Get ready to fall in love at first bite: Cherry Mash Truffles are everything you adore about classic cherry candy bars, transformed into decadent, bite-sized homemade treats! Imagine a luscious, cherry-studded center surrounded by a rich chocolate-peanut shell that cracks ever so slightly before melting away on your tongue. These little truffles are pretty in pink, incredibly easy to make, and absolutely irresistible for cherry and chocolate lovers alike. If you grew up loving that nostalgic candy shop flavor, this recipe is a heartfelt invitation to recreate the magic at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Cherry Mash Truffles is how basic pantry staples transform into something extraordinary. Every ingredient here plays a unique role, creating the perfect balance of fruity, creamy, and crunchy in each truffle.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds pure sweetness and helps create that chewy cherry base.
- Whole Milk: Lends richness and creaminess to the candy center.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings everything together for a smooth, velvety texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: Melt into the mixture, giving the filling a pillowy, soft bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Subtly deepens the flavor for a bakery-quality finish.
- Almond Extract: The secret to that signature cherry candy aroma!
- Chopped Maraschino Cherries: The vibrant, juicy heart of each truffle—be sure to drain and pat them dry for the best texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Thickens the dough and gives each bite a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provide that rich, classic chocolate coating.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds depth, flavor, and luscious mouthfeel to the chocolate shell.
- Chopped Salted Peanuts: For a salty crunch in every bite, balancing the sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, whole milk, and butter. Stir constantly for even heating until everything has completely melted together and the mixture comes up to a bubbling boil. Let it boil for just 1 minute – this is key for setting the texture later and gives your filling that classic candy-shop chew.
Step 2: Add Marshmallows and Extracts
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in all the mini marshmallows. Watch them melt into the hot mixture, turning smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts at this stage – their warmth will perfume your kitchen and lay the flavor foundation for the Cherry Mash Truffles.
Step 3: Mix in Cherries and Powdered Sugar
Next, tip in the chopped maraschino cherries (make sure they’re really well-drained! A paper towel helps). Stir until the cherries are evenly distributed. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough. It’ll be a beautiful pastel pink and smell like pure nostalgia.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Centers
Allow the mixture to cool just enough to handle, then roll it into generous 1-inch balls using your hands, and space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help firm the centers for dipping—you want them cold, not sticky!
Step 5: Make the Chocolate-Peanut Coating
Meanwhile, add the semisweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until it’s completely smooth and glossy. Stir in the chopped salted peanuts last for that satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Dip and Finish Your Cherry Mash Truffles
Working one at a time, dip each cherry center ball into the chocolate-peanut mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off, then place the truffle back onto the parchment. Once all are coated, let them chill until the chocolate shell is set and irresistible. Your homemade Cherry Mash Truffles are now ready for tasting!
How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a few extra chopped salted peanuts on top right after dipping, or add a tiny piece of maraschino cherry. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make these Cherry Mash Truffles look swoon-worthy for special occasions!
Side Dishes
Serve your Cherry Mash Truffles as part of a dessert platter with fresh berries, chocolate-covered pretzels, or dainty shortbread cookies. Their sweet-tart punch and chocolatey richness make them the star, but they play so well with other treats at parties or holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Place your truffles in petite candy papers, box them up with a bow, or pile them high on a vintage cake stand. For a festive touch, wrap each in colored foil or cellophane—these Cherry Mash Truffles make heartwarming gifts or eye-catching party favors that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten Cherry Mash Truffles (though that’s a challenge!) in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for make-ahead entertaining or late-night snacking.
Freezing
If you’re prepping for a big event or just want to save some for a rainy day, these truffles freeze brilliantly. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe box, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw gently in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Cherry Mash Truffles are best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to heat them up. If you like your coating extra soft, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the chocolate shell too fast.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries are traditional and lend that iconic flavor and texture, but you could use chopped glace cherries or very well-drained fresh cherries in a pinch. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can make the centers too soft.
Can Cherry Mash Truffles be made nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, and skip the chopped peanuts, or use roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. You’ll lose a bit of the classic flavor, but gain an allergy-friendly treat everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to dip the truffles neatly?
Using a fork or candy dipping tool helps support each truffle as you submerge and lift it from the chocolate mixture. Letting excess chocolate drip off before placing them on the parchment keeps the bottoms tidy, and a quick chill sets them beautifully.
Can I make Cherry Mash Truffles in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare them up to a week ahead and store them in the fridge. In fact, letting them rest for a day lets the flavors mingle and makes the texture even more delightful. They’re a hostess’s secret weapon for stress-free entertaining.
Is there a way to make the flavors even more intense?
For an extra pop of cherry, stir a bit of cherry juice (no more than a teaspoon) into the filling, or add a few drops of cherry extract along with the almond. Prefer deeper chocolate? Swap in dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, give these Cherry Mash Truffles a try! They’re easy enough for a weeknight kitchen adventure, but special enough to share with someone you love. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be hooked on this sweet, nostalgic nod to old-fashioned candy stores!
Print
Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and tangy flavors of these delightful Cherry Mash Truffles. A perfect blend of cherries, chocolate, and peanut butter in a bite-sized treat!
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Boil, then add marshmallows, extracts, and cherries. Mix in powdered sugar to form a dough.
- Shape the Truffles: Roll the cherry mixture into balls and chill.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter, then dip the cherry balls in the mixture.
- Chill and Enjoy: Let the truffles set before storing in the fridge.
Notes
- Try using cherry chips for a different twist.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Ensure cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
