Save This decadent cherry chocolate dessert wrap transforms simple ingredients into a cafe-worthy treat in just 25 minutes. The combination of warm, gooey chocolate with tart-sweet cherries creates an irresistible contrast that makes this dessert feel far more sophisticated than the effort required.
I created this recipe during cherry season when I had an abundance from our local farmers market. What started as a creative way to use extra fruit has become my go-to impressive-yet-easy dessert for unexpected guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted sweet cherries fresh or thawed frozen and halved: The natural sweetness and slight tartness create the perfect flavor foundation. Look for plump, dark cherries with firm flesh.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: helps draw out the cherry juices and creates a jamlike consistency.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: adds brightness that balances the rich chocolate. Fresh is best but bottled works in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: thickens the cherry mixture so it stays put in your wrap. Make sure to fully dissolve it to avoid lumps.
- 4 medium 8inch flour tortillas: create the perfect crispy exterior. Choose the freshest tortillas possible for best folding results.
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips: for the interior melty goodness. Quality matters here. Choose a brand you enjoy eating straight.
- 1/3 cup cream cheese softened: provides a creamy counterpoint to the tart cherries. Take it out 30 minutes before using for easy spreading.
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips: for the drizzle creates that beautiful finishing touch. These should be the same quality as your filling chips.
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or butter: helps thin the chocolate for perfect drizzling consistency. Coconut oil creates a slightly snappier set.
- Optional garnishes like sliced almonds or powdered sugar: add texture and visual appeal. Toast nuts briefly for enhanced flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- Combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure the cornstarch dissolves completely. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens to a jamlike consistency. The cherries should maintain some texture but release their juices. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly so the mixture sets up further. This cooling period ensures your filling won't make the tortillas soggy.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay out your four tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese in the center of each tortilla, creating a 3inch circle. The cream cheese acts as a barrier between the tortilla and cherry mixture, preventing sogginess. Divide the cherry mixture evenly among the tortillas, spooning it directly over the cream cheese layer. Aim for about 2 tablespoons per wrap. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips over each cherry portion, concentrating them in the center for maximum melting potential.
- Fold and Seal:
- Fold the bottom edge of each tortilla up over the filling. Next, fold in both sides toward the center, creating an envelope shape. Finally, continue rolling from the bottom to completely enclose the filling, forming a tight cylinder. Place each wrap seam side down to prevent unraveling. If needed, secure with toothpicks but remember to remove before serving.
- Toast to Perfection:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Avoid using high heat which can burn the tortillas before the chocolate melts. Place wraps seam side down first to seal them closed during cooking. Cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even browning on all surfaces. Look for a golden exterior and listen for a slight sizzle indicating the perfect temperature. The tortillas should develop crisp edges while the filling warms through.
- Create the Chocolate Drizzle:
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 20second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval. This prevents scorching and ensures smooth melting. Continue until completely smooth and glossy, typically requiring 2 to 3 intervals. The drizzle should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely. If too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil.
Save Cherries are the star of this recipe for good reason. Their natural tartness creates the perfect counterbalance to the sweet chocolate and creamy cheese. I discovered this combination after experimenting with different fruits and chocolate pairings for months. Nothing quite matches the deep ruby color and complex flavor that cherries bring to this simple dessert.
Fruit Variations
While cherries create the classic version of this dessert wrap, seasonal adaptations keep this recipe in rotation yearround. Summer strawberries provide a brighter, more aromatic profile when diced and cooked down with a less sugar. In fall, try thinly sliced apples with cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg for a warm spiced variation that evokes apple pie flavors. Winter calls for poached pears with a hint of vanilla, creating an elegant sophistication. For spring, rhubarb combined with a few extra tablespoons of sugar offers a tangy alternative that pairs beautifully with white chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
Make-Ahead Options
The cherry filling can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly incredibly quick when you need a lastminute dessert. You can even assemble the entire wraps earlier in the day, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just add an extra 30 seconds of cooking time per side to ensure the chilled filling warms through properly. The chocolate drizzle should always be made fresh just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Serving Suggestions
Transform these wraps into a showstopping dessert by serving them with complementary accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates temperature contrast when placed alongside the warm wrap. For brunch presentations, dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and additional fresh cherries. Create a dessert board by slicing the wraps diagonally, arranging on a wooden board with small bowls of additional chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and various nuts for dipping and sprinkling. For special occasions, flame with a tablespoon of warmed cherry brandy or kirsch for dramatic presentation.
Texture Enhancement
The contrast between crispy tortilla exterior and soft, jammy interior makes these wraps irresistible. To amplify the textural experience, consider these refinements. Brush the outside of each tortilla lightly with melted butter before cooking for extra crispness and golden color. For added crunch, sprinkle the cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped toasted nuts before adding the cherry filling. The heat from cooking will slightly soften the nuts while maintaining their texture. For a surprising textural element, add 1 tablespoon of miniature chocolate chips to the filling just before serving so they retain their shape while others melt completely.
Save Serve these cherry chocolate drizzle dessert wraps warm for the ultimate gooey experience. They are sure to impress with their simple elegance and delicious flavor combination.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other berries instead of cherries?
Yes, raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries make excellent alternatives for the filling.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate to create a vegan-friendly version.
- → What’s the best way to achieve a smooth chocolate drizzle?
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in the microwave, stirring until completely smooth.
- → Can the wraps be made ahead?
You can prepare the filling and wraps in advance; cook just before serving for best texture.
- → Are these wraps best served warm or cold?
They are most delicious served warm, with the filling soft and the chocolate freshly drizzled.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon into the cherry mixture or use a nutty garnish for a flavor boost.