Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Mash Truffles are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate with the sweet and tangy flavor of cherries. These luscious bite-sized confections are perfect for holiday gifts or an elegant dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry puree
- 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur (optional)
- Cocoa powder or chopped nuts, as needed for rolling
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Step 2: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Step 3: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Then stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Stir in the cherry puree and cherry liqueur, if using, until well combined.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours until the mixture is firm.
- Step 6: Scoop about a tablespoon of the chilled ganache and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is shaped.
- Step 7: Roll each truffle in cocoa powder or chopped nuts to coat thoroughly.
- Step 8: Place the coated truffles on a baking tray and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen cherries to make your own cherry puree by blending and straining for a fresher flavor.
- Substitute cherry liqueur with almond extract if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
- Try rolling truffles in shredded coconut or crushed freeze-dried cherries for a different texture.
Storage
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. When ready to serve, let frozen truffles thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours. Serve chilled for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, milk chocolate can be used, but keep in mind that the truffles will be sweeter and less rich than those made with dark chocolate.
How do I make cherry puree from fresh cherries?
Remove the pits from fresh cherries, then blend them until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids for a smoother texture.
Print
Cherry Mash Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 truffles 1x
Description
Delight in these luscious Cherry Mash Truffles, featuring rich semi-sweet chocolate blended with vibrant cherry puree and a hint of cherry liqueur. These elegant ganache-based treats are coated in cocoa powder or chopped nuts, perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a special gift.
Ingredients
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry puree
- 2 tablespoons cherry liqueur (optional)
Coating
- Cocoa powder or chopped nuts, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate: Place the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate into a heatproof bowl, ensuring the pieces are roughly uniform for even melting.
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, watching carefully to avoid boiling.
- Create the Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Stir the Mixture: Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until fully melted and silky smooth, forming a rich ganache base.
- Add Cherry Flavor: Incorporate the cherry puree and, if desired, the cherry liqueur into the ganache, mixing thoroughly until the flavors are well blended.
- Chill the Ganache: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for approximately 2 hours, or until the ganache firms up enough to handle.
- Shape the Truffles: Using a small scoop or your hands, portion out about a tablespoon of ganache at a time and roll into smooth, compact balls.
- Coat the Truffles: Roll each truffle generously in cocoa powder or chopped nuts, making sure each is fully coated for flavor and texture.
- Final Chill: Arrange the coated truffles on a baking tray and chill in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best taste and texture.
- If cherry liqueur is not available or preferred, simply omit it – the truffles will still be delicious.
- Chill time can be extended if ganache isn’t firm enough for rolling.
- To keep truffles fresh, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a different flavor twist, substitute cherry puree with raspberry or strawberry puree.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate truffles, cherry truffles, chocolate ganache, cherry puree, no-bake dessert, chocolate cherry dessert
