Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
If you love the combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and tangy cherries, then you’ll adore these Cherry Mash Truffles. Perfect for gifting or indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe combines all your favorite flavors into bite-sized, melt-in-your-mouth truffles. Let’s dive into how you can create these decadent delights from scratch.
What Are Cherry Mash Truffles?
Cherry Mash Truffles are an irresistible dessert made from a rich, creamy filling of peanut butter and cherries, coated in a layer of smooth chocolate. These truffles offer a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, making them a popular choice for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, holidays, or even a sweet snack to enjoy on a cozy afternoon.
These truffles are inspired by the beloved Cherry Mash candy, which has been a favorite treat for years. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and cherry creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
For tips on making perfect truffles, check out this guide on making chocolate truffles.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Mash Truffles
To make these delightful truffles, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Chocolate: Choose from dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate based on your flavor preference.
- Cherries: Fresh cherries or jarred maraschino cherries work well, but you can also use cherry preserves for a smoother filling.
- Peanut Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture. Natural peanut butter works best for a smoother consistency.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the truffle filling without affecting the texture too much.
- Butter: For a smooth and creamy filling that binds everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling and adds depth.
- Heavy Cream (optional): For a richer, creamier texture in the filling.
These ingredients come together to create an indulgent treat that’s both creamy and satisfying.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
- Start by chopping the cherries into small pieces if you’re using fresh or jarred cherries. If you’re using cherry preserves, skip this step.
- In a medium bowl, mix the chopped cherries with peanut butter, powdered sugar, and butter. You can add a pinch of vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. If it’s too thick, you can add a little heavy cream to soften it.
Step 2: Shape the Truffles
- Scoop out portions of the cherry-peanut butter mixture using a small spoon or cookie scoop.
- Roll the portions into small, even-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
Step 3: Coat the Truffles in Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt your chocolate. Stir frequently to ensure it melts evenly.
- Tip: If you’re unsure how to melt chocolate correctly, check out this guide on tempering chocolate.
- Once the chocolate is melted, dip each chilled truffle into the chocolate, coating it completely.
- Use a fork to lift the truffle out of the chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the coated truffle back on the parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Let the Truffles Set
Allow the truffles to cool at room temperature or place them in the fridge for quicker setting. Once the chocolate hardens, the truffles are ready to enjoy!
Creative Variations of Cherry Mash Truffles
While the classic Cherry Mash Truffles recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of creative variations you can try to add new flavors, textures, or visual appeal to your truffles. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up!
1. Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Cherry Mash Truffles
If you love a sweet-salty combination, try using dark chocolate for the coating instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate. The rich, slightly bitter flavor of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet cherry-peanut butter filling. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the truffles for that irresistible salty-sweet contrast.
2. Cherry Mash Truffles with Almonds or Hazelnuts
For added texture and flavor, coat your truffles with crushed almonds or hazelnuts instead of just chocolate. The nutty crunch complements the creamy filling and adds a delightful contrast to each bite. You can either roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts or dip them in chopped nuts after they’ve been coated in chocolate.
3. Coconut-Crusted Cherry Mash Truffles
For a tropical twist, roll your Cherry Mash Truffles in shredded coconut instead of cocoa powder or nuts. The coconut will add both texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cherry and peanut butter filling. This is a great option for those who love coconut!
4. Cherry Mash Truffles with a White Chocolate Drizzle
Add some elegance to your truffles by drizzling melted white chocolate over the top after they’re coated in the traditional chocolate layer. This extra touch of white chocolate adds a sweet, creamy flavor and enhances the visual appeal of your truffles, making them perfect for gifting or serving at a special event.
5. Cherry Mash Truffles with a Boozy Twist
Infuse your truffles with a little bit of liqueur, such as cherry brandy or Grand Marnier. Add a tablespoon of liqueur to the cherry-peanut butter mixture before rolling it into balls. This variation adds a sophisticated adult twist to your truffles, making them a fun treat for special occasions or parties.
These creative variations of Cherry Mash Truffles not only add new layers of flavor but also offer a chance to personalize this treat to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of nuts, coconut, or even a little boozy flavor, there’s a version of this recipe for everyone to enjoy!
For more ideas on enhancing your truffles, check out this article on decorating chocolate truffles.
Nutritional Information of Cherry Mash Truffles
While Cherry Mash Truffles are a decadent and indulgent treat, they can also be quite rich in calories and fat. However, they also provide some nutritional benefits due to the presence of ingredients like peanut butter and cherries. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per truffle based on a standard recipe.
Nutritional Information (per truffle):
- Calories: ~120-150 kcal
- Fat: 9-12g
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Sugars: 10-13g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Sodium: 30-50mg
- Cholesterol: 5-10mg
Key Ingredients Breakdown:
- Peanut Butter: Peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, although it can be calorie-dense. Using natural peanut butter (without added sugar) can help reduce the overall sugar content.
- Cherries: Maraschino cherries are often used in these truffles, but fresh cherries provide vitamin C and antioxidants. The cherry flavor in the truffles is delicious but doesn’t add much to the calorie count.
- Chocolate: The chocolate coating contributes a significant amount of sugar and fat, particularly if you use milk or semi-sweet chocolate. Opting for dark chocolate can add beneficial antioxidants and slightly reduce the sugar content.
Health Considerations:
Although these truffles are a sweet indulgence, they also offer some healthy fats and antioxidants from the cherries and peanut butter. For a lighter option, consider making smaller truffles or adjusting the chocolate coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for Cherry Mash Truffles?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but keep in mind that maraschino cherries are traditionally used for their sweetness and preserved texture. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit and chop them finely, and consider draining any excess moisture before mixing them into the filling to prevent the truffles from becoming too soft.
2. How long do Cherry Mash Truffles last?
Cherry Mash Truffles can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are properly sealed to avoid absorbing any unwanted odors.
3. Can I make Cherry Mash Truffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these truffles are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Keep them chilled in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh until you’re ready to enjoy them.
4. What type of chocolate works best for coating the truffles?
For the best balance of sweetness and richness, semi-sweet or dark chocolate is recommended. However, if you prefer a sweeter truffle, you can opt for milk chocolate. Dark chocolate will give your truffles a more sophisticated, bittersweet flavor that contrasts well with the sweet cherry-peanut butter filling.
5. Can I make Cherry Mash Truffles without peanut butter?
If you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can replace the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter or almond butter. This will give you a similar creamy texture while keeping the truffles allergen-friendly.
Conclusion
Cherry Mash Truffles are a deliciously indulgent treat that’s sure to impress friends and family. With a blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and cherries, they offer a rich, creamy, and slightly tart flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a gift, these truffles are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the delightful process of creating these mouthwatering truffles!
