No-Bake Cherry Mash Truffles
Cherry mash candies date back to early American soda fountains where sweet creamy cherry fillings coated in chocolate were all the rage This version is inspired by those memories but with an easy twist for home cooks The visual pop of pink and chocolate is perfect for birthdays and kid-friendly holidays
Servings 28 truffles
Ingredients
- 1 10 ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 /2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- For the Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening optional, for a smoother coating
Instructions
- Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly and finely chop. Use paper towels to press out as much moisture as possible for a firm truffle base.
- Beat softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Fold in the chopped, dried cherries until the mixture is evenly combined and slightly thick but still pliable.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the filling and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20–30 minutes, until firm to the touch.
- Combine chocolate chips and optional coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely melted and silky.
- Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cherry ball in melted chocolate. Let any excess drip off and return to the parchment-lined tray.
- Chill coated truffles in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Enjoy chilled or allow to come to room temperature before consuming.
Notes
Tips:
For optimal texture, thoroughly dry the cherries after chopping by pressing between several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Adding coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate ensures a glossy, crack-free coating. Substitute with a teaspoon of neutral oil if desired.
For a nuanced flavor, add a drop of almond extract to the filling or finish with toasted shredded coconut or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Decorate with finely chopped peanuts or contrasting chocolate drizzle for visual appeal.
Ideal for gifting; arrange in mini cupcake liners and package in a decorative box.
Press the chopped cherries between more than one layer of towels for absolute dryness Learnt this through trial and error too much juice will ruin the consistency
If your chocolate is too thick for dipping add a teaspoon more coconut oil to thin it to a glossy pool
Letting the dipped truffles chill just until set makes the shell snappy without losing creaminess inside No need for a candy thermometer or special tools just a bowl and a spatula
Truffles can be frozen for up to a month for make-ahead ease
Coconut oil makes a thinner more beautiful chocolate shell
To keep your cherry mash truffles perfectly fresh store them in a tight container in the fridge up to a week Layer parchment between rows for easy removal If you want to stock up for holidays these freeze like a dream Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve that delightful creamy texture
Flash freeze finished truffles on a tray then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag Squeeze out excess air and tuck away for up to a month Always let them thaw in the fridge before unwrapping to keep that chocolate shell crisp.
Source: https://budgetyummy.com/recipes/no-bake-cherry-mash-truffles
For optimal texture, thoroughly dry the cherries after chopping by pressing between several layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Adding coconut oil or shortening to the chocolate ensures a glossy, crack-free coating. Substitute with a teaspoon of neutral oil if desired.
For a nuanced flavor, add a drop of almond extract to the filling or finish with toasted shredded coconut or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Decorate with finely chopped peanuts or contrasting chocolate drizzle for visual appeal.
Ideal for gifting; arrange in mini cupcake liners and package in a decorative box.
Press the chopped cherries between more than one layer of towels for absolute dryness Learnt this through trial and error too much juice will ruin the consistency
If your chocolate is too thick for dipping add a teaspoon more coconut oil to thin it to a glossy pool
Letting the dipped truffles chill just until set makes the shell snappy without losing creaminess inside No need for a candy thermometer or special tools just a bowl and a spatula
Truffles can be frozen for up to a month for make-ahead ease
Coconut oil makes a thinner more beautiful chocolate shell
To keep your cherry mash truffles perfectly fresh store them in a tight container in the fridge up to a week Layer parchment between rows for easy removal If you want to stock up for holidays these freeze like a dream Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve that delightful creamy texture
Flash freeze finished truffles on a tray then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag Squeeze out excess air and tuck away for up to a month Always let them thaw in the fridge before unwrapping to keep that chocolate shell crisp.
Source: https://budgetyummy.com/recipes/no-bake-cherry-mash-truffles