Indulge in Decadence With Chocolate Covered Cherries
Have you been searching for a dessert that is both vegan and gluten-free, yet still decadent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than this delicious recipe for Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries!
With rich dark chocolate, frozen cherries, and just the right amount of sweetness, this recipe is perfect for those with dietary restrictions who also want to indulge in a little bit of luxury. Not only is it easy to make, but it can also be adapted to suit your preferences with just a few simple ingredient substitutions.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthier dessert option, these indulgent chocolate-covered cherries are sure to become one of your go-to treats. So gather up your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch – trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I strive to provide recipes that not only taste great but are also healthy and accommodating for various dietary needs. And this Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe is no exception.
First and foremost, you’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly delicious! Who doesn’t love the combination of sweet cherries and dark chocolate? The richness of the chocolate balances perfectly with the tartness of the cherries, creating an irresistible treat.
But what’s so special about this recipe, you may ask? Well, not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also free of any dairy products. This means that those with lactose intolerance or allergies can enjoy this decadent dessert without any adverse reactions.
But that’s not all. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it ideal for those busy days when you need a quick but satisfying treat. Plus, by using frozen cherries, you can enjoy this recipe any time of year – no need to wait for cherry season!
Lastly, I want to highlight the health benefits of this recipe. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and has been linked to improved heart health and decreased inflammation in the body. The arrowroot used in the recipe instead of cornstarch is also a healthier alternative as it’s high in fiber and easy on digestion.
Overall, there are countless reasons to love this Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe. From its delicious taste to accommodating dietary needs to its simplicity and health benefits, what’s not to love? Give it a try and see for yourself!
Ingredient List
Before I guide you through the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to make these vegan gluten-free chocolate covered cherries. Make sure to add the items below to your shopping list:
- Frozen Cherries: 1 cup (pitted and halved)
- Agave or Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Almond Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Arrowroot: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: 1 tablespoon
- Dark Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup
- Cocoa Powder: 1 tablespoon
These are all the basic ingredients that you need to make the chocolate covered cherries. However, this recipe allows variations and substitutions that can cater to your taste. So, feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to delve into the recipe. In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of making vegan and gluten-free chocolate-covered cherries. Don’t worry if you’re not a skilled cook or baker; these instructions are simple to follow. So, let’s get started!
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cherries
Begin by getting out your frozen cherries from the freezer for defrosting while you prepare the chocolate mixture. Once defrosted, gently pat them dry with a paper towel or a clean dishtowel.
Step 2: Making the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate, agave, vanilla extract, and half a cup of water. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Preparing Arrowroot Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of arrowroot with 1 tablespoon of water, whisking until it forms a paste. Add this paste to the chocolate mixture and whisk until fully combined.
Step 4: Simmering the Cherries
Set up another pot with boiling water over medium heat to use as a double boiler to prevent overheating of the chocolate mixture while dipping cherries.
Place your saucepan with chocolate mixture over it (not in it). Simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Dipping the Cherries
Using two forks or skewers, dip each cherry in the chocolate mixture, coating them completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once all cherries are dipped in chocolates, place them into a refrigerator on the baking sheet for an hour or until the chocolate coating has solidified. Once it’s cooled, serve immediately and enjoy your delicious vegan and gluten-free chocolate-covered cherries.
These easy instructions are perfect for beginner vegan cooks who want a tasty yet healthy dessert. You’ll enjoy the velvety chocolate taste combined with the juicy goodness of cherries. This recipe is versatile enough to be adjusted slightly to suit your preferences.
Substitutions and Variations
This chocolate covered cherries recipe is already perfect on its own, but it doesn’t hurt to mix things up once in a while. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Chocolate Variations: Instead of using dark chocolate, you can use milk or white chocolate. Keep in mind that milk chocolate contains more sugar, so if you’re trying to cut down on your sugar intake, dark chocolate or sugar-free chocolate would be your best bet.
– Cherry Variations: While frozen cherries work best for this recipe, you can also use other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries. If you’re feeling fancy, try using maraschino cherries to create cherry cordials.
– Gluten-Free Alternatives: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
– Dairy-Free Alternatives: If you need this recipe to be dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil or another dairy-free alternative.
– Vegan Substitutions: To make this recipe vegan, use agave or another sweetener instead of honey and vegan chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
– Flavor Variations: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of cherry liqueur or almond extract into the chocolate mixture. You can also top each cherry with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for added crunch and texture.
Remember – cooking is all about experimentation and making it your own. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try different variations until you find your perfect combination!
Serving and Pairing
The vegan and gluten-free chocolate covered cherries are an excellent treat for any occasion. You can serve them chilled, straight out of the refrigerator, as a refreshing after-dinner dessert. These delectable delights go well with a wide range of beverages like water, coffee, tea or even a glass of Chardonnay. Pairing them with high-quality tea makes an exceptional tea-time treat.
For a fun presentation during festive occasions such as Valentine’s day, you can arrange the chocolate-covered cherries on a lovely cake stand or plate, with some strawberries or raspberries on the side. They make for a charming addition to chocolate fondue with friends and family.
