There is no better way to enjoy cherries when they are in season than with rich dark chocolate. Dipped in melted dark chocolate, cherries are sweet, juicy, and naturally refreshing. The tart and rich flavors go well together. There are only three things you need to make this recipe.
For summer days, this chocolate-covered cherry recipe is great whether you're making a light dessert for guests or looking for a snack that's filling without being too sweet.
Why Cherries and Dark Chocolate Work So Well Together?
Cherries bring a natural sweetness and slight tartness that pairs perfectly with the smooth, deep taste of dark chocolate. When you freeze the cherries before dipping, the cold fruit causes the warm chocolate to harden quickly, giving each bite a satisfying snap followed by a juicy center.
Because they have different textures, chocolate-covered cherries are a tasty and cool snack for hot days. Additionally, using dark chocolate sweetened with coconut sugar, like Santa Barbara Chocolate's Dark Chocolate Wafers, keeps you away from processed sugars while still giving you a bit of natural sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is intentionally simple, letting the fruit and chocolate do the work.
Ingredients:
Fresh cherries (pitted or unpitted – your choice)
½ cup of Santa Barbara Chocolate Dark Chocolate Wafers sweetened with organic coconut sugar
1 teaspoon of coconut oil
This is a base recipe, so you can scale up depending on how many cherries you’d like to prepare. You don’t need to complicate it—the focus here is quality ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by selecting ripe, firm cherries. Rinse them thoroughly and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Once dry, place them in the freezer for about 25 minutes. This short freeze time helps the chocolate set instantly once dipped.
You can choose to keep the pits in if you're serving them with stems (which makes dipping easier), or pit them ahead of time if you prefer a bite-ready snack.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
While the cherries are chilling, it’s time to melt the chocolate. Set up a double boiler: place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Add the ½ cup of dark chocolate wafers to the bowl, along with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps create a glossy finish and smooth consistency for dipping.
Step 3: Dip and Set
Remove the cherries from the freezer. One by one, dip each cherry into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. You can swirl them gently or use a spoon to fully coat them, depending on how thick you like the chocolate layer.
Place each dipped cherry on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Once all are dipped, place the tray back into the freezer for 10–15 minutes to let the chocolate harden completely.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These chocolate-covered cherries are best served shortly after the chocolate sets. You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or let them rest for a few minutes at room temperature if you prefer a softer bite.
Storage tip: Keep any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, they’ll hold up well for 2–3 days.
Ideas for Variations
Once you’ve tried the base recipe, there are a few ways to change things up depending on your preferences or what’s in your pantry:
Add texture: Roll the dipped cherries in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut before the chocolate hardens.
Go darker: Use a higher cacao percentage for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Try with berries: Substitute cherries with strawberries or blueberries for a different spin using the same method.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the freshly dipped chocolate for a sweet-salty balance.
These small twists allow you to personalize the recipe while keeping the prep simple and the ingredient list short.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
The chocolate you use makes a big difference in flavor and quality. Santa Barbara Chocolate’s Dark Chocolate Wafers sweetened with organic coconut sugar offer a smooth melt and a naturally sweet finish without added cane sugar or artificial ingredients.
These wafers are designed for easy melting, making them ideal for recipes like this. And because they’re crafted with care using high-quality cocoa beans, the final product has a rich, satisfying taste that doesn’t overwhelm the fruit.
If you haven’t tried this particular chocolate yet, this is a great recipe to start with. The combination of coconut sugar and dark cocoa gives the cherries just enough sweetness without masking their fresh taste.
Great for Sharing or Gifting
Chocolate-covered cherries are a thoughtful snack to bring to gatherings, and they also make great homemade gifts. Present them in small paper cups or arrange them in a gift box for a simple yet elegant touch.
Since they require just a few ingredients and come together quickly, this recipe is ideal for last-minute treats or a weekend snack project with friends or family.
When Fresh and Simple is Best?
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don’t try too hard. With just three ingredients and minimal prep time, this chocolate cherry combination celebrates fresh fruit and quality dark chocolate in a way that feels satisfying without needing extra sugar, syrups, or heavy toppings.
For anyone looking for a summer snack that feels balanced, this one is worth trying—especially when cherries are at their peak and the weather calls for something cool, chocolatey, and easy.