These Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs are truly a jubilee! The plush, lightly boozy filling is made from fresh cherries soaked in a sweet brady laced simple syrup. Then each is stuffed inside a single plump prune and dipped in smooth, dark chocolate. They are finished with finely chopped pistachio dust and a few sea salt flakes, adding a colorful, nutty and salty note. A celebratory mix of bold flavors, lush textures and contrasting colors.
California Prunes x Cherry Bombe Jubilee inspired this recipe
In April I attended the Cherry Bombe Jubilee in NY with my partners California Prunes. It was a high energy experience that began with a warm purple welcome from the Prune Posse! My brilliant friends Jaíne and Aida hosted a pink carpet fashion walk and interviewed everyone as we entered the conference. The level of bold colors, patterns and food themed pieces was as high as the Empire State. Fashion never looked so delicious! CA Prunes even gifted everyone a with custom Jenny Lemons purple prune hair clip to take home. Each detail added to the through line that led to this Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs recipe.
My best buds, Karin and Sarah joined me for Jubilee. We had an unforgettable trip, ate loads of delicious foods and the conference was the best I've ever been to. Sharing this experience with friends and colleagues that I deeply admire was a powerful reminder of how our community at large, and small, can spark creativity, compassion and action. As it turns out, it can also ignite a recipe idea for Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs.
Photo credit James Collier for CA Prunes.
Photo credit James Collier for CA Prunes.
Photo by Lyric Lewin.
The speaker lineup was a dream team of talented icons in the food, beverage and female empowerment space. Kicking off with a heartfelt, raw and tender moment by Chrissy Tracey, forager, vegan chef and gentle storyteller. Cookbook author and restaurateur, Asma Khan, reminded us that it's never too late to start, even if you're a woman in your mid 40s surrounded by a society that writes women off the moment they get a wrinkle. This spoke straight to my self doubting heart.
Gloria Steinem, yes THE GLORIA FREAKING STEINEM, as in the feminist icon and social justice activist closed out the day. She shared a compelling call to action to continue the work of building community, especially when times are tough. At 91 she is still out there preaching and teaching what it means to be a change maker.
California Prunes and fresh cherries are the sweet centers of these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs
I left Jubilee feeling nothing short of jubilant. 1000 like minded women gathered together in a room is a formidable force. The combination of inspiration and celebration of the event directly translates into each bite of these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs. Combining the nutrient dense prunes with fresh cherries and a few decadent indulgences turns a few simple ingredients into a full on party!
California Prunes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient
Not only are prunes a healthy and tasty snack but they shapeshift and adapt to all kinds of recipes. From nutritious Prune Almond Energy Bars to a silk smooth filling in a Spiced Prune Coffee Cake. Prunes can become a sweet and savory filling in Prune Onion Fontina Puff Pastry Tarts or wrap around fresh drunken cherries like they do in these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs.
Make these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs with just 7 ingredients
While I would never claim that these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs are healthy, they do have some healthy attributes hidden inside. This recipe is celebrates prunes and their ability to add contrast, variety and indulgence.
- Cherries are a summer treat that can't be beat. Fresh cherries are full of antioxidants, they are anti-inflammatory and they're low on the glycemic index. Plus, they are undeniably delicious.
- Prunes also pack antioxidants, are low on the glycemic scale and they work wonders for bone and gut health. California grows 99% of the US prunes. With good reason, we've got just the right conditions for growing some of the best prunes on the planet!
- Brandy is the secret sauce that elevates the Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs to unadulterated treat territory. A little bit fruity and sweet with oaky undertones, brandy aligns so well the natural cherry and prune flavors.
- Simple syrup is made by simmering together equal parts sugar and water. This adds just enough syrupy sweetness to round off the brandy.
- Dark chocolate blankets the brandied fruit in a thick coat of bittersweet luxury. Sealing a pleasant surprise inside.
- Pistachios add just enough nutty flavor and a delicate crunchy contrast to the top of the of these indulgent treats. They are like nature's little green sprinkles.
- Sea salt flakes balance with a subtle amplification of the other ingredients. While, not totally necessary, the salt does bring out the best of all of the other elements.
Like a box of chocolates
Sure, they may look like chocolate blobs with a random sprinkling of pistachios on top. But, underneath that chocolate shell, there are hidden delights that just need to be experienced to fully appreciate.
Essentially these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs are prune cherry chocolate cordials. Cordials are fruit and liqueur filled chocolates. For some reason they seem to evoke mixed emotions. I believe that stems from the surprise of first tasting a chocolate cordial from a box of chocolates as kiddos. Our young palates simply weren't prepared for that punch of liqueur flavored syrup.
