I love these tips on how to remove cherries without a pit remover.

Step Two: Prepare the Chocolate

Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and add the coconut oil. Stir to coat the chocolate with the oil. Place in the microwave and cook in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Stir to combine and create smooth, melted chocolate.

Step Three: Dip and Set

Line a tray with parchment paper. Place a cherry on spoon or fork and dip it in the chocolate. Tap on the side of the bowl to release any extra chocolate. Then place on the prepared tray. For added presentation, place the stem in the wet chocolate.

Repeat and dip all the cherries. Transfer the tray to the fridge to allow the chocolate to set.

The Best Chocolate Cherries

I made these dark chocolate-covered cherries and I’m so glad I did. The dark chocolate is combined with a little coconut oil which is amazing in its own right. Then I dipped the cherries right in the middle of it. After a little time allowing the chocolate to set, these treats were ready to go.

There’s nothing like a crunchy layer of dark chocolate over a juicy, fresh cherry.

Fresh pitted cherries are dipped in chocolate siting next to pliers used to remove the pits.

Healthy Treats

These dark chocolate-covered cherries are the best treats because there are no added sugars. In fact, there’s only 6g of carbs for each one. Now, that’s a treat I can sink my teeth into…literally!

Chocolate-Dipped Treats

Chocolate makes everything better, including these fabulous chocolate-covered treats:

That’s it for this dark chocolate-covered cherries recipe. Enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Dark Chocolate-Covered Cherries

There's nothing like a crunchy layer of dark chocolate over a juicy, fresh cherry. That's why everyone loves these dark chocolate-covered cherries!
5 from 1 vote
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 24
Calories: 52kcal

Ingredients

  • 24 fresh cherries with stems
  • 1 cup chocolate chips dairy free
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

  • Carefully remove the pit from each cherry, reserving the stem for decorations. 
  • Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the two tablespoons of coconut oil and give it a stir. Heat in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Remove and stir and repeat until the chocolate is mostly melted.
  • Prepare a tray by covering it with waxed paper.
  • Dip the pitted cherries in the dark chocolate and placing it on the waxed paper to allow the chocolate to set. For added show, insert the stem back into the center of the cherry so the chocolate will set around it.

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Notes

Note: My favorite way to remove the pit is to use needle nose pliers (washed). Simple insert the pliers into the cherry, grip the pit, and twist and pull it out. It’s easy!
Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 17mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

This post was originally published in 2014 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2020.

7 Responses to Chocolate-Covered Cherries

  1. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlySylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen Reply

    Now that’s the perfect after dinner treat!

  2. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyLaura O @ Petite Allergy Treats Reply

    5 stars
    Mmm… Chocolate and cherries are fantastic anytime!

  3. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyJenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled Reply

    My favorite!! I love chocolate covered cherries, pinned! 🙂

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      Thanks, Jenn! Hmm, I bet you would have liked it better with a few sprinkles on top. Maybe you can make that version soon! 😉

  4. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyNancy P.@thebittersideofsweet Reply

    This would be the perfect homemade gift for my hubby. He loves chocolate covered cherries!

  5. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyJamie | Jamie's Recipes Reply

    I am going to have to give these a try. I shudder just thinking about those boxed chocolate covered cherries. After eating one as a child I swore off chocolate covered cherries for life. I might need to rethink that now.

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly

      I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one. I normally love all varieties of chocolate…but those boxed candies made me gag! Let me know what you think of this version of the treat!

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