Cherry Mash Truffles are a delicious treat combining the sweetness of cherries with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These truffles are a fun twist on the classic Cherry Mash candy, perfect for a special occasion or simply as a sweet indulgence! Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Cherry Mash Truffles.
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Filling:
- 1 cup dried cherries (or maraschino cherries, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or any preferred keto sweetener)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (or regular dark chocolate if you’re not following keto)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (or butter, for smooth melting)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
- If using dried cherries, chop them into small pieces. If using maraschino cherries, ensure they are well-drained and chopped.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherries, peanut butter, powdered erythritol, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to roll into balls.
- If the mixture feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up before rolling.
2. Form the Truffles:
- Once the cherry filling mixture is ready, use your hands to roll it into small bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the formed truffles on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or plate. Once all the truffles are shaped, place them in the fridge or freezer to firm up for at least 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter). Melt them together using a microwave (30-second intervals, stirring between each) or a double boiler method until smooth and fully melted.
4. Coat the Truffles:
- Once the truffles are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Use a fork or toothpick to remove the truffle from the chocolate, letting any excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment paper.
- If desired, you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of each truffle or add extra chocolate drizzle for decoration.
5. Chill and Set:
- Place the coated truffles in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate coating.
6. Serve:
- Once the chocolate has set, your Cherry Mash Truffles are ready to enjoy! Serve them as a sweet treat for parties, holidays, or simply as a delightful snack.
Tips:
- Storage: Keep the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2 months).
- For a firmer filling: If the peanut butter mixture is too soft to roll into balls, try adding more cocoa powder or powdered sweetener to thicken it up.
These Cherry Mash Truffles are rich, creamy, and perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate, cherries, and peanut butter. Let me know how they turn out or if you’d like any variations!