Welcome to a delightful journey back to childhood memories and the sweet taste of nostalgia. Today, we’re diving into the creation of a true classic, reimagined for your holiday dessert table: these incredible Cherry Mash Truffles. If you cherish the distinctive flavor of the iconic Cherry Mash candy bar, prepare to be amazed. This recipe brings you a spot-on copycat featuring a perfectly soft, vibrant cherry center, enveloped in a rich chocolate and peanut coating. It’s a symphony of sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible flavors, making them an absolute must-try for any cherry enthusiast.
For those who adore the luscious taste of cherries, you might also enjoy exploring other cherry-infused delights. Consider trying our Roasted Cherry Hazelnut Chunk Brownies for another fantastic way to enjoy this versatile fruit.
The holiday season is a time for sharing joy, making memories, and, of course, indulging in an array of sweet treats. As part of our special Christmas Sweets Week, I’m thrilled to present a collection of festive recipes that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. From decadent candies and comforting drinks to delightful breakfast dishes and celebratory cocktails, we’re covering all your holiday cravings. Get ready for a week filled with seriously delicious inspiration!
Leading the charge this festive season are these absolutely mouthwatering Cherry Mash Truffles. They are more than just a dessert; they are a bite-sized piece of pure joy that embodies the magic of Christmas.
Cherry Lovers, Your Ultimate Treat Awaits!
My love affair with cherry flavor runs deep, stemming from cherished childhood memories. Every Christmas, my dad would gift me a box of chocolate-covered cherries, a tradition that filled my heart with warmth and my taste buds with delight. To this day, the sight of those familiar chocolates brings an instant smile to my face, reminding me of simple joys and family traditions. That deep-seated affection for cherry has always driven me to seek out new ways to enjoy its vibrant taste, and it’s precisely what inspired this recipe.
Perhaps you’ve had the pleasure of encountering a Cherry Mash candy bar before – that distinctive combination of a creamy, sweet cherry center and a crunchy chocolate-peanut coating. If you haven’t, you’ve been missing out on a truly unique candy experience. But fear not, because now you can recreate this iconic confection right in your own kitchen! From the incredibly authentic taste to the signature electric pink hue of the cherry interior, I can confidently say that this homemade version captures the essence of the original 100%. You’ll be hard-pressed to distinguish it from the store-bought treat, and in many ways, it’s even better.
My connection to these cherry-infused delights goes way back. When I was younger, I often babysat for the kids across the street. Around Christmas time, their mother would bring over her homemade “Cherry Bing Bars,” and they quickly became my absolute favorite treat in the world. Over the years, I’ve encountered various names for similar candies: Cherry Bing Bars, Bing Candy, Twin Bing, and, of course, Cherry Mash. It was a little confusing trying to decide on the perfect name for my rendition, but I ultimately settled on Cherry Mash Truffles, as it best describes their luxurious, bite-sized form.
Fast forward several years, and my craving for those beloved Cherry Bing Bars remained. I reached out to one of the “kids” I used to babysit, and she graciously shared her mother’s cherished recipe. Armed with this treasured culinary secret, and after a quick online search led to a surprisingly large order of cherry chips, I was back in the kitchen, meticulously recreating those delicious memories. It was a wonderful moment of culinary detective work and delicious reward.
The inspiration to transform those Cherry Bing Bars into these elegant truffles struck me recently. While traveling back from South Dakota, I picked up an old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bar at a gas station. That familiar taste immediately transported me back to those childhood Christmases and the homemade bing bars. The memory sparked a sudden realization: I knew exactly what to do with the bottle of Cherry Bakery Emulsion from LorAnn Oils and Flavors that I had recently acquired. Its intense cherry flavor was precisely what I needed to perfect the centers of these truffles.
The process, while simple, yields impressive results. I began by crafting the vibrant cherry candy interior, blending the emulsion with powdered sugar and milk to achieve that signature soft, sweet, and perfectly pink texture. Once the centers were formed and chilled, I prepared the coating: rich melted chocolate combined with finely chopped peanuts. Each cherry center was then lovingly dipped, creating a beautiful contrast of creamy cherry and crunchy chocolate. The result? Homemade cherry chocolate candies that come together surprisingly quickly, delivering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Common Questions and Helpful Tips for Perfect Cherry Mash Truffles
- Help! I can’t find cherry bakery emulsion!
- No worries at all! While the LorAnn Cherry Bakery Emulsion is fantastic for its intense flavor and color, it’s not always readily available in every store. You can easily purchase the one I used online here on Amazon. Alternatively, Cherry Extract can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that emulsions often provide a more robust flavor and vibrant color than extracts, so you might need to adjust the amount of food coloring slightly if using extract.
- Can I make other truffle flavors?
- Absolutely! This recipe provides a fantastic base for various truffle creations. Feel free to experiment with different extracts. Imagine delightful strawberry truffles with strawberry extract, rich raspberry truffles, or even a festive twist with peppermint extract for a truly holiday-inspired treat. The possibilities are endless!
