Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful treat combining the sweetness of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These bite-sized confections are perfect for sharing or savoring as an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained well and finely chopped)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped maraschino cherries, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Stir until it forms a soft, sticky dough. Chill for 10–15 minutes if needed.
2. Step 2: Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a heatproof bowl, melt semisweet and milk chocolate chips with peanut butter. Stir until smooth, then fold in chopped peanuts.
4. Step 4: Dip each frozen cherry ball into the chocolate coating, tap off excess, and place back on the tray. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, try using roasted peanuts for coating or inside the chocolate mixture.
• If you prefer a softer truffle, omit freezing and refrigerate the balls before dipping.
• Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Make these truffles a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and the coating to set well.

Storage

Store Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, bring them to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness, which may affect the dough’s texture and flavor. Maraschino cherries work best for this recipe because they are sweet, drained, and chopped finely.

What if I don’t have peanut butter or don’t like peanuts?

You can replace peanut butter with another nut butter like almond or cashew, or omit it altogether. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture slightly, but the truffles will still be delicious.

Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe

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4.8 from 424 reviews

Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful no-bake treat featuring a soft, cherry-infused center coated in a creamy peanut butter chocolate shell and sprinkled with crunchy peanuts. These bite-sized confections blend sweet maraschino cherries with rich chocolate and peanut butter for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for parties or as an indulgent homemade gift.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 24 truffles 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cherry Mixture

• 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained well and finely chopped)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped maraschino cherries, softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a soft, sticky dough. If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up.
2. Form the Truffle Centers: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined tray, ensuring they don’t touch. Once all are formed, freeze the tray for 30 minutes to solidify the centers.
3. Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter. Gently melt the mixture using a double boiler method or short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and well combined. Fold in the chopped peanuts for added texture.
4. Coat the Cherry Balls: Remove the cherry balls from the freezer one at a time, and dip each ball into the warm chocolate peanut butter coating, using a fork or dipping tool to fully cover it. Tap off any excess coating and place the coated truffle back onto the parchment-lined tray.
5. Set the Truffles: Allow the coated truffles to set at room temperature until firm, or speed up the process by refrigerating them. Once the chocolate shell has hardened, the truffles are ready to serve or store.

Notes

• Ensure maraschino cherries are well drained and finely chopped to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
• If the mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it longer in the refrigerator before shaping.
• Use a double boiler or microwave with caution when melting chocolate to prevent scorching.
• Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For a nut-free version, omit peanuts and peanut butter and substitute with sunflower seed butter and seeds.

Keywords: cherry mash truffles, no-bake truffles, chocolate peanut butter truffles, cherry dessert, homemade candy