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)

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Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, creamy truffle that’s packed with the irresistible sweetness of cherries, all wrapped in a decadent chocolate coating. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s exactly what these Cherry Mash Truffles deliver—an explosion of flavor in every bite! The blend of cherries and chocolate is a classic pairing that feels a little indulgent, a little fun, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re planning to impress guests at a party, treat yourself after a long day, or give them as a homemade gift, these truffles are guaranteed to steal the show. Trust me, these bite-sized beauties will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Cherry Mash Truffles

These truffles aren’t just delicious—they’re a total game-changer! Here’s why this recipe is bound to become your new favorite:

Irresistibly Sweet and Tangy: The combination of cherries and chocolate is absolutely mouthwatering, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Perfect for Gifting: They make a thoughtful and fancy gift that’s surprisingly easy to make. Wrap them up in a cute box and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
No-Bake Delight: No baking required, which means less mess and a faster route to deliciousness. Just mix, chill, and roll!
Customizable: Feel free to add a little extra something—like a drizzle of white chocolate or crushed nuts on top—to make them your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: These truffles are sure to be the star of any gathering. They’re bite-sized, rich, and totally addictive!

Ingredients

Cherry Mash Truffles come together with just a few simple ingredients, but the flavors are out of this world. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cherry Preserves or Cherry Jam: This is where the cherry flavor shines! It adds sweetness and a beautiful burst of fruity goodness.

Peanut Butter: For a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cherries and chocolate perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the truffles and helps bind everything together.
Crisped Rice Cereal: For a fun, crunchy texture that gives the truffles a little something extra. Think of it as a mini surprise inside!

Dark Chocolate: For the coating. It’s rich, smooth, and perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling.
Milk Chocolate (optional): For an added touch of sweetness in the chocolate coating, if you prefer a sweeter finish.

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

Instructions

These Cherry Mash Truffles are so easy to make and come together in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the cherry preserves, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.

Add the Crunch

Fold in the crisped rice cereal, mixing gently to combine. You want to maintain that fun crunch, so be careful not to crush the cereal.

Chill the Mixture

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set.

Coat in Chocolate

While the truffles chill, melt the dark chocolate (and milk chocolate, if using) in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 20-second intervals. Stir until smooth and completely melted.

Dip and Coat

Once the truffles are chilled and firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, coating them completely. You can use a fork to lift them in and out of the chocolate, tapping off any excess. Place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Set the Truffles

Let the chocolate coating set by placing the truffles back in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This will harden the chocolate shell and make the truffles easier to handle.

Serve and Enjoy

Once set, serve your Cherry Mash Truffles immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy these sweet bites of indulgence!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cherry Mash Truffles

These truffles are so versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit the occasion:

For Parties: Serve these truffles as a fancy bite-sized dessert on a platter at your next gathering. They’ll definitely be a crowd favorite.
As a Gift: Package the truffles in a cute box with a ribbon for an extra special gift. They make great homemade presents for holidays, birthdays, or just because!

With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them with a warm drink for the ultimate cozy experience.
For Movie Nights: They make the perfect treat to snack on while watching your favorite movie. One truffle is never enough!

Additional Tips

Add White Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of elegance, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top of the truffles before they set. It adds a pretty finish and extra sweetness.

Use Different Fruit Preserves: If cherries aren’t your thing, feel free to use strawberry or raspberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
Make Them Ahead: These truffles keep well in the fridge for about a week, making them perfect for meal prepping or preparing for a special occasion.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves?
A1: While fresh cherries would need to be cooked down into a jam or preserve, using cherry preserves is the easiest and most flavorful option. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

Q2: Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?
A2: Absolutely! Smooth peanut butter works just as well in this recipe. It will give you a creamy, smooth filling without the crunch.

Q3: Can I freeze these truffles?
A3: Yes! These truffles freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Q4: How do I store leftover truffles?
A4: Store your leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!

Q5: Can I use other cereals in place of crisped rice?
A5: You can! Feel free to swap out the crisped rice cereal for crushed graham crackers, cornflakes, or even crushed nuts for a different texture.

Q6: How do I make the chocolate coating extra smooth?
A6: If you find your chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil to thin it out. This will help it coat the truffles more easily.

Q7: Can I make these truffles without peanut butter?
A7: Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

Q8: How long do these truffles take to set?
A8: The truffles take about 30 minutes to chill and set in the fridge. If you’re in a rush, you can pop them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.

Q9: Can I add alcohol to the truffles?
A9: You could add a splash of cherry liqueur or rum to the filling for an adult twist, but be mindful not to add too much liquid to the mix.

Q10: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for coating?
A10: Yes! Milk chocolate will give the truffles a sweeter taste, so feel free to use it if that’s what you prefer.

Conclusion

Cherry Mash Truffles are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and rich chocolate. These little bite-sized treats are a total showstopper and will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just for yourself (no judgment!), they’re sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Get your cherry on and make these irresistible truffles today!