Cherry bon bons are a timeless treat that bring together the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. Originating as a classic candy favorite, these delightful confections combine luscious cherries with rich chocolate to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, cherry bon bons never disappoint.
We love how simple ingredients come together to create something so indulgent and elegant. With just a few steps, you can craft these charming treats right at home, impressing family and friends alike. Let’s dive into this easy cherry bon bon recipe and discover how to make these irresistible delights from scratch.
Ingredients
To create delicious Cherry Bon Bons with a perfect balance of flavors, we carefully select each ingredient. Below are the essentials for both the cherry filling and the chocolate coating to ensure every bite bursts with sweetness and richness.
For the Cherry Filling
We need fresh and flavorful components to craft that signature tart and sweet cherry center:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (pitted and chopped)
- ½ cup cherry juice (from drained maraschino cherries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Chocolate Coating
Choosing quality chocolate is key for a smooth and shiny finish:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bittersweet chocolate chips | 12 ounces (340 grams) | Or use chopped baking chocolate |
| 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening | Optional | For extra glossy coating |
We combine these ingredients to create a luscious chocolate shell that perfectly complements the cherry filling, making our homemade cherry bon bons irresistible.
Tools and Equipment
To craft our delicious Cherry Bon Bons with precision and ease, we need the right tools and equipment. Below is a detailed list of essentials that will guide us through each stage—from preparing the cherry filling to coating with luscious chocolate.
Essential Tools for Cherry Bon Bon Preparation
- Medium Saucepan
Used for gently simmering the cherry filling ingredients until they thicken to the perfect consistency.
- Mixing Bowls
Multiple bowls allow us to separate the cherry mixture, chocolate coating, and melted butter efficiently.
- Whisk and Wooden Spoon
A whisk helps us blend ingredients smoothly, while a wooden spoon provides sturdy stirring during simmering.
Tools for Shaping and Coating
- Candy Mold or Mini Paper Cup Liners
For shaping our bon bons neatly. Candy molds ensure uniform sizes and attractive presentation.
- Fork or Dipping Tool
Essential for dipping each cherry ball into the melted chocolate while allowing excess coating to drip off.
- Cooling Rack or Wax Paper
We use these to place dipped bon bons, allowing chocolate to set without sticking.
Optional Equipment for Smoother Finishes
- Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl and Saucepan Setup
This setup is ideal for melting chocolate gently and evenly without risking scorch or water contamination.
- Candy Thermometer
Helpful to monitor temperature when melting chocolate, ensuring the ideal temper for a glossy finish.
| Tool | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medium Saucepan | Simmer cherry filling | Use low to medium heat |
| Mixing Bowls | Combine and hold ingredients | Multiple sizes recommended |
| Whisk | Blend ingredients smoothly | Crucial for avoiding lumps |
| Wooden Spoon | Stir mixture during cooking | Strong and heat-resistant |
| Candy Mold/Paper Liners | Shape / hold the bon bons | Choose mini size for bite-sized treats |
| Fork or Dipping Tool | Dip bon bons in chocolate | Controls excess chocolate |
| Cooling Rack/Wax Paper | Set dipped bon bons | Prevents sticking |
| Double Boiler | Melt chocolate gently | Keeps chocolate smooth |
| Candy Thermometer | Monitor melting temperature | Ensures perfect chocolate texture |
“Using the right tools not only simplifies the process but also guarantees that our Cherry Bon Bons come out with professional quality and a perfect balance of texture and flavor.”
Let’s ensure we have these tools ready before starting to craft our irresistible Cherry Bon Bon treats.
Prep Work
Before we dive into assembling our Cherry Bon Bons, it’s essential to properly prepare the key components to ensure perfect flavor and texture in every bite.
Preparing the Cherries
First, we focus on the heart of our bon bons—the maraschino cherries. Here’s how we get them ready:
- Drain the cherries thoroughly to remove any excess liquid that can alter the consistency of the filling.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of cherry juice for mixing with the sugar and flour; this will help create a smooth, flavorful filling.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a glossy, smooth paste.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before placing one cherry into each portion of the filling.
- Set the cherry filling aside while we prepare the chocolate coating.
Preparing the Chocolate
For the perfect smooth and shiny shell, the chocolate coating stage is crucial:
- Use quality bittersweet chocolate chips for a rich flavor that balances the sweet cherry filling.
- Optional: add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening per cup of chocolate. This improves the texture by making the chocolate smoother and easier to dip.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bittersweet chocolate | 1 cup (approx. 170 grams) | Rich chocolate coating |
| Vegetable shortening | 1 tablespoon (optional) | Smoother chocolate texture |
- Melt the chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the chocolate reaches around 88-90°F (31-32°C) for proper tempering, resulting in a glossy finish.
- Keep the melted chocolate warm to maintain liquid consistency for dipping.
