Cherry Mash Truffles

Cherry Mash Truffles 🍒🍫

These Cherry Mash Truffles are a decadent, bite-sized treat inspired by the classic candy bar. With a sweet and tangy cherry filling surrounded by rich chocolate and a creamy peanut butter layer, these truffles are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for gifting, parties, or indulging at home, they’re easy to make and sure to impress!

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible Cherry Mash Truffles step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich & Decadent : Layers of cherry filling, peanut butter, and chocolate create a luxurious treat.
2. No-Bake Simplicity : Ready in minutes with no oven required—just mix, chill, and dip.
3. Customizable : Add crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or drizzle with white chocolate for extra flair.
4. Perfect for Gifting : Package them in festive boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
5. Nostalgic Flavor : A nod to the classic Cherry Mash candy bar, but better because it’s homemade!

Ingredients

(Makes 20–24 truffles)

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries , drained and finely chopped 🍒
• 2 cups powdered sugar , sifted ❄️
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened 🧈
• ½ teaspoon almond extract 🌿
• ⅛ teaspoon salt 🧂

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips 🍫
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter 🥜
• ½ cup crushed peanuts (optional, for rolling ) 🥜

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped maraschino cherries , powdered sugar , softened butter , almond extract , and salt .
2. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a smooth, sticky dough.
   • Tip : If the mixture is too dry, add a tiny bit of cherry juice (from the jar) to help bind it. If too wet, add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 2: Shape the Truffles

1. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the cherry mixture and roll it into a smooth ball between your palms.
2. Place the shaped balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Repeat with the remaining cherry mixture. You should have about 20–24 balls .
4. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and fully combined.
   • Alternative : Use a double boiler for melting if preferred.

Step 4: Coat the Truffles

1. Insert a toothpick or fork into one chilled cherry ball and dip it into the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Allow any excess coating to drip off, then place the coated truffle back on the parchment paper.
3. Immediately sprinkle the truffle with crushed peanuts if desired.
4. Repeat with the remaining truffles.

Step 5: Set the Coating

1. Let the truffles sit at room temperature until the coating hardens, or speed up the process by chilling them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes .

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the coating has set, remove the truffles from the parchment paper and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week .

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Cherries : For a less sweet option, substitute maraschino cherries with finely chopped fresh cherries and a splash of cherry juice.
2. Add Texture : Roll some truffles in crushed peanuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut for variety.
3. Make Ahead : Prepare the cherry filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to shape and coat.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze uncoated truffle balls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months . Coat after thawing.
5. Switch Up the Flavors : Use different extracts like vanilla or coconut, or swap the semisweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate.

Perfect Pairings

These Cherry Mash Truffles pair beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.
• Wine : Pair with a glass of red wine (like Merlot) or dessert wine for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Truffle, Approx.)

(Based on 24 truffles)

• Calories : ~120 kcal
• Protein : ~2g
• Carbohydrates : ~15g
• Fat : ~7g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Mash Truffles are a sweet, indulgent, and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as party favors, holiday gifts, or just a special snack, these truffles deliver on flavor and charm. The combination of sweet cherry filling, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delightful.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different toppings to make them your own. So grab your cherries, melt that chocolate, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.