If you have a sweet tooth and enjoy the perfect balance of rich chocolate and naturally intense fruit, the Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe is just what you need to brighten your day. This delightful treat combines soft, luscious prunes infused with your favorite spirit and enveloped in silky dark chocolate, creating an irresistible bite-sized indulgence. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them quietly with a cup of tea, these chocolate covered prunes are a heavenly twist on traditional sweets that will quickly become a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this treat so addictive. From the natural sweetness of the prunes to the depth added by the whisky and the smooth richness of chocolate, these elements come together beautifully with minimal fuss.
- 7.05 ounces prunes: Use soft, pitted prunes for the best chewy texture and natural sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons whisky (or rum/brandy/vodka): Adds a warming complexity and helps infuse the prunes for a luscious flavor boost.
- 7.05 ounces chocolate (50-60% cocoa solids): Opt for quality dark chocolate to create a glossy, rich coating that complements the prunes perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Prunes
Begin by placing your soft, pitted prunes in a shallow bowl, then pour over the whisky or your chosen spirit. Stir them gently to ensure every prune gets a good soak. Cover the bowl with cling film and pop it into the refrigerator for about 12 hours or overnight. This slow infusion allows the prunes to soak up the warm flavors, transforming their natural sweetness into something much more profound.
Step 2: Dry the Prunes
Once the prunes have had ample time to absorb the alcohol, remove them and place them on a paper towel. Gently pat the prunes dry to remove any excess moisture from their surface, ensuring your chocolate will stick perfectly when you dip them. Allowing a few extra minutes to air-dry before patting helps make sure no excess liquid ruins that beautiful chocolate shell.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Break your dark chocolate into small pieces and set them in a clean, dry glass bowl. Melt the chocolate gently over simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water, and stir with a dry silicone spoon. This slow melting technique keeps the chocolate perfectly smooth and silky. If you prefer, melting it in short bursts in the microwave with careful stirring can work too, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 4: Coat the Prunes in Chocolate
Using two small forks or cocktail sticks, dip each dried prune into the luscious melted chocolate. Hold it over the bowl for a few seconds to let the excess chocolate drip back in. If your chocolate cools and thickens too much, a quick gentle heat will bring it back to dipping perfection. Place each chocolate-coated prune on parchment paper to set, then refrigerate for at least one hour. The cool temperature helps the chocolate harden into a delightful shell.
Step 5: Optional Second Chocolate Coating
If you want an extra rich finish, you can add a second chocolate layer after the first has chilled. Use about 100 grams of chocolate mixed with a tablespoon of oil to keep the coating smooth and a bit thinner. Dip the prunes again and return them to the refrigerator, elevating their decadence to a whole new level.
How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, sea salt flakes, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the chocolate before it sets adds a delightful texture and extra flavor dimension. These garnishes can elevate your presentation while hinting at the exquisite flavors inside.
Side Dishes
These chocolate covered prunes pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments such as a mild cheesecake or creamy vanilla ice cream. Their richness also balances a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone, making them a versatile and elegant choice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the prunes on a charming wooden platter lined with parchment or nestled inside festive mini paper cups. For a special occasion, arrange them artfully with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to impress your guests and make every bite feel luxurious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover homemade chocolate covered prunes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the chocolate crisp and the prunes fresh, so you can enjoy them over several days without losing any of their charm.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, these treats freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed container. When you want to indulge, thaw them in the fridge to keep the chocolate intact and the prune texture soft.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these prunes – they are best enjoyed chilled. If they soften too much, a quick chill in the refrigerator will restore the firm chocolate coating without compromising flavor or texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of alcohol in the Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe?
Absolutely! While whisky is traditional, rum, brandy, or even vodka can be used to infuse the prunes, each bringing a unique twist to the flavor profile. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Dark chocolate with 50-60% cocoa solids strikes the perfect balance of richness and bitterness to complement the natural sweetness of the prunes. You can experiment with milk chocolate or flavored chocolates, but dark chocolate remains the favorite classic.
How long can I store these chocolate covered prunes?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, they keep well for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option that preserves their taste and texture for up to 3 months.
Is it necessary to coat the prunes twice in chocolate?
Not at all! The second coating is optional but recommended if you want a thicker, more glossy chocolate shell. Either way, they taste delicious and have a fantastic mouthfeel after just one layer.
Can I omit the alcohol infusion step?
You can skip the alcohol if preferred, but the infusion adds depth and a lovely warmth to the prunes. Simply soak the prunes in warm water or orange juice instead for a non-alcoholic variation.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the secrets to prepare the Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe, I encourage you to dive in and give this charming treat a try. It is an absolute joy to make and share, offering a perfect harmony of flavors that will brighten any gathering or quiet night in. Enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) Recipe
- Total Time: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Homemade Chocolate Covered Prunes (Śliwki w Czekoladzie) are a delightful treat featuring soft, pitted prunes infused with whisky and coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect as a sophisticated snack or dessert, these prunes meld the natural sweetness of dried fruit with the bittersweet richness of chocolate, enhanced by the subtle warmth of whisky. The recipe involves infusing the prunes overnight, carefully melting chocolate, and dipping the prunes for a smooth, glossy finish.
Ingredients
Prunes and Infusion
- 7.05 ounces soft, pitted prunes
- 4 tablespoons whisky (or rum, brandy, vodka)
Chocolate Coating
- 7.05 ounces chocolate (50-60% cocoa solids)
Instructions
- Infuse prunes: Place the prunes in a shallow bowl and add the whisky. Stir thoroughly to combine, cover the bowl with cling film, and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight. Stir once or twice during this time if possible to evenly distribute the alcohol. You may completely cover the prunes with alcohol if preferred.
- Dry prunes: Remove the prunes from the refrigerator and place them on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Gently pat them dry thoroughly. For best results, let them sit a few minutes to dry naturally before patting.
- Melt chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a medium heat-proof glass bowl, making sure it is dry. Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place the bowl with chocolate on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bowl bottom doesn’t touch the water. Stir continuously with a dry silicone spoon as the chocolate melts. Remove from heat when mostly melted and stir until smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate carefully in the microwave.
- Coat in chocolate: Using two small forks or cocktail sticks, dip each prune into the melted chocolate, then hold it over the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off. Work swiftly, but if the chocolate thickens, reheat briefly to loosen. Place coated prunes on parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled. Avoid cooling prunes on racks or plates to prevent chocolate peeling.
- Optional second coating: For a thicker chocolate shell, refrigerate prunes for at least an hour and then coat them again with a slightly smaller amount of chocolate (about 100g). Add one tablespoon of oil to the chocolate to make it runnier for easier coating. Refrigerate again before serving.
Notes
- Whisky can be substituted with rum, brandy, or vodka depending on preference.
- Ensure the glass bowl is completely dry before melting chocolate to avoid seizing.
- Be careful not to let water come into contact with the melting chocolate.
- Pat prunes dry thoroughly to ensure chocolate adheres properly.
- Use parchment paper for cooling chocolate-covered prunes to prevent peeling.
- Reheat chocolate gently if it becomes too thick during coating.
- Prep Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
