Few candies stir as much nostalgia and delight as Cherry Mash Truffles: a retro-inspired treat packed with juicy cherries, silky peanut butter chocolate, and the most irresistible blend of textures. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a family gathering or stashing them in the fridge for late-night cravings, these truffles are pure joy in edible form—easy to love, fun to make, and impossible to eat just one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cherry Mash Truffles lies in their simplicity: a handful of vibrant, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a flavor that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Each element has a crucial role to play, ensuring you get that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy in every bite.
- Maraschino Cherries (1 jar, 10 oz, drained and finely chopped): These provide the signature sweet-tart flavor and a burst of vibrant color throughout the truffle.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds extra cherry punch and moisture, bringing all the filling ingredients together beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, softened): Binds the filling, lending creaminess and just the right touch of richness.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the filling and thickens it to the perfect consistency for rolling into balls.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with warm, familiar notes.
- Almond Extract (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny amount goes a long way to elevate the cherry flavor and make it feel extra special.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and brightens every flavor in the truffle.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): The chocolatey shell that creates the ultimate candy finish.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Blends with the chocolate for a silky, nutty shell that pairs so well with cherry.
- Chopped Peanuts (1/2 cup): For a crunchy, salty bite in the coating—finely chop or pulse in a food processor for a smoother finish.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles
Step 1: Mix Together the Cherry Filling
Start by combining the chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, sticky dough—don’t worry if it seems a bit soft, chilling will firm it up beautifully. This filling should be bright pink and wonderfully fragrant, with little bursts of cherry in every scoop.
Step 2: Chill the Filling
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the cherry mixture for about 30 to 45 minutes. The goal is to get the dough firm enough so that it holds its shape when rolling. If you’re short on time, pop it in the freezer for a quicker chill. This step keeps the filling neat and easy to handle once you’re rolling out your Cherry Mash Truffles.
Step 3: Roll Into Balls and Freeze
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls—don’t stress if they look rustic, the coating will hide any imperfections. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once finished, transfer the tray to the freezer and let the balls firm up for about 30 minutes. This extra chill makes them sturdy for dipping in chocolate later.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Peanut Coating
While your cherry centers are freezing, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is silky smooth and perfectly blended. Stir in your finely chopped peanuts for just the right bit of crunch—if you want a super-smooth shell, pulse the peanuts in a food processor until almost powdery.
Step 5: Coat the Cherry Centers
Working quickly, use a fork or toothpick to dip each frozen cherry ball into the chocolate peanut coating, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Place the dipped truffles back onto your baking sheet. This is where Cherry Mash Truffles get that classic, shiny, mouthwatering look!
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Once all your truffles are coated, pop the baking sheet back into the fridge for another 15 minutes or so until the chocolate sets completely. The final result is a delightful shell that cracks just slightly to reveal that pink cherry surprise inside. Try not to sneak a taste before they’re fully set—though I can’t say I always succeed!
How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles
Garnishes
Dress up your Cherry Mash Truffles with a sprinkle of extra chopped peanuts, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or even a single maraschino cherry on top for a festive pop. Not only do they add visual flair, but these garnishes also amplify flavor and texture, making your truffles truly worthy of a special occasion (or just a Tuesday night).
Side Dishes
While these truffles are a star all on their own, they’re fantastic as part of a dessert platter. Pair them with fresh fruit, vanilla ice cream, or a platter of mixed candies at your next celebration. They also look (and taste) wonderful alongside shortbread cookies and chocolate-covered pretzels, giving your friends and family a medley of treats to savor.
Creative Ways to Present
Gift your Cherry Mash Truffles in pretty tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—they make a thoughtful homemade present during the holidays. For parties, pile them high on a tiered cake stand, or nestle each truffle in a mini cupcake liner for a bakery-worthy touch. You can even thread them onto skewers with other treats for a whimsical candy bouquet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll retain their freshness, texture, and flavor, and you’ll have a sweet little pick-me-up always ready on hand!
Freezing
These truffles freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by sheets of wax or parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying for the best texture.
Reheating
No need to reheat these no-bake treats; just let them come to room temperature if you prefer a softer bite. If you’ve stored them in the freezer, a short rest on the counter (about 20 minutes) does the trick to bring them back to just the right chewiness. Enjoy straight from the fridge for a deliciously firm, chilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Fresh cherries have a different flavor and more moisture, so they aren’t a perfect swap. Maraschino cherries provide that classic sweet tang and iconic color, making Cherry Mash Truffles taste just right.
What’s the best way to finely chop the peanuts?
For the smoothest coating, pulse the peanuts in a food processor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply chop them finely with a sharp knife. Either way, they add wonderful crunch!
Is there a substitute for peanut butter in the coating?
You can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor if you’re avoiding peanuts, though the truffles will lose some of their classic taste.
Do I need to temper the chocolate for dipping?
No tempering required! The chocolate-peanut butter mixture sets up beautifully in the fridge, giving you a glossy shell without extra fuss.
How far in advance can I make Cherry Mash Truffles?
These truffles can be made up to a week ahead if refrigerated, or up to two months ahead if frozen. They’re perfect for make-ahead holiday treats, party prep, or edible gifts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, show-stopping sweet, Cherry Mash Truffles answer the call with flying colors. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy the fun of making—and eating—these irresistible little classics!
Print
Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of maraschino cherries, chocolate, and peanut butter with these irresistible Cherry Mash Truffles. These no-bake treats are perfect for any sweet occasion!
Ingredients
Cherry Filling:
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries (drained and finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix chopped cherries, cherry juice, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and salt until a thick, sticky dough forms. Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm.
- Shape Truffles: Scoop and roll the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes until solid.
- Make Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals until smooth. Stir in chopped peanuts.
- Coat Truffles: Dip each cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut mixture using a fork or toothpick. Chill until set, about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Store truffles in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- For a smoother coating, finely chop the peanuts or pulse in a food processor.
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