Chocolate And Cherry: Heavenly Pairings For Any Celebration

Cherries are one of those fruits that have always been a part of desserts. Especially when their tart taste is paired with the sweetness of chocolate, the combination just works like magic. This pairing produces some luscious and very indulgent sweets. Somehow these desserts are always the ones that people go to when it comes to making something special for an occasion like a birthday, a romantic meal (like Valentine’s Day), or a holiday feast.

Have you ever wonderd why chocolates and cherries work so well together? The balance of flavours and the contrast in taste that the final product offers is probably the answer. The acidity of the cherries cuts through the richness of the chocolate and it guarantees that neither the sweet nor tart taste is overpowering. The combination can be cooked together to achieve a range of textures, including creamy mousse, ganaches, chewy cherries, and even crunchy tart shells.

Apart from the many modern renditions of this combination it is the classic dessert that makes us realise just how popular chocolates and cherries have been together for many decades now. Case in point the German Black Forest Cake and French clafoutis which have remained crowd favourites all long. Over time, the chocolate and cherry combination has evolved, making its way into current favourites such as brownies, cheesecakes, and tarts.

Whenever you are working with these two ingredients together, remember to use fresh cherries as much as possible. Fresh cherries improve the flavour and appearance of your desserts. If fresh cherries are unavailable then the next best option is to choose high-quality canned or frozen cherries. The chocolate also needs to be chosen carefully. The tartness of cherries enhances the richness of chocolate, so select chocolates with varied sweetness levels to strike the perfect balance.

Have you ever tried to add liqueur to your desserts? The ones made using cherries and chocolates taste particularly brilliant when infused with liquor. Especially cherry liqueur, such as Kirsch when added to cakes, fillings, or sauces can be absolutely delicious. You can also add crunchy ingredients such as almonds or cookie crumbs so that there is a whole variety of textures.

If you want to make these desserts look particularly festive, decorate the cakes or tarts with edible glitter or gold leaf for Christmas or New Year's celebrations. You can also use themed moulds or serving plates that match the decor. To make the desserts appear more seasonal garnish them accordingly. For example, winter desserts are usually garnished with whipped cream, mint leaves, or candied cherries. Here are some chocolate and cherry dessert options for you to try.

Black Forest Cake

At one time any fancy birthday party in India meant that you had ordered a Black Forest Cake. The classic German cake with chocolate and cherries has been popular across the globe. Layers of rich chocolate sponge cake are layered with whipped cream and acidic cherry compote before being topped with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. This famous cake is perfect for all kinds of special occasions and has always been a guaranteed crowd favourite.

Chocolate Covered Cherries

No dessert can be simpler to make than this. Just dip fresh cherries in melted dark or milk chocolate and set. If you want to make it look even more exciting, pour white chocolate over the cherries or roll them in crushed almonds or coconut flakes. The delectable nibbles are bite-sized, look great on a festive table, and absolutely delicious.

Cherry Chocolate Brownies

Cherries can taste great in brownies. It’s easy to add and doesn’t even need much tewaking to the original recipe. Just fold sour cherry pieces or dried cherries into a thick, fudgy brownie batter. The cherries offer a burst of flavour that work very well with the rich chocolate. You can add another layer by serving these warm brownies with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Cherry Chocolate Mousse

If you are looking for a dessert that’s light on the stomach and the palette, then this one fits the bill perfectly. Cherry and chocolate mousse is perfect for parties and gatherings because it doesn’t take much time to set and is also easy to serve. How you serve it can be quite creative as well considering the unique texture of this dessert. Layer creamy chocolate mousse with tart cherry compote in individual glasses. Top it with whipped cream and a juicy piece of cherry to finish.

Chocolate Cherry Tart

Baking a tart isn’t the easiest but the taste of this dessert is totally worth all the effort and hard work. The tart is also simple to slice and serve, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or large groups. The warm buttery tart shell is filled with rich chocolate ganache and topped with fresh cherries. You can also use cherry preserves instead, to fill the tart up. You will have all your guests line up for seconds.