What Flavors Go with Cherry and Chocolate?

I remember when my twin girls, Lily and Mia, were toddlers, they’d wrinkle their noses at anything that wasn’t sweet. Now that they’re older, their palates have thankfully expanded. But some things never change, like their love for cherry and chocolate. In fact, just last week, Lily requested a cherry chocolate cake for her birthday, which sparked this whole exploration again!

Figuring out what flavors go with cherry and chocolate has become a fun challenge for me, a delicious puzzle I enjoy solving in my kitchen. It’s like a culinary adventure! Back in my university days, I used to spend hours in the library, not studying, but poring over cookbooks, fascinated by the magic of flavor combinations. Cherry and chocolate is always a favorite subject.

This exploration of cherry and chocolate pairings has led me to some amazing flavor combinations. These pairings are perfect for everything from a quick weeknight dessert to a special occasion treat. I’m excited to share some of my favorite discoveries with you.

A Deep Dive into Cherry and Chocolate

The Magic of Cherries

Cherries come in various flavors, from sweet Bing and Rainier cherries, which pair well with white chocolate and creamy fillings, to tart Morello and Montmorency cherries, which complement dark chocolate in desserts and jams. Dried cherries add a chewy texture and intense sweetness to baked goods. When selecting fresh cherries, choose plump, glossy ones with firm texture, avoiding bruised fruit or dry stems.

The Allure of Chocolate

Chocolate comes in different flavors, each pairing uniquely with cherries. Dark chocolate’s bitterness enhances tart cherries and spices, while milk chocolate’s creamy sweetness complements both sweet and tart cherries, pairing well with nuts and caramel. White chocolate, though cocoa-free, adds a subtle vanilla-like sweetness that works beautifully with tart cherries in cheesecakes and mousses. For the best texture and taste, choose high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa butter content—its crisp snap is a good quality indicator.

Flavor Pairings that Shine with Cherry and Chocolate

Fruity Friends

Cherry and Chocolate love the company of other fruits! Raspberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of cherry and chocolate, making treats like Cherry and Chocolate-Raspberry Tartlets irresistible. Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate with a drizzle of cherry sauce create a simple yet elegant dessert, especially with a sprinkle of pistachios for texture. Blackberries bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color to cobblers or crumbles, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Blueberries and cranberries also pair beautifully with the cherry-chocolate duo—feel free to experiment!

Nutty Delights

Nuts add crunch and enhance cherry and chocolate pairings. Almonds bring delicate sweetness, perfect for Cherry-Almond Chocolate Bark or muffins. Pistachios offer a salty contrast, making cherry and pistachio chocolate fudge a rich treat. Pecans add a buttery depth, ideal for Black Forest Brownies with a cherry-pecan topping. Toasting nuts at 350°F for 5-7 minutes boosts their flavor, making them even more delicious in desserts.

Spice & Spirit Adventures

Spices and extracts enhance cherry and chocolate desserts. Cinnamon brings warmth to cookies, while nutmeg adds depth. Cardamom gives Cherry Chocolate Cake an aromatic twist, especially with Cardamom Cream Cheese Frosting. Almond extract intensifies cherry flavor, perfect for pies, while vanilla adds a classic touch. For a bold twist, try a pinch of chili powder. Experimenting with spices creates unique and exciting flavor combinations.

A Simple Cherry Chocolate Dessert Recipe

Cherry Chocolate Chunk Muffins

These Cherry Chocolate Chunk Muffins are a family favorite, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Lily and Mia especially love these! They’re quick and easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if frozen, thaw and drain well)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. I like to use colorful liners to make them extra fun.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. The wet ingredients should be thoroughly mixed before adding them to the dry ingredients.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough muffins.
5. Gently fold in the cherries and chocolate chunks. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Fill the muffin liners about ¾ full. This will allow the muffins to rise without overflowing.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be springy to the touch.
8. Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them completely will prevent them from becoming soggy.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough muffins.
• If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can make the muffins soggy.
• Fill the muffin liners almost to the top for nice, tall muffins.

Variations:

• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet.
• Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
• Use different types of cherries, such as dried cherries or tart cherries, for a unique flavor twist. If using dried cherries, chop them into smaller pieces.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for added crunch.

FAQ

What flavors pair with tart cherries?

Tart cherries have a delightful tanginess. I find they pair well with rich, robust flavors like dark chocolate, almonds, and warm spices such as cinnamon and star anise. A splash of amaretto or brandy also complements the tartness beautifully. These richer notes balance the tartness of the cherry, creating a harmonious flavor combination. Think of a Black Forest cake – the dark chocolate and kirsch (cherry brandy) are a classic example.

What flavor enhances cherry?

Almond extract is a fantastic way to boost the natural cherry flavor. It creates a complementary flavor profile that really makes the cherry shine. Other excellent choices include vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon zest for a bit of zing. A hint of maple syrup also adds a lovely depth of flavor.

What is the best combo with cherries?

The classic combination of chocolate and almonds with cherries is hard to beat. It creates a balanced and satisfying flavor profile – sweet, tart, and nutty all at once. This combination is often featured in desserts like chocolate-covered cherries and Black Forest cake. Other great options include pistachio, warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and other berries like raspberries or blackberries. The tartness of raspberries and blackberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of cherries and chocolate. Pistachios add a unique salty and savory note that complements the other flavors. Ultimately, the “best” combination depends on what your taste buds prefer! Have fun exploring different flavor combinations and discovering your personal favorites. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

The pairing of cherry and chocolate is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a flavor combination that just works. Whether you stick with traditional combinations like chocolate and almonds, or branch out to explore new flavors like spices and other fruits, there’s a perfect cherry and chocolate treat waiting to be discovered. My girls, Lily and Mia, are always my inspiration in the kitchen, and I’m grateful for their adventurous palates. I hope these ideas inspire you to get creative in the kitchen! From my family kitchen to yours, happy baking!