Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful homemade treat featuring a sweet cherry-filled center coated in rich chocolate and crunchy peanuts. Inspired by the classic Cherry Mash candy, these bite-sized truffles offer the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and fruity flavors.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how easy these truffles are to make while still tasting like something from a gourmet chocolate shop. The combination of maraschino cherries, smooth chocolate, and crunchy peanuts makes every bite irresistibly good. Plus, they’re great for special occasions, homemade gifts, or just satisfying a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cherry Filling:
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup chopped peanuts
Directions
Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
Stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Make the Chocolate Coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
Stir in the chopped peanuts for added texture.
Coat the Truffles:
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set and Serve:
Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Once set, transfer the truffles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 truffles
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories: 150 kcal per truffle
Variations
Dark Chocolate Twist: Swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a deeper, less sweet flavor.
Almond Version: Replace the chopped peanuts with chopped almonds for a different nutty taste.
White Chocolate Coating: Use melted white chocolate instead of semisweet and milk chocolate for a different look and flavor.
Coconut Crunch: Roll the truffles in shredded coconut before the chocolate sets for an extra layer of texture.
Boozy Touch: Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the filling for a more indulgent adult-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the truffles in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: These truffles don’t require reheating, but if you prefer them softer, leave them at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating.
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FAQs
How can I prevent the cherry filling from being too soft?
Make sure to drain the maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing them into the filling. This helps prevent excess moisture from making the mixture too sticky.
Can I make these truffles without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the chopped peanuts from the coating or replace them with crushed cookies or sprinkles for texture.
What’s the best way to coat the truffles without making a mess?
Using a fork or dipping tool works best. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper to set.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries have a different texture and moisture content, so they won’t work as well in this recipe. Stick with maraschino cherries for the best results.
How long do these truffles last?
They last up to 1 week in the refrigerator and about 2 months in the freezer when stored properly.
Conclusion
Cherry Mash Truffles are the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness. They’re easy to make, store well, and are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether making them for a holiday, a gift, or just to treat yourself, these truffles are always a hit.
📖 Recipe:
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Cherry Mash Truffles
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delicious homemade candy inspired by the classic Cherry Mash bar. These bite-sized treats feature a sweet, creamy cherry center coated in smooth chocolate and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these easy-to-make truffles are a delightful combination of fruity, nutty, and chocolatey goodness!
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling:
1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the 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.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Make the Chocolate Coating:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped peanuts for added texture.
Coat the Truffles:
- Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen cherry ball into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Set and Serve:
- Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Once set, transfer the truffles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
For a smoother dipping process, use a fork or dipping tool to coat the truffles in chocolate.
Store truffles in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 truffles
- Calories: 150 kcal per truffle
