If you have a sweet tooth and love vibrant flavors blended into bite-sized delights, you are going to adore this Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe. Imagine juicy maraschino cherries blended with creamy butter and powdered sugar, rolled into perfect little spheres, and then enrobed in a luscious peanut butter-chocolate coating sprinkled with crunchy peanuts. Each truffle bursts with a nostalgic cherry-peanut butter combination wrapped in rich chocolate that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more. These truffles are not only a fantastic treat for yourself but also an impressive homemade gift that channels all the warmth and charm of classic candy shops.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet crucial for that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and indulgence in your Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the unique layers of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Maraschino cherries (10 oz): Drained and finely chopped, these provide the signature sweet and tangy cherry core.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Adds smooth sweetness and helps bind the cherry mixture.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Creamy richness that softens the mixture and adds depth.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Creates a slightly bittersweet chocolate coating that balances the sweetness.
- Milk chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds creamy, mellow chocolate flavor for a rounded finish.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Provides a silky texture and a delightful nutty contrast.
- Chopped peanuts (1 cup): Gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the coating.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by beating the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base that will blend beautifully with the powdered sugar. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating continuously to eliminate lumps and achieve a perfectly smooth mixture. Stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries along with the vanilla extract, folding until everything is completely combined. The cherries bring bursts of vibrant flavor while the vanilla enhances sweetness and aroma.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Truffles
Next, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet keeps them neat and prevents sticking. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for at least one hour so the truffles can firm up nicely. This step is crucial as it helps the truffles hold their shape during the chocolate coating process.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Coating
While the cherry balls are freezing, melt the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each interval to ensure a smooth and glossy coating mixture. This combination of chocolates and peanut butter makes a silky, flavorful shell that complements the soft cherry center perfectly. Stir in the chopped peanuts last for an added crunch that brings texture contrast to the truffles.
Step 4: Coat the Truffles
Once the cherry balls are firm, retrieve them from the freezer and gently dip each one into the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture using a fork or toothpick. Make sure to fully coat each truffle so every bite is decadent and rich. Carefully place the coated truffles back on the parchment-lined tray to set. This step might get a little messy, but trust me—it’s worth every delicious moment.
Step 5: Set and Store
Finally, refrigerate the coated truffles for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to solidify into a shiny, crisp shell. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy these delightful morsels or share them with friends and family.
How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
Because these truffles already pack a flavorful punch, simple garnishes work best. A light sprinkle of finely chopped peanuts or a dusting of powdered sugar adds charm without overpowering the truffles. For special occasions, you can use edible gold dust or tiny chocolate curls for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Cherry Mash Truffles pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich, creamy hot chocolate. Their sweetness cuts through the bitterness, creating a harmonious flavor experience. For a refreshing counterpart, serve alongside fresh berries or a light citrus sorbet to complement the fruity cherry notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation turns these truffles from humble treats into showstoppers. Arrange them in small decorative boxes lined with tissue paper for gift-giving, or place them on a tiered dessert tray alongside other bite-sized sweets. Wrapping each truffle in colorful foil or placing them in mini cupcake liners makes for an inviting and festive display that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from sweating. Stored properly, they stay delicious for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy these treats long after you’ve made them.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe treats even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer into a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since these truffles are best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as the chocolate coating could melt unevenly, compromising their wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different moisture content and tartness compared to maraschino cherries, which could affect the texture and sweetness of the truffles. If using fresh cherries, they should be pitted, finely chopped, and possibly macerated with sugar beforehand to achieve a similar effect.
Is it possible to make these truffles nut-free?
Absolutely! To make the Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe nut-free, simply omit the peanut butter and chopped peanuts. You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini to maintain a creamy texture without nuts.
How long do the truffles need to freeze before coating?
It’s best to freeze the cherry balls for at least one hour. This chilling step ensures they are firm enough to dip in the warm chocolate coating without losing shape or melting.
Can I use only one type of chocolate for the coating?
Yes, using either semisweet or milk chocolate alone works fine. The combination in the recipe balances sweetness and richness, but feel free to customize based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Will these truffles melt if left out at room temperature?
The chocolate coating is more stable when kept cool, so it’s best to store and serve these truffles chilled. Leaving them out for extended periods, especially in warm environments, could cause melting or a loss of texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe brings together nostalgic flavors and a deliciously indulgent texture that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a personal treat. The balance of sweet cherries, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate creates a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Give these truffles a try—you’ll find joy in making them and even more delight in savoring each luscious bite.
Print
Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Mash Truffles, a luscious combination of maraschino cherries blended with buttery sweetness and powdered sugar, encased in a creamy chocolate and peanut coating. These no-bake treats offer a perfect balance of fruity and nutty flavors, ideal for dessert lovers seeking an easy yet elegant indulgence.
Ingredients
Cherry Mixture
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy to create a smooth base for the cherry mixture.
- Add Sugar and Mix: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar into the butter, beating continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Cherries and Flavor: Stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries along with the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Form Cherry Balls: Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Freeze the Cherry Balls: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until the balls are firm enough to handle for coating.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session until the mixture is smooth and fluid.
- Add Chopped Peanuts: Stir the chopped peanuts into the melted chocolate mixture to add texture and a nutty flavor layer to the coating.
- Coat the Cherry Balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted chocolate and peanut mixture, ensuring a full and even coating.
- Set Coated Truffles: Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, preparing them for final setting.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating has hardened and set completely.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the fully set truffles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, maintaining freshness and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cherries are finely chopped for the best texture inside the truffles.
- Freezing the cherry balls before coating helps achieve a smooth chocolate layer without melting.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts to vary the texture and flavor.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during freezing and setting.
- Store the truffles in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to one week.