By carefully preparing the cherries and chocolate, our Cherry Bon Bon recipe is set up for success, ensuring every step from filling to coating creates an irresistible treat.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create irresistible Cherry Bon Bons that blend sweet cherries with rich chocolate perfection.
Making the Cherry Filling
- Drain the maraschino cherries, reserving 3/4 cup of cherry juice for the filling.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved cherry juice, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Transfer the thickened cherry filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, gently fold in the drained maraschino cherries, ensuring each cherry is well coated.
Dipping the Cherries in Chocolate
- Prepare the chocolate coating by melting 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips with 1 tsp vegetable shortening (optional) in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the chocolate, stirring frequently, until it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency. Use a candy thermometer to confirm the temperature is between 88°F and 90°F for proper tempering.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully spear each cherry from the filling.
- Dip the cherry into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated and the coating is even.
- Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, leaving a smooth shell.
Setting the Bon Bons
- Place the dipped cherries onto a cooling rack or a sheet of wax paper to set.
- Allow the bon bons to cool at room temperature or refrigerate them for quick setting, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once set, transfer the bon bons to mini paper cup liners or store them in an airtight container.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.
| Step | Time (minutes) | Temperature (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thicken cherry filling | 5-7 | Medium heat | Constant whisking required |
| Cool filling | 30 | Room temp | Must be completely cool |
| Melt and temper chocolate | 5-10 | 88-90 | For glossy, smooth finish |
| Set chocolate-coated bon bons | 15-20 | Room/Refrigerated | Until chocolate hardens |
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and texture of our Cherry Bon Bons. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
- Cool completely before storing
Let the bon bons set fully at room temperature or in the refrigerator to avoid condensation which can affect the chocolate coating.
- Use an airtight container
Place the bon bons in a single layer inside an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Store at cool room temperature or refrigerate
Store bon bons in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them up to 1 week.
- Avoid freezing
Freezing can cause the chocolate to bloom, resulting in a dull appearance and altered texture. It’s best to keep them chilled but not frozen.
| Storage Method | Temperature | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 65°F to 70°F (18-21°C) | Up to 3 days | Keep airtight and away from sunlight |
| Refrigerator | 35°F to 40°F (1.5-4°C) | Up to 1 week | Separate layers with parchment paper |
| Freezing | Below 32°F (0°C) | Not recommended | Causes chocolate bloom and texture loss |
“To keep our Cherry Bon Bons silky smooth with that perfect cherry burst, minimizing moisture is key during storage.”
Following these storage tips will help preserve the rich flavor and glossy chocolate finish that make our cherry bon bons irresistible.
Conclusion
Making cherry bon bons at home is a rewarding experience that brings a touch of classic elegance to any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and the right tools, we can create these delightful treats that perfectly blend sweet cherries and rich chocolate.
By following the steps carefully, we ensure each bon bon has that smooth, glossy finish and irresistible flavor. Whether for a special celebration or a personal indulgence, these cherry bon bons are sure to impress and satisfy every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cherry bon bons?
Cherry bon bons are classic candies made by coating a sweet and tart cherry filling with smooth chocolate. They combine maraschino cherries, a creamy filling, and a bittersweet chocolate coating for a delicious treat.
What ingredients do I need to make cherry bon bons?
Key ingredients include maraschino cherries, cherry juice, sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour for the filling, and quality bittersweet chocolate chips (plus optional vegetable shortening) for the coating.
What tools are required to make cherry bon bons at home?
You’ll need a medium saucepan, mixing bowls, a whisk, wooden spoon, candy molds or mini paper liners, a fork or dipping tool, and a cooling rack or wax paper. Optional tools include a double boiler and candy thermometer.
How do I prepare the cherry filling?
Drain the cherries and reserve the juice. Simmer the juice with sugar, butter, and flour until thickened, then cool the mixture before folding in the cherries for the filling.
How do I coat the cherry bon bons with chocolate?
Melt bittersweet chocolate and optionally add vegetable shortening for smoothness. Dip each cherry-filled ball evenly using a fork or dipping tool and place on wax paper or a cooling rack to set.
How should I store cherry bon bons?
Store bon bons in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. Keep at cool room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Avoid freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Can I make cherry bon bons without special equipment?
Yes, basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, bowls, and spoons will work well. Candy molds and dipping tools make the process easier but are not strictly necessary.
Why use bittersweet chocolate for coating?
Bittersweet chocolate offers a balanced richness that complements the sweet-tart cherry filling while providing a smooth, glossy finish to the bon bons.
How long does it take to make cherry bon bons?
Preparation and cooking typically take around 30-45 minutes, plus additional time for cooling and setting the chocolate coating.
Can cherry bon bons be frozen for later?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and cause the chocolate coating to lose its glossy finish and snap.