If you have a sweet tooth and adore nostalgic treats with a twist, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe. These delightful little bites combine the vibrant, juicy burst of maraschino cherries with the creamy richness of peanut butter and a luscious coating of chocolate, all wrapped up with a satisfying crunch from chopped peanuts. This recipe captures the playful spirit of retro candies while making them fresh and irresistible for today’s dessert lovers. Whether you want to impress guests or indulge in a cozy night-in treat, these truffles are an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of staple ingredients, this Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe comes together effortlessly. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the smooth butter that binds, to the powdery sugar that sweetens perfectly, and the mix of peanuts and chocolate that finishes with a delightful crunch.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar, 10 oz), drained and chopped: The star ingredient; burst of cherry flavor and moisture for the truffles.
- Maraschino cherry juice (1/4 cup, reserved): Adds extra cherry sweetness and helps bind the mixture.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Provides richness and smooth texture to the dough.
- Powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens the mixture and gives that classic candy-dough consistency.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle nutty note.
- Semisweet or milk chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully to coat the truffles with luscious chocolatey goodness.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, nutty layer that pairs perfectly with cherries and chocolate.
- Chopped salted peanuts (1/2 cup): Gives a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Mixture
Start by combining the softened butter, chopped maraschino cherries, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until you create a thick, sticky dough that holds together nicely. The mixture might look a little messy at first, but trust me, it will come together into a luscious base for your truffles. Once mixed, cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial because it firms up the mixture, making it easier to roll into perfect little balls.
Step 2: Roll the Truffle Balls
After the mixture has chilled and is firm to the touch, scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry about being perfectly uniform; the homemade charm shows in slight variations. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all the balls are formed, pop them into the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes. This freezing step ensures the truffles hold their shape when dipped in chocolate later.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to avoid burning or seizing. Once smooth and glossy, fold in the chopped salted peanuts. This rich, nutty chocolate sauce is going to be the decadent shell that envelopes those cherry centers.
Step 4: Dip and Set the Truffles
Using a fork or specialized dipping tool, dunk each frozen cherry ball into the luscious chocolate-peanut mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and set the coated truffle back onto the parchment paper. Let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms up, or pop them in the fridge to speed up the process. Once set, your Cherry Mash Truffles are ready for savoring or packaging!
How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to give these truffles a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of crushed peanuts, edible gold dust, or even a tiny cherry piece on top right after dipping. These simple touches not only enhance presentation but add an inviting texture contrast that guests will love noticing.
Side Dishes
Cherry Mash Truffles pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a smooth glass of milk. For adult gatherings, they also complement dessert wines such as a sweet Port or a fruity Moscato. Consider serving alongside fresh berries or a light mousse for an eye-catching dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your truffles in colorful mini cupcake liners or arrange them gracefully on a decorative platter lined with doilies. For gift-giving, place them in a pretty box layered with parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon. No matter how they’re served, these treats are sure to become an instant favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Their flavor and texture stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy them little by little without losing any of the charm.
Freezing
If you want to keep truffles for an even longer stretch, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When stored this way, they can keep well for up to three months without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen truffles, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the chocolate coating unevenly. Let them come to a cool room temperature for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries don’t have the same sweetness or moisture content as maraschino cherries, which are key to the texture and flavor of this recipe. If you want to experiment, try adding a bit of extra sugar and cherry juice, but the classic taste comes from maraschino cherries.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
Almond extract adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the cherries perfectly, but if you don’t have any, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute with slightly different flavor results.
Can I make these truffles nut-free?
The peanut butter and chopped peanuts are integral to the texture and flavor, but you could swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and omit the peanuts to make a nut-free version, though the taste will be different.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
To make it vegan, try using a plant-based butter substitute, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a nut or seed butter alternative. Keep in mind you may need to experiment a bit to get the perfect consistency.
How long does it take to make Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe?
The active prep time is about 30 minutes, but be sure to include chilling and freezing time, so the total time needed is around one hour.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe enough—it’s such a fun, nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly easy to create and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, these truffles promise to bring a smile to your face with every bite. Grab your ingredients and dive in; your sweet craving is about to be spectacularly satisfied!
Print
Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 30 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful no-bake treat combining chopped maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, and buttery dough, coated with a luscious blend of melted chocolate, peanut butter, and crunchy salted peanuts. These nostalgic, bite-sized candies offer a perfect balance of sweet cherry flavor and rich chocolate peanut coating, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cherry Mixture
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (reserved)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped maraschino cherries, reserved cherry juice, almond extract, and powdered sugar. Stir until a thick dough forms. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll.
- Form Truffle Balls: Roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30–60 minutes or until the balls are solid.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in the chopped salted peanuts to combine evenly.
- Coat Cherry Balls: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each frozen cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Tap off excess coating and place the truffles back on the parchment paper.
- Set and Store: Allow the truffles to set at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for faster setting. Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a smoother center texture, finely chop the cherries or pulse them briefly in a food processor before mixing.
- Chopped salted peanuts can be substituted with crushed peanut candy bars for a more nostalgic and textured candy coating.
