If you have a soft spot for delightful confections that blend fruity sweetness with rich chocolate, then you are going to adore this Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe. These no-bake truffles bring together the juicy pop of maraschino cherries, the smoothness of buttery dough, and a luscious chocolate-peanut coating that creates an irresistible treat. Imagine bite-sized treasures bursting with cherry flavor, hugged by creamy peanut butter and finished with crunchy roasted peanuts—each truffle is a festive little celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a holiday treat or a fun dessert to share with friends, these truffles deliver on taste and charm every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Every element, from the cherries to the chopped peanuts, adds its own magic to the finished truffles, making this an enjoyable recipe to prepare as well as to eat.
- Maraschino cherries, 1 jar (10 ounces), drained and finely chopped: These provide the signature sweet cherry chunks that give the truffles their vibrant flavor and color.
- Powdered sugar, 3 cups: Adds the necessary sweetness and helps form a smooth, workable dough.
- Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup, softened: Brings a creamy richness and silky texture to the filling.
- Almond extract, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty undertone that deepens the taste complexity.
- Salt, 1/8 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups: Provide the smooth, indulgent coating that melts in your mouth.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup: Blends into the chocolate for added creaminess and a hint of salty contrast.
- Chopped roasted peanuts, 1/2 cup: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that finishes each truffle with a delightful bite.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
Start by finely chopping your maraschino cherries after draining them well to avoid excess moisture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherries with powdered sugar, softened butter, almond extract, and salt. Stir everything together until you have a thick, smooth dough that holds together nicely—this mixture forms the base for your truffles.
Step 2: Form the Cherry Balls
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them spaced out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the tray into the freezer for at least 30 minutes so the balls firm up and are easier to dip.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Coating
While the cherry balls chill, grab a microwave-safe bowl and add your semisweet chocolate chips along with the creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This delicious coating will envelop the cherry centers with a silky finish.
Step 4: Chop and Add the Roasted Peanuts
Once the chocolate and peanut butter are well combined, stir in the chopped roasted peanuts. This addition introduces a pleasing crunch and a robust nutty flavor to balance the sweet cherry filling.
Step 5: Dip the Cherry Balls
Using a fork or a dipping tool, coat each chilled cherry ball in the chocolate mixture, allowing any excess coating to drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined sheet. This step creates that perfect thick shell around each sweet center.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Transfer the coated truffles to the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or package for gifting.
How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
To make these truffles even more eye-catching, consider rolling them in extra chopped peanuts, cocoa powder, or a dusting of powdered sugar before chilling. A small edible flower or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate their presentation for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These truffles make a lovely companion to a strong cup of coffee or a dessert wine like port or a cherry-infused liqueur. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe on a decorative platter with fresh cherries and sprigs of mint for a vibrant display. Wrapping each truffle in colorful foil or placing them in mini cupcake liners adds a festive touch perfect for gifting or party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, store your Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them a convenient, ready-to-enjoy indulgence whenever a sweet craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep these truffles for longer, pop them in the freezer. Wrapped well in plastic and stored in a freezer-safe container, they can last for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
These truffles are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the chocolate coating excessively and affect the overall experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries don’t have the same intense sweetness and color as maraschino cherries. If you use fresh, you’ll need to add extra sugar and possibly cherry juice to mimic the flavor. The texture will also be different, so the mixture may not hold as well as the original recipe intends.
Is it possible to make these truffles nut-free?
Yes! You can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the chopped peanuts. This keeps the creamy texture without the nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies while maintaining delicious flavor.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely, swapping semisweet chips for white chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier coating that pairs beautifully with the cherry filling. Just be mindful that white chocolate can be sweeter, so you might want to adjust the powdered sugar slightly if preferred.
How long do these truffles stay fresh at room temperature?
Since these treats contain butter and chocolate, it’s best to keep them refrigerated. If left at room temperature, especially in warm climates, they may soften or spoil after a few hours. Refrigeration ensures they hold their shape and flavor.
Can I add more cherry juice for stronger flavor?
Yes, adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice enhances the cherry flavor. Just reduce the powdered sugar slightly to keep your mixture from becoming too soft. This tweak lets you customize the intensity of the cherry taste to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe is truly a joyful experience. It’s one of those nostalgic yet sophisticated treats that combines simple ingredients into a dessert that feels special and homemade with love. Whether gifting them or indulging yourself, these truffles always bring a smile. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with every cherry-packed bite!
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Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful no-bake treat combining the sweet, tangy flavor of maraschino cherries with creamy peanut butter and rich semisweet chocolate. These truffles feature a smooth, cherry-infused filling rolled into bite-sized balls, coated in a luscious chocolate and peanut mixture, and sprinkled with crunchy roasted peanuts for an irresistible holiday candy.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, softened butter, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a thick, smooth dough forms, which will be the base of your truffles.
- Shape the truffles: Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place these balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze the balls for 30 minutes or until they become firm to handle.
- Melt the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add peanuts to the coating: Stir the chopped roasted peanuts into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture to incorporate texture and flavor.
- Coat the truffles: Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each frozen cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow excess coating to drip off before placing the truffles back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the coated truffles for about 20 minutes or until the outer layer firms up and sets completely.
- Store properly: Keep the finished truffles in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a more intense cherry flavor, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of maraschino cherry juice to the filling mixture, reducing the powdered sugar slightly to maintain a consistent dough texture.
- Try using white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a different and sweeter flavor variation.
- Ensure the truffles are well chilled before coating to help the chocolate adhere better and create a smooth shell.
