Chocolate Covered Dried Cherry Clusters are super simple to make and require only a handful of ingredients. They're a delicious homemade chocolate candy everyone loves.
These chocolate-covered dried cherry clusters are perfect for gift-giving, so why not make extra and share them with the people you love?
**Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making Chocolate Covered Dried Cherry Clusters (with or without almonds) is available at the end of this post. Or you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.
The ingredient list:
**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned
- dried cherries
- chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
- shortening
- toasted sliced almonds (optional)
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- large mixing bowl
- microwave oven or double boiler (to melt chocolate chips)
- silicone spatulas
- microwave safe measuring bowl
- medium skillet (for toasting almonds)
- silicone candy mold (I used a heart shaped silicone mold)
- cookie scoop or tablespoons
- candy cups or cupcake liners
- candy gift box
How many homemade chocolate covered cherry candies will this recipe make?
As written, this recipe will make approximately 24 candies.
If you need more, simply double the recipe.
How long will it take to make these homemade candies?
Not long at all. Less than 15 minutes.
However, the setting time for the chocolate is at least 30 minutes so please plan accordingly.
Can other chocolate be used for this recipe?
Yes, by all means, use your favorite!
Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate...they'll all work!
Can the almonds be left out of this recipe?
You bet!
If you'd like to make a nut-free chocolate candy all you need to do is omit the nuts from the recipe.
However, if you want to swap out the almonds for another type of nut, go for it! Just make sure they're roughly the same size (or smaller) as the dried cherries.
How to toast nuts in a skillet:
Add the nuts to a dry skillet and cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat, until you see the nuts browning and you smell them. *Note - this happens quickly (1-2 minutes) so keep a close eye on the nuts as they're toasting and don't walk away from the skillet!
Do the nuts need to be toasted for this recipe?
Nope. Certainly not. But, toasting the nuts will bring out a more nutty flavor, so I do recommend taking the time to do it.
Additional homemade candy recipes:
*Tropical White Chocolate Candy Bites (shown below)
These easy-to-make Tropical White Chocolate Candy Bites are the perfect thing to make and gift to someone who loves to indulge in a sweet little treat from time to time.
*Homemade Almond Joy Candy (not shown)
This Homemade Almond Joy Candy is better than the original because of more nuts and more chocolate! JOY never tasted so good!!
*Homemade Candy Dots (shown below)
Homemade Candy Dots conjure up childhood memories of simpler times. These tasty little treats are easy to make, and they’re fun to eat…Just like you remember!
*Copycat Payday Candy Bars (not shown)
If you’re a fan of Payday candy bars then you’ll go NUTS for this fast and easy Copycat Payday Candy Bars recipe. After all, who doesn’t love payday?!!
*Chocolate Covered Dried Cherry Clusters (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's easy homemade chocolate candy with dried cherries and almonds.
⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂
CHOCOLATE COVERED DRIED CHERRY CLUSTERS
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried cherries
- 1 bag (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional) lightly toasted
Instructions
- Add the dried cherries to a large bowl and seperate if they're stuck together.
- Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes until the nuts are lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside.
- Add the chocolate chips and shortening to a medium-size microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 50% power in increments of 50 seconds each, stirring often until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Add the toasted almonds to the dried cherries and pour in the melted chocolate. Stir well to combine.
- Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the candy mixture into silicone molds or free-form them onto a parchement-lined baking sheet.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before releasing the candy from the molds (or removing the pieces from the parchment paper), and place them into cupcake liners or candy paper for presentation.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's Chocolate Covered Dried Cherries recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Sindi says
in the chocolate covered Cherry's recipe, it calls for shorting, what is the shorting for, does it have to be put in or can I leave it out?
Renée says
Hello, Sindi!
The shortening acts as a thinning agent which makes the chocolate smoother for mixing and coating ingredients. It also
gives the chocolate a glossy look, and a slightly harder texture when completely cooled.
If you'd like to leave it out, you can certainly do so. However, you can also use an equal amount of vegetable oil,
or coconut oil and it will help in the same way the shortening would.
I hope this is helpful information.
Take good care,
Renee
Natalie says
These little treats are perfect for Valentine's Day. I'm going to make them for my family. Thanks!
Gina says
Yum! Such a fun and festive treat for Valentine's Day!