I love these pumpkin chocolate covered cherries for Halloween! They’re super easy, with just 3 ingredients, and no bake as well; you only need a microwave to melt the chocolate. Even with my questionable art skills, they’re always adorable and a hit on my Halloween dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and adorable. Their pumpkin design makes them perfect for Halloween parties and fall gatherings!
- Easy to make. A handful of simple ingredients turns into an impressive seasonal treat
- No baking required. Just dip, decorate, and let the chocolate set!
- Perfect for parties. They’re easy to serve as individual bite-sized treats
- Great for gifting. Package them in small treat bags or boxes for a festive homemade gift
- Kid-friendly. Decorating the chocolate pumpkins is a fun activity for little helpers
- Easy to customize. Change the chocolate, colors, or decorations to match your Halloween theme!
- Make-ahead friendly. Prepare them in advance so they’re ready when your guests arrive
- A fun twist on chocolate-covered cherries. Cherry pumpkins bring the classic chocolate-and-cherry combination with an extra dose of spooky-season personality!
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Ingredients List
- 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries with stems (room temperature works best)
- 12 ounce bag orange candy melts
- ½ tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional)
- ½ cup milk or dark chocolate chips
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- If you can’t find maraschino cherries with stems, you can get stemless and use toothpicks instead (you could also use other types of cherries in this case, like luxardo or a tart cherry)
- The coconut oil or shortening makes the candy melts smoother and a bit easier to dip. However, you can skip it and still be OK (it’s just a little thicker). I also like to have it on hand in case I reheat too many times and the chocolate seizes, as you can add a little to loosen it back up
- Instead of orange candy melts, you could also use white chocolate or white candy melts and tint it with orange food coloring (gel colors work best to not seize the chocolate)
- I use milk chocolate for drawing on details, but you could add sprinkles or jimmies into the wet base, or draw on details with an edible marker as well
Boozy Variation
If you’d like to make a boozy version of these chocolate covered cherries for the adults, drain the cherry juice from your jar. Replace it with spiced rum, or rye or bourbon whiskey, and let the cherries soak for 24 hours.
Make sure to dry them well, and proceed with the recipe the same way. See my patriotic Boozy Cherry Bombs for more details (and a fun option for July 4th)!
Step By Step Instructions
- Line a baking sheet (or similar) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Drain your cherries and pat dry. Making sure they’re dry will give you the best dip so that the chocolate sticks well
- Place the candy melts into a microwave safe bowl. Refer to the package directions, as they can vary by brand, but mine call for cooking at half power for 30 seconds, then in additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Blend in the coconut oil or shortening here as well, if you’re using it. Transfer to a tall paper cup or similar if you’d like; I find it makes dipping easier than a shallow bowl, but this is optional
- Hold a maraschino cherry by the stem (or toothpick if it doesn’t have a stem) and dip it into the melted chocolate until the cherry itself is fully coated. Allow excess to drip off, then place it on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all cherries are dipped. If you plan to add any sprinkles or similar decorations, do so here while the chocolate is still wet so they stick
- Allow the chocolate to fully harden (it can vary based on the temperature and humidity in your house; pop them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to speed things up). While they are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in your microwave (I do 1 minute on high, then stir, and additional 15 second increments until smooth). Transfer the melted chocolate to a candy piping bag, or a Ziploc bag, and cut a narrow tip (about ⅛”) suitable for fine details
- Once the orange chocolate is hardened, add two eyes, a nose (optional), and a mouth using the melted milk or dark chocolate. You can draw spooky jack o’ lantern faces for Halloween, or smiley faces for Thanksgiving or other fall occasions!
- Let the new chocolate dry (or pop them back in the fridge for a few minutes) and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Pumpkin chocolate covered cherries are sweet, rich, fruity, and festive, so they pair especially well with creamy desserts, salty snacks, cozy fall flavors, and drinks that balance their sweetness.
Sweet & Salty Bites
- Chocolate-covered pretzels: The salty crunch is a great contrast to the sweet cherries. For a Halloween option, try my Ghost Pretzels!
- Candied pecans: Buttery, nutty crunch balances the soft fruit. Try my Air Fryer Honey Roasted Pecans for a homemade option!
- Cheese board: Sharp cheddar, brie, or goat cheese can provide a savory counterpoint
- Salted nuts: Almonds, cashews, or pistachios help balance the richness
- Popcorn: Especially good for a Halloween movie night
Cozy Fall Drinks
- Pumpkin spice latte: Adds the fall flavors without being too complicated
- Hot chocolate: A decadent pairing for a dessert-focused spread
- Apple cider: Bright, spiced apple flavors cut through the chocolate
- Chai latte: Warm cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom complement the chocolate beautifully!
- Coffee: The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the chocolate and cherries
Drinks for Adults
- Port wine: Its rich fruitiness works particularly well with chocolate and cherries (and the deep red color works for Halloween too)!
- Red wine: A fruit-forward red complements the cherry flavor without competing with it
- Cherry bourbon cocktail: Echoes the fruit while adding a warm, boozy note. Try my Cherry Whiskey Smash with your favorite bourbon!
- Espresso martini: Coffee and chocolate make an especially indulgent combination! Double down with my Chocolate Espresso Martini!
- Mulled wine: Warm spices make this a festive choice for fall gatherings
Halloween Favorites
- Caramel popcorn: A sweet, crunchy addition to a Halloween dessert table.
- Candy corn: Adds another iconic Halloween candy to the spread.
- Gummy worms: A playful, colorful contrast for kids’ parties.
- Halloween snack mix: Combines salty, crunchy, and sweet elements around the cherries
- Pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies: Keeps the festive pumpkin theme going. Try my Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats for a no bake alternative!
