If you’re hunting for a nostalgic sweet treat that combines a burst of bright cherry flavor, creamy peanut butter, and a thick coat of rich chocolate, these Cherry Mash Truffles will send you straight to candy heaven. Inspired by the classic Midwest candy bar, this homemade version is blissfully easy, melting together simple pantry ingredients into irresistibly poppable bites. Each truffle offers a chewy cherry center studded with real maraschino cherries, all tucked inside a crunchy peanut-chocolate shell—truly a labor of love that’s as fun to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cherry Mash Truffles comes from a handful of classic, unfussy ingredients that play beautifully together. Each one brings its own special something: a pop of color, a sticky-sweet bite, a touch of salt, or that chocolatey finish you crave.
- Maraschino cherries (1 cup, drained and chopped): These ruby jewels bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color to every bite.
- Maraschino cherry juice (2 tablespoons): Don’t toss that jar—this adds an extra cherry punch and keeps the center moist.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Gives the cherry filling its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): Just a dash delivers an irresistible bakery-warm flavor that complements the cherries.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out all the sweet notes for a well-balanced bite.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): A tiny pinch to enhance and define the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and binds the cherry filling, transforming it into a tender, truffle-ready dough.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): These melt into a glossy, rich shell that’s perfectly bittersweet.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds smooth nuttiness and helps the chocolate set up with a softer bite.
- Chopped salted peanuts (1/2 cup): For a little crunch and a salty finish, echoing the traditional candy bar.
How to Make Cherry Mash Truffles
Step 1: Mix the Cherry Center
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, softened butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Give it all a gentle stir, then gradually add in the powdered sugar. Before you know it, you’ll have a thick, sticky dough that smells amazing. This cherry mash forms the heart of your Cherry Mash Truffles, so be sure each ingredient is well incorporated.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your cherry mixture for 20–30 minutes. This is essential—the filling firms up, making it easier to roll into uniform truffle centers. The chill time is your secret weapon for truffles that hold their shape instead of sticking to your hands.
Step 3: Shape into Balls
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1-inch balls of the cherry mixture. Roll them gently in your palms, then place each one on a parchment-lined baking sheet. When they’re all lined up, pop the tray into the freezer for about 15–20 minutes—this makes dipping in chocolate a breeze.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Coating
While your cherry centers finish chilling, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is molten and smooth. Stir in the chopped salted peanuts, which will give your Cherry Mash Truffles their signature crunch.
Step 5: Dip and Set
Now for the fun part: drop each cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut coating, using a fork or toothpick to turn and fully coat. Tap gently to remove excess chocolate, then return each truffle to the parchment-lined sheet. Once all are dipped, chill again for about 15 minutes—this helps the shells set firm and glossy, ready for the grand reveal.
How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles
Garnishes
To make your Cherry Mash Truffles truly shine, top each with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a tiny piece of maraschino cherry. Not only does this make for a beautiful presentation, but it gives a hint of what’s inside, inviting everyone to savor all the layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cherry Mash Truffles alongside a fresh fruit platter or creamy vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert spread. If you’re making them for a party, a cup of coffee or black tea pairs perfectly, cutting through the sweetness with a nice balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try nestling Cherry Mash Truffles in colorful mini cupcake liners, boxing them up for edible gifts, or tucking them into a charcuterie-inspired dessert board. They also make playful toppers for celebratory cakes or as part of a Valentine’s treat box for someone you adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week. The cold helps keep the chocolate shell crisp and brightens the cherry filling—a perfect excuse to enjoy them chilled!
Freezing
These truffles are fabulous for make-ahead treats. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer container (separate layers with wax paper) and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Since Cherry Mash Truffles are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating. If they’ve been in the freezer, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While you can experiment, maraschino cherries add that iconic sweet, chewy texture and saturated color that’s unique to Cherry Mash Truffles. If you do try fresh cherries, make sure to pit, chop, and blot them very well to minimize extra moisture.
Is it possible to use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to your chocolate coating, but keep in mind the truffles will have a bumpier finish. Either way, the flavor will be delicious and true to the Cherry Mash Truffles spirit.
Can I make these nut-free?
For a nut-free version, simply omit the peanuts and swap in sunflower seed butter or a safe alternative for the peanut butter. The flavor will change a bit, but you’ll still get that sweet cherry-chocolate magic.
How long do Cherry Mash Truffles keep?
Stored properly in the fridge, Cherry Mash Truffles will taste stellar for up to a week, or a month in the freezer. Just keep them airtight, so the chocolate shell stays snappy and the inside doesn’t dry out.
What’s the best way to dip the truffles without a mess?
Chill the cherry centers thoroughly and use a fork or toothpick to lower them into the chocolate. Let any extra chocolate drip off before placing each one back on the tray. A bit of parchment paper underneath catches any drips and makes cleanup a breeze!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to win hearts (and taste buds), whip up a batch of Cherry Mash Truffles—they’re as joyful to share as they are to eat. With every bite, you’ll get that irresistible mix of cherry, peanut, and chocolate that never goes out of style. Give them a try and discover just how easy and delicious homemade candy can be!
Print
Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cherry Mash Truffles that combine the sweet and tangy flavors of maraschino cherries with rich chocolate and peanut butter. These no-bake treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until a soft but moldable dough forms. Chill the cherry mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until firm enough to roll.
- Shape the Truffles: Scoop and roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the balls for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Chocolate Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in chopped peanuts.
- Coat the Truffles: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each cherry ball into the chocolate mixture to fully coat. Tap off excess chocolate and return to the baking sheet. Chill until set, about 15 minutes. Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- You can use cherry baking chips instead of maraschino cherries for a more candy-like texture.
- These make great holiday or Valentine’s Day treats and can be frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
