Name: Cherry Mash Truffles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup rice cereal (for a crunchy texture); 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra depth of flavor); 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (to smooth the chocolate); Extra chopped maraschino cherries (optional); Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional, for extra texture)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction

When I first tried making Cherry Mash Truffles, I was immediately drawn to the combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and crunchy rice cereal. The flavor profile seemed like a dream come true, but I wasn’t sure how the truffles would turn out. After the first batch, I was hooked! These truffles are the perfect balance of smooth, rich chocolate coating and a chewy, slightly crunchy peanut butter center. My family loved them so much that they were gone within hours, and my kids couldn’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed the combination of cherries and chocolate. The fun crunch from the rice cereal and the bright, sweet taste of the maraschino cherries made these truffles a big hit. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a party, or just for fun, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Truffle Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped

2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup rice cereal (for a crunchy texture)
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

For the Chocolate Coating:

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (to smooth the chocolate)

For Garnish:

Extra chopped maraschino cherries (optional)

Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional, for extra texture)

Instructions

Prepare the Truffle Filling:

Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with the finely chopped maraschino cherries. Stir until well blended, making sure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter.
Add the Crunch: Gently fold in the powdered sugar and rice cereal, stirring until the mixture is well coated. If you’re adding almond extract for an extra layer of flavor, stir it in at this stage.

Shape the Truffles: Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 inch in diameter) and roll them into balls using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you prefer smoother truffles, gently press each ball into a rounded form.
Chill: Refrigerate the truffle balls for about 30 minutes to firm up before coating them in chocolate.

Coat in Chocolate:

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.

Dip and Coat: Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it completely. Use a fork to remove the truffles from the chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined sheet.
Add a Finish: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the truffles with additional chopped cherries, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for added decoration and texture.

Set the Truffles:

Chill Again: Return the chocolate-coated truffles to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the truffles are fully set, remove them from the refrigerator and serve. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: About 24 truffles
Calories per serving: Approx. 150-160 kcal

Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g

Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 20mg

Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 15g

Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

As a Snack: These Cherry Mash Truffles are perfect for snacking. Serve them at home or pack them in snack boxes for a sweet treat.
For Parties: They make an excellent dessert for parties, especially when served on a decorative platter or in mini cupcake liners.

As a Gift: These truffles are perfect for gifting! Pack them in a cute box or tin and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
With Coffee or Tea: Serve with a warm beverage like coffee or tea for a cozy, indulgent treat.
For the Holidays: Make them for special occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or any celebration where a sweet treat is needed.

Additional Tips

Use a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform truffles, use a small cookie scoop to measure out each portion of the truffle filling.
Let the Truffles Firm Up: Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps the truffles hold their shape and makes them easier to coat in chocolate.
Customize the Coating: If you prefer milk chocolate or white chocolate, feel free to substitute the dark chocolate for your favorite variety.

Make Ahead: These truffles can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Add More Crunch: If you love more texture, you can substitute the rice cereal with crushed graham crackers or nuts to add more crunch to the truffles.

Recipe Variations

Cherry-Lime Truffles: For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the filling along with the cherries.

Chocolate Dipped Truffles: Coat the truffles in white chocolate or drizzle with chocolate for a decorative touch.
Nutty Cherry Truffles: Add finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the filling for a nutty crunch.
Peanut Butter and Banana Truffles: Swap the cherries for dried banana chips for a different take on the flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Ice Cream: These truffles pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, adding a creamy balance to the crunchy bite.
Top with Fresh Fruit: For a fresh contrast to the rich truffles, serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries.
With a Sweet Drink: Pair with a sweet drink like hot cocoa, milkshakes, or a dessert wine for a complete indulgent experience.

On a Dessert Platter: Add these truffles to a platter alongside other small desserts like mini cupcakes or cookies for a sweet dessert spread.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: These truffles freeze well! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storage: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you have leftovers, be sure to keep them chilled to maintain the best texture.

FAQ Section

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but the filling will be less smooth.
Can I make these truffles with milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Absolutely! Milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor, so feel free to use it if that’s your preference.
How can I make these truffles less sweet? You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a lower-sugar chocolate coating to adjust the sweetness.

Can I substitute maraschino cherries with fresh cherries? Fresh cherries won’t have the same level of sweetness and moisture, so maraschino cherries are recommended for the best result.
Do I need to use almond extract? The almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, you can skip it without affecting the overall taste.
Can I use another type of cereal instead of rice cereal? Yes, you can substitute rice cereal with crushed graham crackers, cornflakes, or even oats for a different texture.

How do I know when the chocolate coating is ready? The chocolate should be smooth and glossy when fully melted. If it’s too thick, add a bit more vegetable oil to thin it out.
Can I skip the chilling time? Chilling is essential for the truffles to firm up and make it easier to coat them in chocolate. Skipping this step might result in a messier process.
Can I drizzle the truffles with chocolate? Yes! Drizzling the truffles with extra melted chocolate gives them a beautiful finishing touch.

How do I keep these truffles from melting in the summer? Keep them stored in the fridge, and if you’re serving them at a party, try to keep them cool until it’s time to enjoy.

Conclusion

Cherry Mash Truffles are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet maraschino cherries, and a crunchy texture, all wrapped in rich chocolate. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them at home, these truffles are sure to be a hit. With their rich flavors and fun texture, they’re a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. So go ahead and indulge in these irresistible Cherry Mash Truffles—you won’t be disappointed!

Cherry Mash Truffles