However, a homemade chocolate cherry cordial made with fresh cherries, soaked in real brandy is an entirely different endeavor. This recipe for Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs is essentially an upgraded, fresher and fancier version of a classic chocolate cordial. And with a name like Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs, you know they are something special. The contrast of tender, sweet, brandy soaked cherries tucked into plush and chewy prunes under a thick, pistachio and salt pebbled dark chocolate shell is an explosion of texture and flavor.
How to make Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs
This Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs recipe is super simple but it does take a little planning ahead. Since the cherries need time to soak, you need to think at least 8 hours ahead, 24 hours is even better. But don't worry, it only takes a few minutes of prep.
Step 1: Soak the cherries
First, the cherries are pitted, leaving the stems intact for easier dipping. A simple syrup of equal parts sugar & water is made by simmering together for a few minutes, until the sugar dissolves. The brandy is added to the mix. Then the brandy laced simple syrup solution is poured over the cherries. They soak together in the little bath overnight, permeating the fruit with boozy, sweet flavor.
Step 2: Stuff the prunes
Like all of us, every prune is unique. Some are soft and plushy. Others are more firm, round or textured. Begin by slicing a slit into the center of each prune. Then gently spread and open the prunes like a flower, to create a little pocket. Carefully slide 1 cherry into each of the prunes. They may need a little push and squish. Then, you can sort of mold the prune around the cherry if necessary. Don't stress if it isn't a perfect fit. Each Chocolate Prune Cherry Bomb is unique and the chocolate is like a LBD that looks great on everyone.
Step 3: Dip in the chocolate and top
To finish, either melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Using the cherry stem, gently dip each cherry stuffed prune in the melted chocolate. You may want to use a small silicone spatula to help completely coat the prunes. Place the dipped chocolate bombs on a baking sheet lined with either parchment paper or a baking mat. Then sprinkle each with a pinch of chopped pistachios and a few flakes of sea salt. Place in the refrigerator to chill until the chocolate sets.
These Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs are simple & stylish
Now that's a combo I can always get behind. While they are worthy of a pink carpet runway, these chic Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs are very easy to make. WIth a bit of inspiration, basic ingredients can transform into a jubilant recipe worth celebrating!
There is no need to throw a party just for these Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs, but I fully support the this option. The best thing about these little treats is they can be enjoyed in a variety of moments. Obviously, they would make for an incredible late night dessert, paired with a nip of brandy after a fabulous dinner party. Additionally, they make a pretty epic ice cream sundae topping! Or, just keep a stash of Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs in your fridge and enjoy a little luxurious moment all to yourself, any time of day.
A great big thank you to my partners and pals California Prunes for including me in the Cherry Bombe Jubilee. And for making this post possible. Learn more about the health benefits of prunes and find prune inspired recipes at californiaprunes.com & follow them on Instagram @caprunes.
Recipe
Chocolate Prune Cherry Bombs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16
Description
The plush, lightly boozy filling is made from fresh cherries soaked in a sweet brady laced simple syrup. Then each is stuffed inside a single plump prune and dipped in smooth, dark chocolate. They are finished with finely chopped pistachio dust and a few sea salt flakes, adding a colorful, nutty and salty note. A celebratory mix of bold flavors, lush textures and contrasting colors.
Ingredients
¼ cup sugar
¼ water
16 cherries, pitted with stems intact
¼ cup brandy
16 prunes
4 ounces dark baking chocolate, roughly broken or chopped
1 tablespoon pistachios, finely chopped
sea salt flakes to taste
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine sugar with the water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow to simmer over low for 5 more minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the brandy.
Place the pitted cherries in a shallow, heat proof container. Pour the brandy syrup over the top and allow to cool. Then cover with a sealing lid and store in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
Remove the cherries from the syrup and place on a paper towel lined plate. Gently pat the excess liquid from the cherries.
Using a paring knife, slice small slits into the prunes. Then gently spread and open the prunes like a flower to create a little pocket. Carefully slide 1 cherry into each of the prunes. They may need a little push and squish. Then, you can sort of mold the prune around the cherry if necessary.
Place the chocolate chunks in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Alternatively, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30 seconds, then 10 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Holding by the stem, gently dip the cherry stuffed prunes into the melted chocolate. Use a small spatula to smooth chocolate over the top to coat completely. Place on a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet to set.
While the chocolate is still tacky, sprinkle finely chopped pistachios and a few salt flakes over each Chocolate Prune Cherry Bomb. Place in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to firm up and set at least 30 minutes. Serve chilled with a fancy cocktail, if you're fee;omg fancy!
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Dessert
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