Best Occasions
These pumpkin chocolate covered cherries are perfect for Halloween parties, Summerween (Halloween in July), fall gatherings, Halloween movie nights, treat tables, and homemade gifting.
For the best balance, pair them with something salty, something creamy, and a warm fall drink rather than serving them alongside an entire table of equally sweet desserts.
Recipe FAQs
Could I Use A Mold Instead?
Yes! A small silicone mold can help you create molded pumpkin shapes instead. Fill halfway with candy melts, add the cherry, and top off with more chocolate as needed. Make sure the cherries and chocolate are completely set before gently removing them from the mold.
What Kind Of Cherries Are Best For Chocolate-Covered Cherries?
Maraschino cherries with stems are the easiest choice because they’re sweet, easy to find, and the stems make them simple to dip and serve. Make sure to drain and thoroughly pat them dry so the chocolate adheres properly.
How Else Can I Serve Them?
There are lots of fun ways to use pumpkin chocolate covered cherries beyond serving them on their own. Try them as cake or cupcake toppers, on a Halloween dessert board, alongside ice cream, on top of cheesecake, or as a garnish for dessert cocktails.
Tips For the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Covered Cherries
- This recipe scales easily if you want to make a batch for a larger crowd
- If your chocolate starts to seize, you can reheat it in 15- to 30- second increments to loosen it. If it dries out, add ½ tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening when heating and stir it in well (this is also a great addition just to make a smoother dip in general)
- You will probably have some leftover chocolate just by nature of the depth needed to dip. Feel free to double-dip any that didn’t turn out well or have blank spots!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the chocolate decorations from sticking
- Keep them chilled until ready to serve, especially if your kitchen is warm
- Avoid freezing, as it affects the cherries’ texture and cause condensation on the chocolate when thawed
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled for the firmest chocolate coating, especially if you’re using them as cake or cupcake toppers (but room temp is fine too)!
- Arrange them on a festive platter with other Halloween candies and desserts
- Use the stems as handles when serving, making them easy for guests to pick up without getting chocolate on their fingers
Make Ahead
Make these a day or the morning ahead for Halloween parties or gatherings. Once the chocolate has fully set, keep them refrigerated in a single layer or with parchment between layers so they stay neat.
- Pretzel Pumpkins
Final Thoughts
These adorable pumpkin chocolate covered cherries are perfect for Halloween, Summerween, or just the fall season in general. You can change the faces, or add sprinkles and other decorations to modify them for your specific occasion.
I love that they’re super simple to make with just a handful of ingredients, and no bake too! No need to fire up the oven, just a microwave to melt the chocolate. Half the fun is (terribly in my case) decorating them, and of course eating them!
These pumpkin cherries are perfect for your dessert table, kid friendly and adult approved, and served right by their stems so they’re easy for grab and go enjoyment. Plus, you can make them in the morning, so there’s less stress around party time!
Pumpkin Chocolate Covered Cherries
Servings: 12
Pumpkin chocolate covered cherries are a cute, no bake treat with just a handful of ingredients. They’re great for Halloween, Summerween, movie nights, fall parties, and more!
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for stirring)
- Candy piping bag (or Ziploc bag)
- Baking sheet (or similar)
- Parchment paper (or silicone baking mat)
Ingredients
- 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries with stems (room temperature)
- 12 ounce bag orange candy melts
- ½ tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional – see notes)
- ½ cup milk or dark chocolate chips (or similar)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet (or similar) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Drain your cherries and pat dry. If they aren't fully dried, the chocolate will not stick well10 ounce jar maraschino cherries with stems
- Place the candy melts into a microwave safe bowl. Refer to the package directions, as they can vary by brand, but mine call for cooking at half power for 30 seconds, then in additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Blend in the coconut oil or shortening here as well, if you’re using it. Transfer to a tall paper cup or similar if you’d like; I find it makes dipping easier than a shallow bowl, but this is optional12 ounce bag orange candy melts, ½ tsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Hold a maraschino cherry by the stem (or toothpick if it doesn’t have a stem) and dip it into the melted chocolate until the cherry itself is fully coated. Allow excess to drip off, then place it on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all cherries are dipped. If you plan to add any sprinkles or similar decorations, do so here while the chocolate is still wet so they stick. If you have extra chocolate, you can double dip ones that have imperfections if desired
- Allow the chocolate to fully harden (it can vary based on the temperature and humidity in your house; pop them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to speed things up). While they are cooling, melt the chocolate chips in your microwave (I do 1 minute on high, then stir, and additional 15 second increments as needed until smooth). Transfer the melted chocolate to a candy piping bag, or a Ziploc bag, and cut a narrow tip (about ⅛” at most) suitable for fine details½ cup milk or dark chocolate chips
- Once the orange chocolate is hardened, add two eyes and a mouth using the melted milk or dark chocolate. You can draw spooky jack o’ lantern faces for Halloween, or smiley faces for Thanksgiving or other fall occasions!
- Let the new chocolate dry (or pop them back in the fridge for a few minutes) and enjoy!
Notes
- If you can’t find maraschino cherries with stems (or use a different type of cherry), you get stemless and use toothpicks instead
- The coconut oil or shortening makes the candy melts smoother and a bit easier to dip. However, you can skip it and still be OK (it’s just a little thicker). I also like to have it on hand in case I reheat too many times and the chocolate seizes, as you can add a little to loosen it back up
- Instead of orange candy melts, you could also use white chocolate or white candy melts and tint it with orange food coloring (gel colors work best to not seize the chocolate)
- I use milk chocolate for drawing on details, but you could add sprinkles or jimmies into the wet base, or draw on details with an edible marker as well
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any decorations added, assumes use of all chocolate (you’ll have extra), and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 57g | Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 9.9g | Saturated Fat: 8.6g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 0.9g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 1.6IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.1mg
