Decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Bites with Pistachio Crunch
Indulge in these stunning Decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Bites, where the luscious sweetness of ripe cherries meets the rich, velvety embrace of dark chocolate, finished with a delightful crunch of finely chopped pistachios. This exquisite dessert brings a festive flair to any occasion, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a sweet treat for yourself, these chocolate-dipped cherries are sure to impress! If fresh cherries are unavailable, feel free to substitute with maraschino cherries for a pop of color and a sweet twist.
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
pistachios
1/2 cup (shelled, skinned, and finely chopped)
dark chocolate
4 ounces (grated)
heavy cream
4 ounces (none)
sweet cherries
1 lb (pitted, stems intact)
Instructions
1
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
2
In a shallow bowl, place the finely chopped pistachios, ensuring they're evenly spread out. Set this bowl aside for later use.
3
In a medium bowl, add the grated dark chocolate and set aside.
4
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
5
Once the cream starts to bubble, remove it from heat and pour it over the bowl of grated chocolate. Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds to soften the chocolate before stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6
Using the stems for easy handling, dip the bottom half of each cherry into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off gently.
7
Immediately roll the chocolate-covered cherry in the chopped pistachios, ensuring it's well coated.
8
Place the finished cherry on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with all remaining cherries.
9
Once all the cherries are coated, refrigerate them for about 10 minutes to set the chocolate.
10
Store the chocolate-dipped cherries in a cool, dry place until you're ready to enjoy them, keeping in mind they can last for several hours, perfect for serving at gatherings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Dark Chocolate Cherry Bites?
They are a dessert featuring ripe cherries dipped in rich dark chocolate ganache and finished with a coating of finely chopped pistachios.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You only need four ingredients: pistachios, dark chocolate, heavy cream, and sweet cherries.
What kind of cherries should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sweet cherries, preferably pitted but with the stems still intact.
Can I use maraschino cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, if fresh cherries are unavailable, maraschino cherries can be used for a sweet twist and a pop of color.
How should the pistachios be prepared?
The pistachios should be shelled, skinned, and finely chopped before being placed in a shallow bowl.
What is the best way to melt the dark chocolate?
Grate the chocolate first, then pour simmering heavy cream over it, let it sit for 30 seconds, and stir until smooth.
How much dark chocolate is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of grated dark chocolate.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes approximately 50 chocolate-dipped cherry bites.
How do I prevent the cherries from sticking to the tray?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper before placing the dipped cherries on it.
Why should I keep the stems on the cherries?
Keeping the stems intact allows for easy handling while dipping the cherries into the chocolate and nuts.
How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
The cherries should be refrigerated for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set properly.
How should these cherry bites be stored?
Store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to serve them.
Are these suitable for a party?
Yes, they are described as festive, impressive, and perfect for gatherings or party treats.
Can I use a microwave to heat the cream?
The recipe suggests using a small saucepan over medium-high heat to bring the cream to a gentle simmer.
What part of the cherry should be dipped in chocolate?
You should dip the bottom half of each cherry into the melted chocolate.
When should I roll the cherries in the pistachios?
Immediately after dipping the cherry in chocolate, roll it in the chopped pistachios while the chocolate is still wet.
How do I avoid scorching the heavy cream?
Stir the cream occasionally while heating it over medium-high heat to prevent it from scorching.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, the recipe is noted for being surprisingly easy to make despite its elegant appearance.
How long can these cherries sit out before serving?
They can last for several hours when stored in a cool, dry place.
What is the texture of this dessert?
It features a combination of luscious fruit, velvety smooth chocolate, and a delightful crunch from the nuts.
Can I substitute the pistachios with other nuts?
While the recipe specifies pistachios for their specific crunch and flavor, you could experiment with other finely chopped nuts if preferred.
What type of chocolate works best?
The recipe specifically calls for dark chocolate to provide a rich contrast to the sweet cherries.
Should the cherries be pitted?
Yes, the ingredients list specifies that the sweet cherries should be pitted.
What kind of bowl should I use for the pistachios?
A shallow bowl is recommended so the chopped pistachios can be spread out evenly for rolling.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of heavy cream.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 4 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared and kept for several hours before serving at a gathering.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
No, this recipe uses a ganache-style method by mixing hot cream with chocolate for a smooth finish.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.