Alright, friend get ready to fall in love at first bite because these Cherry Mash Truffles are pure magic. Imagine biting into a soft, sweet cherry center wrapped in a rich chocolate-peanut coating. Yep, it’s like your favorite old-school candy bar transformed into the perfect homemade treat. These little beauties are a celebration of flavor and nostalgia, all wrapped up in a bite-sized truffle. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing them at a party, or just treating yourself (as you should!), trust me this recipe is going to be one you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Mash Truffles

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: These truffles are perfect for holidays, gifting, dessert platters, or sneaking one from the fridge when you need a pick-me-up.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: No baking, no fuss just mix, chill, dip, and devour.
Customizable: Prefer dark chocolate? Swap it in! Want a crunchier outside? Add extra peanuts.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Cherry Mash Truffles

Here’s the secret to these truffles they’re bursting with cherry flavor and surrounded by a crunchy chocolate shell. Let’s break it down:

Maraschino Cherries: Sweet, vibrant, and juicy. Chopped finely, they add color and bold cherry flavor to every bite.
Cherry Juice: A splash of the syrup brings a punch of flavor and helps create that soft, sticky filling.
Powdered Sugar: Helps thicken the cherry mixture into a pliable dough while adding sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the filling hold its shape.
Mini Marshmallows: Melt into the mixture for a smooth, soft texture that’s so satisfying.
Chocolate Chips: The rich coating that balances out the sweet cherry center.
Salted Peanuts: Crushed and mixed into the chocolate for that classic Cherry Mash crunch.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Make the Cherry Center: In a saucepan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat until smooth. Stir in chopped cherries, cherry juice, and powdered sugar. Mix until it forms a thick, sticky dough.

Chill the Mixture: Transfer the cherry mixture to the fridge and chill until firm enough to roll—about 1 hour. This makes shaping the truffles much easier.

Form the Truffles: Scoop and roll the cherry mixture into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes so they stay firm during dipping.

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in short bursts until smooth, then stir in crushed peanuts.

Dip and Coat: Use a fork or toothpick to dip each cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut mixture, coating it completely. Let any excess drip off, then place back on the tray.

Set and Chill: Let the truffles set at room temp or pop them in the fridge for quicker setting. Once firm, they’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 160
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve chilled on a festive platter with other bite-sized treats like fudge and caramels.
Gift them in cute little boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for the holidays or special occasions.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
Arrange them with a variety of flavored truffles for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
Add them to a charcuterie-style dessert board for a pop of fruity sweetness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Drain the cherries well before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, add a bit more powdered sugar until it’s easier to roll.
Freeze the rolled cherry balls before dipping to keep them from falling apart.
Use a fork or skewer for easy dipping and cleaner results.
Work in small batches so the cherry centers don’t soften too much before dipping.
Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Want a nut-free version? Just leave out the peanuts or swap for crisped rice cereal.
Prefer darker flavor? Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
Chop peanuts extra fine if you want a smoother coating texture.
Double the batch—these disappear fast!

FAQs

1 Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
Maraschino cherries are best for this recipe because they’re sweeter, softer, and more consistent in texture.

2 How long do these truffles last?
Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week though they rarely last that long!

3 Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge when ready to serve.

4 What type of chocolate works best?
Milk chocolate is classic, but you can absolutely use dark or even white chocolate depending on your taste.

5 Can I skip the marshmallows?
The marshmallows help give the filling a soft, chewy texture, but you could experiment with sweetened condensed milk as an alternative.

6 Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free chocolate and check your marshmallows and peanuts for any gluten-containing additives.

7 Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, and skip or substitute the marshmallows if needed.

8 Can I use a different nut besides peanuts?
Definitely! Try chopped almonds or cashews for a twist.

9 How do I keep the chocolate smooth while dipping?
Reheat it in short bursts if it starts to thicken, and add a touch of coconut oil to keep it silky.

10 Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutel these are perfect for prepping ahead. Make them the day before and keep chilled until showtime.

Conclusion

Cherry Mash Truffles are the kind of treat that feels like a sweet little gift each bite full of nostalgic charm and rich flavor. They’re easy to make, fun to share, and oh-so-satisfying to eat. Whether you’re crafting a holiday candy tray or just treating yourself to something special, these truffles are a total winner. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and get ready to hear the words “Did you really make these?!” every time you serve them.

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