There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the holiday season, isn’t there? The scent of pine needles, the joyful sounds of carols in the air, and coveted time with family and friends. One of my favorite memories is gathering in the kitchen with my loved ones, baking up treats that would tantalize our taste buds and spread warmth through our hearts. One dessert that brings back those fond memories are my Christmas Cherry Bombs. These delightful little treats are like bites of holiday cheer wrapped in a gooey, sweet hug. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just want to embrace the season with something special, this easy holiday party dessert recipe is bound to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to whip up – perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Decadently scrumptious; they’re like mini indulgences you can’t resist!
• Visually stunning – they’ll surely catch everyone’s eye on the dessert table.
• Perfect balance of tartness and sweetness from the cherries.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cherry delights:

• 1 cup of pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) – fresh cherries add wonderful texture, but frozen works beautifully too!
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (optional for a nutty twist)

Let’s not forget some powdered sugar for dusting on top for that lovely finishing touch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s bring these cherry bombs to life!

1. Preheat your oven. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The warm air will work wonders to bring the flavors to life.
2. Prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your bombs pop right out with ease.
3. Mix your dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix them well.
4. Whisk the wet ingredients. In another large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until it’s smooth and well-combined. Feel free to add that almond extract here for an extra flavor kick!
5. Combine the mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix, or your batter could turn dense. We want light, fluffy bombs!
6. Fold in the cherries. Gently fold in the cherries using a spatula. Their juicy goodness will burst through the chocolate batter.
7. Pour and spread. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake! Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Oh, the smell wafting from the oven will drive you crazy!
9. Cool and dust. Once they’re out of the oven, allow your cherry bombs to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, take them out of the pan to cool completely on a wire rack. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that snowy festive touch!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’re a pro at making Christmas Cherry Bombs, here are some fun twists and ideas to make them even more special:

• Add a splash of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy zing.
• Substitute cherry for other fruits like raspberries or diced strawberries for a different flavor profile.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
• Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture contrasting the gooey cherry goodness.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Cherry Bombs are irresistibly delightful on their own, but serving them with a fond warm drink can elevate your cozy holiday vibe. Imagine curling up with a good book, a cup of cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate, and a slice of these gooey beauties. They can also be the perfect partner for a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the creaminess to mellow the sweetness of the cherries. Consider layering them with whipped cream and fresh cherries in a parfait glass for a stunning dessert display.

Storage Tips

Okay, so let’s be honest – they might not last long enough for storage, but if you find you have some left (highly unlikely!), you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled cherry bombs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then putting them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up in a microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned cherries work just as well, especially if you’re short on fresh ones. Just make sure to drain them well to prevent excess liquid from affecting the batter.

Can I make these cherry bombs gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Just check that it contains a binding agent, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help with texture.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The best way to check if your cherry bombs are done is to look for firm edges and a slightly soft center. Insert a toothpick into the middle; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter, they’re ready!

What type of cherries are best?

Fresh tart cherries are great for that burst of flavor, but frozen cherries work in a pinch and even bring their own lovely texture when baked. Just remember to thaw and drain them well!

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

While the batter is best used fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just mix them with the wet ingredients when you’re ready to bake!

Conclusion

So there you have it, friends! Christmas Cherry Bombs are a cheerful addition to any holiday gathering and are perfect for sharing with those you love. I hope you give this recipe a try and fill your home with the warm scents of chocolate and cherries this festive season. Feel free to leave me a comment about how your cherry bombs turned out, or share your own stories and tweaks! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!

Delicious Christmas Cherry Bombs Easy Holiday Party Treats

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

Savor these Christmas Cherry Bombs a simple holiday dessert recipe perfect for festive gatherings Delight guests with this easy treat

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup of pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)

1 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup of melted butter

1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to mix well.

In another large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.

Fold in the cherries using a spatula.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges look set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Delightful Christmas Cherry Bombs, perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16 servings
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: Christmas Cherry Bombs, holiday dessert, easy dessert recipes, cherry desserts, festive baking