Description
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy peanut butter, maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, and crispy rice cereal, coated in rich melted chocolate. These bite-sized truffles offer a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and fruity flavors with a satisfying crunch and smooth chocolate coating, making them an ideal homemade dessert or gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Truffle Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup rice cereal
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional Garnishes
- Extra chopped maraschino cherries
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Truffle Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and finely chopped maraschino cherries until smooth and well blended.
- Add the Crunch: Gently fold in the powdered sugar and rice cereal, stirring until everything is evenly coated. If using almond extract, add it now for extra depth of flavor.
- Shape the Truffles: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill: Refrigerate the truffle balls for about 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat with chocolate.
- Coat in Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Dip and Coat: Using a fork, dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the truffle back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
- Add a Finish: While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle additional chopped cherries, sprinkles, or chopped nuts on top for decoration and extra texture.
- Set the Truffles: Return the chocolate-coated truffles to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate coating is firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, serve the truffles chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- You can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Be sure to drain and chop the maraschino cherries finely to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to the peanut butter and cherries.
- If the chocolate starts to harden while dipping, gently reheat it to keep it smooth for coating.
- Store the truffles in a cool place or refrigerator to maintain their shape and texture.