If you’re looking for something quick to satisfy your sweet cravings, enjoy one or two chocolate covered cherries with a glass of almond milk or any other non-dairy milk substitute. The combination of the creamy milk and the fruity, chocolaty taste is simply perfect.
These scrumptious treats are also ideal as gifts for those special occasions like birthdays, bridal showers or baby showers. Wrap them in clear cellophane bags and tie them up with pretty ribbons or bows for an attractive gift.
In conclusion, the vegan and gluten-free chocolate-covered cherries are so versatile that you can enchant your loved ones while enjoying them to your heart’s content.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Good news for those who like to plan ahead! These vegan and gluten-free chocolate covered cherries can be made ahead of time, stored safely without losing their savour, and reheated with ease. Here’s how you can do it:
Make-ahead:
If you’re short on time or prefer to make these chocolate covered cherries in advance. You can definitely do that! These cherries will keep well in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to three months.
Storing:
When storing the cherries, make sure they are set on a flat surface to prevent them from rolling around and sticking together. To avoid melting, store your chocolate covered cherries in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
Reheating:
Whether you’re reheating them from the fridge or freezer, remember to always let them come up to room temperature first before enjoying them entirely. Heat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds each, or until the chocolate is just melted. Alternatively, gently warm them up in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
These vegan and gluten-free chocolate covered cherries are so delicious that they might not last long enough to require storage! However, with these tips and tricks, you can rest assured that they will still taste great even after a few days.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect batch of these vegan and gluten-free chocolate covered cherries, I have compiled some tips that will help you out. As an experienced nutritionist and food blogger who loves to experiment with various recipes, I understand that the little things do matter when it comes to cooking or baking.
Firstly, ensure that the cherries are perfectly frozen before starting the recipe. Having them partially thawed will result in a messy chocolate dipping process. The frozen cherry helps the chocolate stick better and also preserves its shape during the dipping process.
Secondly, it’s important to use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for this recipe. Lesser cocoa content will result in a less intense chocolate flavor that may overpower the delicate cherry taste. Alternatively, you can use homemade vegan chocolate made from cocoa powder, coconut oil, and agave nectar.
Thirdly, while melting the chocolate ensure that it’s done gently over low heat to prevent scorching or burning of the chocolate. To make sure the heat is evenly distributed, use a double boiler or simply place a heatproof bowl atop a pot with hot water.
Another important tip is to have all your ingredients prepped beforehand. This including pitting and halving of frozen cherries, preparing arrowroot mixture and even pre-measuring all other ingredients needed. This step makes it easier to move through the recipe quickly and efficiently without any hiccups.
Lastly, refrigerate your chocolate covered cherries before serving as it helps set the chocolate completely and offers a crispy shell with soft centers.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve excellent results every time with this mouth-watering vegan and gluten-free Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe.
FAQ
As a nutritionist cum food blogger, I understand that readers might have questions or concerns about the ingredients and instructions provided in this recipe for vegan and gluten-free chocolate-covered cherries. That’s why, in this section, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and addressed common issues that you may face while making this delightful treat.
Are chocolate covered cherries gluten free?
Cella’s chocolate-coated cherries are free of peanuts, gluten, and adhere to kosher dietary laws.
What’s the difference between chocolate covered cherries and cherry cordials?
The terms chocolate covered cherries and cherry cordials are often interchanged, but they actually refer to slightly different confectioneries. Chocolate covered cherries are candies that have cherry flavored sugar syrup centers, while cherry cordials are chocolates that may contain a touch of liqueur, sometimes containing alcohol.
Are Cella’s chocolate covered cherries vegan?
The ingredients in Cella’s Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries include milk, which makes it not suitable for a vegan diet. Additionally, the presence of artificial flavoring may also render it non-vegan.
What is in the center of a chocolate covered cherry?
Typically, the procedure for making chocolate-covered cherries involves a layer of fondant that contains invertase. This enzyme causes the fondant to liquefy over time, resulting in a soft and sweet center inside the chocolate shell.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy and guilt-free treat. By using organic, gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients, we can indulge in our sweet cravings without compromising our health. With its rich chocolate flavor and tart cherry center, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether as a dessert for a dinner party or as a post-workout snack.
Moreover, by making our own homemade vegan chocolate marzipan, we can avoid consuming processed sugars and additives found in store-bought chocolate products. This recipe also allows for substitutions and variations, depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
So next time you’re looking for a tasty treat that won’t make you feel guilty, give this Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe a try. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Vegan and Gluten Free Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup dark chocolate, 73%
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan heat cherries, agave, vanilla and almond extract to a simmer.
- Combine arrowroot and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl to form a paste.
- Raise heat a bit and stir the arrowroot paste into the cherry mixture with a wooden spoon (or any large spoon).
- Stir for about 1 minute until mixture thickens, scraping bottom of the pan with spoon, to evenly distribute the arrowroot, which can tend to settle on the bottom of the pan.
- Remove cherry mixture from heat and set aside.
- Melt chocolate in a small saucepan over very low heat.
- Spoon scant 1 teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each of the candy molds.
- Spoon one cherry (with some of the sauce) on top of the chocolate.
- Cover with another scant teaspoon of chocolate.
- Place in refrigerator to set, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from refrigerator, pop candy out of molds.
- Serve.
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