These marzipan cherries topped a carrot cake from Carole Bloom’s newest book I made for a friend’s birthday party this weekend. Cherries were the theme of her party, because her name is Carolyn Cherry! Her birthday happens to fall at a time of year when there is not a fresh fruit to be found. Not even those grown in South America. So what is a pastry chef to do? Make her own, of course!
Not only are these a perfect garnish for a cake but they can also be served during Passover. They are a great addition to the chocolate caramel matzo and the fruit pâtes. I made my own marzipan with almond paste, powdered sugar and corn syrup. For those of you who want to create this beautiful treat with marzipan that is kosher, here are the two products that I recommend: Love ‘N Bake Marzipan or Solo Marzipan.
I used the recipe from the newest tome by Martha Stewart on Wedding Cakes
. I just got the book from my aunt Kristin. It is gorgeous with inspiring pictures and many of her core wedding cake recipes.
To make your own Marzipan according to Martha:
1 pound almond paste
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1/3 pound light corn syrup
In a food processor, pulse the almond paste and the confectioners’ sugar until combined. Add the corn syrup; pulse until the mixture holds together when pressed.
Transfer to a bowl and knead until smooth.
Add coloring to a portion of the dough. I like to use the gels or paste colors to get the most intense colors without adding too much liquid.
Knead in the color. I where rubber gloves so my hands aren’t stained for days!
Wrap well in plastic so the marzipan won’t dry out.
To make the cherries:
take off a small piece of dough and form a ball. Repeat as many times as you want.
With a skewer, poke a hole in the marzipan to form the top of the cherry. This is where the stem will go.
Using the skewer on its side make an indentation along one side of the ball to create a line.
With a paint brush that is used only for food and food coloring paint the cherries as you wish. I painted these cherries to resemble Rainier cherries, but you can paint them a solid deep red as well.
At a cake supply store you can pick up various materials for making the stems. These are made from green fabric covered wired and green decorating tape. I shop at Sweet Celebrations and New York Cake Decorating and they do mail order if there is not a shop in your town.
this is too awesome/beautiful for words. I can see these as cupcake toppers, oh yes.
Hi Celine,
Thanks and I hope you will try them. Did I mention how easy they are to make. Just your time and a desire to paint!
Lovely website that you have!
http://havecakewilltravel.com/
Thanks, Zoë
Beautiful! I’ve made marzipan cherries, and they’re fun to do.
i’m not the biggest fan of marzipan but i’d eat a whole bowl of those cherries any day just because they’re so pretty & cute!
Wow, these are so beautiful. How wonderfully talented you are.
Those are gorgeous! I love marzipan, I can’t wait to try these. NIce work!
those would be adorable on cupcakes. they’re so perfect looking! i shudder to think how spastic mine would look.
I saw this picture on tastespotting and didn’t realize they were not REAL cherries until I read the caption- I was wondering how on earth you found rainer cherries in april! Very nice work!
Thanks all! I hope you have fun making them. For those of you who are not fans of marzipan you can try making them with rolled fondant and flavor it with lemon or another extract. You can even add a flavored extract to the marzipan.
Enjoy!
Zoë
Hi [email protected],
They really are easy to make. If it is the painting that intimidates you then just paint them solid red and they are still gorgeous on a cup cake!
Try it and let me know what you think!
Zoë
Wow Brittany,
That is high compliment. Trust me there are no fresh cherries to be found anywhere. I looked! 😉
Zoë
This looks so cute! I couldn’t even eat them! Oh who am I kidding?! Marzipan? I would eat them allright! Great job, your friend is very lucky!
Hi Clumbsy Cookie,
You could even dip them in the gorgeous ganache you made for chocolate dipped cherries!
Yum!
Zoë
These are absolutely delicate and beautiful! A work of art, Zoe!
Hi Patricia,
Thank you so much! My parents will be pleased that I finally made use of that BFA they so kindly paid for!
Zoë
😉
Oh dearest Zoe!
I was wondering if your inspired treats would make the website! You were such a dear to make these–and the other lovely treats–for my 40th birthday! How lovely to have you in my life! Everyone LOVED them–you know you rock! I will have to find something special in France to say ‘thank you’ again!
Happy Birthday Carolyn!
I was inspired by you my dear!
Have a fabulous time in France and take notes of all the amazing treats you eat during your travels! I’ll live vicariously through you.
xo Zoë
Hi Zoe,
Your blog is beautiful. I love the photos. The cherries look amazingly like the real juicy thing. You have such talent.
Thanks for sharing them.
Hi Sue,
It is wonderful to hear from you! Thank you so much for your kind words.
I hope we will cross paths again soon!
Best, Zoë
Oh – how gorgeous!
Hi Niamh,
Thanks! I love your site! http://www.eatlikeagirl.com
Zoë
Thanks for sharing your beautiful cherries! My daughter is celebrating her 3rd birthday this week and these gorgeous cherries are going to adorn her Pinkalicous cupcakes! The whole family is going to share in the experience of making our own lovely cherries.
Hi: Lovely – how long will these keep and best way to store them. Thanks!!!!!!