Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful treat featuring the irresistible combination of cherries, chocolate, and a creamy filling. Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a special homemade gift, these truffles are easy to make and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even beginners can achieve professional-looking truffles.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet and tangy cherry filling pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate coating.
- Customizable: Adjust flavors, add coatings, or tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.
- Great for Gifting: These truffles are perfect for sharing or packing into a lovely gift box.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids for festive occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cherry-flavored candy
- Marshmallow creme
- Powdered sugar
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Crushed peanuts
- Butter
Directions
- Prepare the Filling: Melt the cherry-flavored candy in a heatproof bowl, then mix with marshmallow creme and powdered sugar to create a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Truffles: Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm.
- Prepare the Coating: Melt chocolate chips with butter until smooth. Stir in crushed peanuts.
- Coat the Truffles: Dip each cherry ball into the chocolate mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Return to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Set the Truffles: Allow the truffles to cool and set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 truffles
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate chips for the coating for a sweeter twist.
- Add Extracts: Enhance the cherry flavor with a drop of almond or vanilla extract.
- Decorative Toppings: Sprinkle the truffles with additional crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and powdered sugar substitutes.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Omit the peanuts and use crushed pretzels or toasted coconut for coating.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Place truffles in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating (if needed): Allow truffles to come to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
How do I keep the coating smooth?
Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and stirred well before dipping. Use a fork to gently roll the truffles for an even coating.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry-flavored candy?
Fresh cherries aren’t recommended as they contain moisture that may affect the texture. Stick with cherry-flavored candy for best results.
What type of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a balanced flavor, but you can use dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
Can I make these truffles in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to 2 weeks in advance.
How do I prevent the truffles from sticking to the parchment paper?
Ensure the parchment is clean and smooth. Adding a light coating of cooking spray can help prevent sticking.
Can I skip the peanuts?
Yes, replace the peanuts with another coating like coconut flakes or sprinkles for a nut-free version.
Are these truffles gluten-free?
Check ingredient labels to ensure all components, especially the cherry candy and chocolate, are gluten-free.
What can I use instead of marshmallow creme?
Cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk can work as a substitute, but the texture and flavor will vary.
How do I store these truffles for gifting?
Place them in a decorative box with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated until gifting.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger batches.
Conclusion
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful and versatile treat that combines the timeless flavors of cherry and chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or as a special gift, these truffles are guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients, creative variations, and easy storage options, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again.
PrintCherry Mash Truffles
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful homemade treat inspired by the classic Cherry Mash candy bar. They feature a sweet cherry center enveloped in a rich chocolate and peanut coating, offering a nostalgic indulgence perfect for holidays, gifting, or satisfying a sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: Approximately 24 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cherry extract for enhanced flavor
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (for smoother coating)
- 1 cup crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and cherry extract if using.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Truffles:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the cherry mixture and roll them into balls.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1 hour, or until firm.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Stir in the crushed peanuts until well combined.
- Coat the Truffles:
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted chocolate mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set and Serve:
- Refrigerate the truffles for 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is set.
- Once set, serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- For a smoother coating, adding coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate helps achieve a glossy finish.
- These truffles can be customized by using different types of nuts or chocolate according to your preference.