If you’ve ever wished for a homemade candy that feels both nostalgic and decadently fresh, then the Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These little gems combine the luscious, tangy brightness of tart cherry juice with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth fondant center, all wrapped in a rich coat of dark chocolate. Each bite is a perfect dance of tart and sweet, silky and firm, making them ideal for gifting, holiday treats, or simply indulging your sweet tooth with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe is a breeze since the ingredients are simple but incredibly important to get that signature flavor and texture just right. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s in sweetness, creaminess, or the perfect chocolate coating.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The base of the fondant, providing smooth sweetness and structure.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel to the fondant.
- 2 tablespoons tart cherry juice (or concentrate): Infuses the fondant with its unique tart cherry flavor and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances depth and rounds out the fruity notes.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor.
- 4 ounces dark chocolate (for coating): Brings a bittersweet counterpoint and smooth finish.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional): Helps melt the chocolate more smoothly for a glossy coating.
- Dried tart cherries (optional, for garnish): Adds a pretty and flavorful finishing touch.
How to Make Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fondant Mixture
Start by combining the powdered sugar, softened butter, tart cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until you form a smooth, thick dough. If it feels sticky or too soft, don’t hesitate to add a little more powdered sugar until you get a workable consistency. This step is crucial because you want that perfect balance between pliable and firm for shaping.
Step 2: Shape the Fondant
Once your fondant dough is ready, it’s time for a bit of fun hands-on work. Roll the mixture into small balls or flatten them loosely into discs—whatever shape feels right to you. Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each enough space so they don’t stick together. Pop the tray into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes; this chills the fondant and helps it firm up so that it will hold its shape during the chocolate dip.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
While the fondant chills, melt the dark chocolate with the optional coconut oil. The coconut oil isn’t necessary but highly recommended because it creates a luxuriously smooth and shiny chocolate shell. Use a double boiler method by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, or melt gently in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between to avoid burning.
Step 4: Dip and Decorate
Now, the fun artistic part: Dip each chilled fondant ball or disc into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the coated pieces back onto parchment paper. If you want to up the cherry charm, press a small piece of dried tart cherry on top before the chocolate sets. Pop them back in the fridge to chill until the chocolate is completely firm—your candies are almost ready!
How to Serve Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra dried tart cherries on top adds flavor and a lovely look, but you could also use finely chopped pistachios or a tiny dusting of flaky sea salt for contrast. These garnishes brighten each piece and make them perfect for sharing or gifting.
Side Dishes
These fondant creams work beautifully alongside a cup of rich coffee, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a glass of dessert wine. They’re a delightful little sweet treat to elevate any afternoon tea or festive gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe in colorful tins or wrap individually in parchment paper tied with twine—these candies make irresistible homemade gifts. For a modern twist, try stacking them on pretty plates with edible flowers or serve alongside fresh berries for a stunning dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any fondant creams left over, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness. They can last up to two weeks, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy or share.
Freezing
Want to make these in advance for a big event? Freeze your fondant creams uncoated or dipped in chocolate. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge when ready to serve.
Reheating
Since these are delicate treats, reheating isn’t really necessary. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and silky texture, especially if they’ve been chilled.
FAQs
Can I substitute the tart cherry juice with something else?
Yes, you could try cranberry juice or a cherry concentrate, but the tartness and unique flavor of the tart cherry juice are key to this recipe’s signature taste. Using something else will alter the flavor profile.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free dark chocolate for coating. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the fondant from being too sticky?
If your fondant is too sticky to work with, simply add a little more powdered sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until it firms up enough to shape without sticking to your hands.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely, though dark chocolate offers a nice balance to the tart cherry flavor. Milk chocolate will make the candies sweeter and creamier, which some people might prefer.
What is the best way to store these candies for gifting?
Store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, and keep them refrigerated until gifting to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Final Thoughts
Making this Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe is such a rewarding experience—watching those simple ingredients transform into elegant, luscious treats is pure joy. Whether you whip up a batch for yourself or to share with loved ones, these candies offer a unique blend of tart, sweet, and rich that’s hard to resist. Give it a try and discover your new favorite homemade candy!
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Tart Cherry Fondant Creams Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Tart Cherry Fondant Creams are luscious, melt-in-your-mouth candies made from a smooth blend of powdered sugar, butter, and tart cherry juice, then coated in rich dark chocolate. These elegant no-bake treats offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for holiday gifting or a delightful homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Fondant Creams
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons tart cherry juice (or concentrate)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Coating
- 4 ounces dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Garnish (Optional)
- Dried tart cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the Fondant Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, tart cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, thick dough forms. If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, gradually add more powdered sugar until workable.
- Shape the Fondant: Roll the fondant dough into small balls or flatten into discs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easier handling.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Freeze the shaped fondant pieces for 15–20 minutes until firm to ensure they hold their shape during coating.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: While the fondant chills, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) or carefully in the microwave in short bursts, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.
- Coat the Fondant: Dip each chilled fondant piece into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place the coated pieces back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Add Garnish: If desired, gently press a dried tart cherry on top of each chocolate-coated piece before the chocolate sets.
- Chill Until Set: Place the coated fondants in the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate hardens completely. Store finished candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a stronger cherry flavor, use cherry extract in addition to or instead of tart cherry juice.
- Add natural food coloring if you want a pink hue for visual appeal.
- These candies make thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Store chilled in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
