This cherry chocolate sauce is silky, rich, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor balanced by sweet-tart cherries. It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, or brownies. Quick to make and incredibly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate + cherry flavor combo
- Smooth, glossy texture
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Perfect dessert topping
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Great for gifting or storing
- Works hot or cold
- No complicated steps
- Customizable sweetness
- Elevates any dessert
Ingredients

- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Add cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice to a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until cherries soften and release juices.
- Lightly mash cherries for a smoother sauce or leave chunky if preferred.
- Stir in cocoa powder and salt until fully dissolved.
- Add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- If thicker sauce is desired, add cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use dark chocolate for richer flavor
- Add cinnamon for warmth
- Blend for ultra-smooth sauce
- Use honey instead of sugar
- Add a splash of espresso for depth
- Mix with raspberries for berry blend
- Make it vegan with dairy-free chocolate
- Adjust thickness by simmering longer
- Add orange zest for brightness
- Serve warm or chilled
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store in fridge up to 7 days
- Reheat gently on stove or microwave
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Stir before serving if separation occurs
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Ice cream sundaes
- Cheesecake topping
- Pancakes and waffles
- Brownies or cake drizzle
- Yogurt bowls
- Milkshakes and smoothies
- Crepes filling
- Oatmeal topping
- Fruit dips
- Dessert platters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw them first or cook slightly longer.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, use a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Can I blend it?
Yes, for a smooth chocolate cherry sauce.
How do I make it thicker?
Simmer longer or use the cornstarch slurry.
Ready to Make It?
This cherry chocolate sauce is rich, smooth, and indulgent, making it the perfect finishing touch for your favorite desserts.
You Might Also Like
- No-Bake Black Forest Cheesecake – Chocolate Cherry Dessert.
- Cherry Tiramisu – Creamy No-Bake Layer Dessert.
- Hot Fudge Ice Cream Bars – Frozen Chocolate Treat.
- Cherry Cheesecake Lush – Easy Layered Dessert.
Cherry Chocolate Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich cherry chocolate sauce made with cherries, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate for a glossy dessert topping.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cherries
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch slurry
Instructions
1. Cook cherries with sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Mash cherries slightly.
3. Stir in cocoa powder and salt.
4. Add chocolate and melt.
5. Stir in vanilla.
6. Thicken with cornstarch if needed.
7. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use dark chocolate for richer taste.
Blend for smooth sauce.
Adjust sweetness to taste.
Store refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg