Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe

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I am overjoyed to share a revelation about guilt-free indulgences: the Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe. Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Is it even possible to savor the same richness without the sugary sweetness?” Hold on to your hats, because we are about to go on a culinary adventure that merges the sinfully good with the sin-free.

How to make Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries

Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries are a type of confectionery made by coating cherries with a chocolate shell but without any added sugars. Instead of traditional sugar, sugar substitutes such as stevia, erythritol, maltitol, or sucralose are used to create a sweet taste. This makes the treat suitable for people who are trying to reduce their sugar intake, such as those following low-carb, ketogenic, or diabetic-friendly diets.

Ingredients

To create about 24 sugar-free chocolate-covered cherries, you’ll need:

• 24 fresh cherries with stems: The stems not only add to the aesthetic but also give you something to hold onto while dipping.
• 200g (about 7 oz) of sugar-free dark chocolate: Choosing high-quality chocolate makes a world of difference in taste and texture. Look for chocolate sweetened with stevia, erythritol, or a blend of keto-friendly sweeteners.
• 1 tbsp of coconut oil: This helps smooth out the chocolate and gives it a glossy finish.
• Optional: Add a few drops of almond extract to the melted chocolate to add an extra layer of flavor.
• Optional for filling: Sugar-free powdered sweetener (like erythritol) and cream cheese if you desire a filled cherry version.

Instructions

Preparation:

1. Wash the cherries and pat them completely dry. The cherries must be dry to ensure the chocolate adheres properly.
2. If you’re going for the filled option, mix a small amount of cream cheese with sugar-free powdered sweetener to taste, and carefully pit the cherries keeping them intact to fill them with the mixture.

Melt the Chocolate:

1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl with the coconut oil.
2. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove.
3. If using, stir in the almond extract into the melted chocolate.

Dip the Cherries:

1. Hold a cherry by the stem and dip it into the chocolate, swirling gently to ensure it’s fully coated.
2. Let the excess chocolate drip off by gently tapping the wrist and holding the cherry.
3. Place the cherry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Set the Chocolate:

1. Once all cherries are dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until the chocolate is set.
2. Serve the chocolate-covered cherries as they are, or drizzle with a little melted sugar-free chocolate for an extra touch.

Tips for Perfect Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries

• Quality Matters: The better the ingredients, notably the chocolate, the tastier your cherries will be.
• Dry Cherries: Any moisture on the cherries will prevent the chocolate from sticking properly, so ensure they are fully dry.
• Room Temperature Cherries: Cold cherries right from the fridge can cause the chocolate to set too quickly, leading to an uneven coat. Let them sit at room temperature for a bit before dipping.
• Tempering Chocolate (Optional but Recommended): If you’re familiar with tempering chocolate, doing so can prevent the chocolate from getting too soft at room temperature and ensure a nice snap when bitten.

What to serve with

Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries are a splendid treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary items can elevate your dessert experience and make for an impressionable gathering or a delightful finish to a meal.

Pairing Beverages

Tea:

• Black Tea: The robust flavors of black tea can beautifully offset the sweetness of the chocolate.
• Green Tea: For a lighter pairing, the subtle bitterness of green tea can enhance the flavors of the cherries.

Coffee:

A strong espresso or a creamy latte makes an excellent companion to chocolate, balancing the cherry’s sweetness with its own rich, deep flavor notes.

Dessert Wines:

• Port Wine: Its sweet, rich essence complements the dark chocolate and cherries well.
• Riesling: A semi-sweet Riesling can cleanse the palate between each decadent bite.

Complementary Foods

• Cheese Platter: Serve the cherries on a cheese platter with selections like creamy Brie, sharp Cheddar, and tangy Gorgonzola. The contrasting flavors will enhance the cherries’ taste.
• Nuts and Dry Fruits: Offer a mix of almonds, cashews, and walnuts, along with dried apricots and figs. Their textures and natural sweetness offer a lovely contrast to the smooth, rich chocolate cherries.
• Dessert Bread: A slice of banana bread or a cinnamon roll can pair wonderfully with the cherries, especially when shared over coffee or tea.

Serving in Desserts

• On Top of Ice Cream: Place the cherries atop a scoop of sugar-free vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful treat.
• As Cake or Cupcake Toppers: Use the cherries as a decadent topping on sugar-free chocolate or vanilla cupcakes or cakes. They not only add aesthetic appeal but also infuse flavor.
• In Parfaits: Layer these cherries with sugar-free yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a healthy, yet indulgent parfait.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Sugar-Free Chocolate Covered Cherries involves substituting certain traditional ingredients to create a healthier version of this decadent treat without sacrificing flavor.

Cherries:

• Fresh Cherries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, pitted cherries. If using maraschino cherries, ensure they are sugar-free and well-drained.
• Frozen Cherries: An alternative especially when fresh cherries aren’t in season. Ensure they are thawed and dried to remove excess moisture that could affect the chocolate setting.

Sugar-Free Chocolate:

• Dark Chocolate: Look for high-quality sugar-free dark chocolate bars or chips that use substitutes like stevia, erythritol, or maltitol, which are lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar.
• Milk Chocolate: Sugar-free milk chocolate is also an option for those who prefer a lighter, creamier taste. If you adhere to a ketogenic diet, ensure it’s sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener.
• White Chocolate: Another variant you can use, although less common in sugar-free form.

Sweetener:

• Stevia: A natural sweetener that does not impact blood sugar levels significantly, making it ideal for a sugar-free recipe.
• Erythritol: Another popular sugar-alcohol used in sugar-free baking for its minimal impact on blood sugar.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: Known for its potent sweetness and minimal aftertaste, monk fruit is excellent for balancing the bitterness of dark chocolate.

Flavor Enhancers:

• Vanilla Extract: A dash of sugar-free vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor complexity of your chocolate.
• Almond Extract: For a subtle nutty flavor, almond extract works beautifully with cherries and chocolate.
• Orange/Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of citrus zest can introduce a fresh flavor that cuts through the chocolate’s richness.

Final Thoughts

Creating these sugar-free chocolate-covered cherries is more than just a recipe; it’s about embracing a balanced lifestyle without giving up the joy of indulging. The cherries are not just treats; they’re a testament to the beauty of mindful consumption.

More Sugar Free Recipes:

• Starbucks Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup Recipe