These elegant cherry cordials feature juicy real cherries wrapped in a naturally sweet honey fondant and coated in rich dark chocolate. A perfect holiday treat!
Did You Know?
Cherry cordials have been enjoyed since the 1700s, traditionally made with fresh cherries and alcohol. Using frozen cherries and honey brings a fresh, natural twist to this timeless candy.
Yield
20–24 cherry cordials
Ingredients
For the Cherries
1 cup frozen cherries (whole, pitted)
1/4 cup cherry juice or cherry liqueur (optional)
For the Honey Fondant
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
For the Chocolate Coating
12 ounces dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoothness)
Finely ground natural coconut to garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- Thaw the frozen cherries and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Optional: Soak the cherries in cherry juice or liqueur for 1 hour at room temperature. Drain and pat them dry again.
Step 2: Make the Honey Fondant
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and honey together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until a pliable dough forms. The fondant should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Wrap the Cherries in Fondant
- Take a small piece of fondant and flatten it in your hand. Place a cherry in the center and wrap the fondant around it, sealing completely. Roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat with all the cherries.
- Place the fondant-wrapped cherries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate (Stovetop Method)
- Set up a double boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (if using) to the bowl. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Dip the Cherries
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each fondant-wrapped cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Tap off excess chocolate and place the cherry on the parchment-lined sheet. Sprinkle a tiny amount of the finely ground coconut on top.
- Repeat with all the cherries, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set.
Step 6: Serve or Store
- Once set, transfer the cherry cordials to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Information (Per Cherry Cordial)
Calories: 110, Protein: 1g, Carbohydrates: 17g, Fiber: 1g, Net Carbohydrates: 16g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 5mg, Sugars: 15g, Glycemic Index: Medium
How These Cherry Cordials Will Look and Taste
These cordials have a smooth chocolate shell that cracks open to reveal naturally sweet honey fondant wrapped around a juicy cherry. Each bite is a delightful combination of fresh cherry flavor, creamy fondant, and rich dark chocolate.
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Use high-quality local honey for a richer, more natural flavor.
- Chill the cherries briefly in the freezer before wrapping them in fondant to make them easier to handle.
- Swap cherry liqueur with orange liqueur or skip the alcohol entirely for a kid-friendly treat.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate coating for a gourmet touch.
- Avoid overmelting the chocolate by stirring it frequently for a glossy finish.
- Package the cordials in festive tins or boxes for gifting.
- Experiment with other fruits like frozen raspberries or blackberries for a unique twist.
- Save leftover chocolate for drizzling on other treats or dipping pretzels.
- Make smaller, bite-sized cordials for party platters.
- Refrigerate finished cordials to extend shelf life, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Let’s Learn About Using Honey in Fondant
Honey is a natural sweetener that not only provides a subtle floral flavor but also creates a smooth, pliable fondant. Unlike processed sugar syrups, honey retains beneficial enzymes and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your desserts. Balancing honey and powdered sugar ensures the fondant stays firm yet easy to work with, giving your cherry cordials a unique, fresh taste.