- Tips for Perfect Truffle Dipping:
- Ensure your cherry centers are thoroughly chilled and firm. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from melting when dipped into warm chocolate.
- Work in small batches. Keep the remaining cherry centers in the freezer while you dip to maintain their firmness.
- Use a fork or a candy dipping tool to dip the balls. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them on parchment paper.
- Storage and Shelf Life:
- Store your finished Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 1-2 weeks.
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Achieving the Perfect Pink Color:
- The red food coloring is key to mimicking the classic Cherry Mash look. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you achieve your desired electric pink hue. Gel food coloring often provides a more concentrated color than liquid varieties.
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of sweet cherry, rich chocolate, and a satisfying crunch from roasted peanuts, then these Cherry Mash Truffles are undoubtedly for you!
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Be sure to explore my Amazon Storefront, where I share all my favorite kitchen tools and ingredients, including this essential Cherry Bakery Emulsion to make your truffles truly pop!
Cherry Mash Truffles
Yield:
25 servingsPrep Time:
10 minutesInactive Time:
2 hoursTotal Time:
2 hours 10 minutesThese Cherry Mash Truffles are a delicious copycat of Cherry Mash candies featuring a soft cherry center, covered in chocolate peanut coating. Perfect for holiday platters or a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons LorAnn Cherry Bakery Emulsion
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until well combined. Gradually add another cup of powdered sugar, followed by the milk, mixing until smooth. Finally, incorporate the remaining powdered sugar, cherry emulsion, and red food coloring. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and beautifully pink.
- Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop, portion the cherry mixture and roll it into smooth balls. Place these balls onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Once all the mixture has been shaped, transfer the sheet pan to the freezer to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the centers are completely solid.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with the coconut oil until smooth and glossy. Stir in the chopped peanuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.
- Working in batches, dip the frozen cherry balls into the warm chocolate-peanut coating. Use a fork or a candy dipping tool to ensure an even coat, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped truffles onto another parchment-lined cookie sheet. Once all the cherry balls are dipped, return the sheet to the freezer for a final setting until the chocolate is firm. Store the finished Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my
- KitchenAid RRK150ER 5 Qt. Artisan Series – Empire Red
- OXO Good Grips Small Cookie Scoop
- Wilton Candy Melts Candy Decorating Set – 5-Piece Candy Dipping Tools Set
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 25
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 98Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 0gAll information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist, and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline. Please consult a qualified health professional for personalized advice.
These Cherry Mash Truffles are more than just a delicious copycat of a beloved candy; they are an invitation to recreate joy and tradition in your own home. With their soft, sweet cherry centers and crunchy chocolate-peanut coating, they are destined to become a standout on any holiday cookie tray. They are surprisingly simple to make, wonderfully delicious, and guaranteed to impress your guests and family alike. Prepare for rave reviews!
🍬 More Christmas Sweets recipes:
Beverages:
Brownie Batter Hot Chocolate Mix from The Spiffy Cookie
Christmas Flip from Our Good Life
Easy Cranberry Orange Madras from Love and Confections
Gloggfrom Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Grinch Cocoa with Peppermint Marshmallows from Kate’s Recipe Box
Salted Caramel Toffee Martini from Family Around the Table
Sparkling Snowfall Cocktail from Seduction in the Kitchen
Sugar Cookie Martini from The Redhead BakerBreakfast:
Christmas Cranberry Bread from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Easy Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree from Jonesin’ For Taste
Overnight Caramel French Toast from Rants From My Crazy KitchenCandies:
Cherry Mash Truffles from Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Chocolate Covered Orange Cheesecake Truffles from Cooking with Carlee
Dark Chocolate Cherry & Peppermint Snowflake Bark from Sweet Beginnings
Grinch Fudge Topped Brownies from Big Bear’s Wife
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Fudge from Lady Behind the Curtain
Red Velvet Fudge from Live Love TexasDesserts:
Black Forest Tiramisu Parfait from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Chocolate Bundt Cake from Juggling Act Mama
Chocolate Eggnog Cupcakes from The Crumby Kitchen
Christmas Chocolate Chip Sprinkles Butter Cookies from Moore or Less Cooking
Cookie Butter Pudding Cups from The Beard and The Baker
Cranberry Almond Ecstasy Bars from Tip Garden
Date Filled Cookies from Platter Talk
Easy Snickerdoodle Cake from Daily Dish Recipes
Eggnog Blossom Cookies from Blogghetti
Eggnog Cookies from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Gingerbread Cheesecake Trifle from My Suburban Kitchen
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream from Tara’s Multicultural Table
Glazed Gingerbread Loaf from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
Marbled Star Cookies from Eat Move Make
Mint Chip Cookies from The Mandatory Mooch
No Bake Peppermint Eggnog Pie from Who Needs A Cape?
Peppermint Shortbread from Cheese Curd in Paradise
Pepper Jelly Rugelach from Take Two Tapas
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies from April Golightly
Sugar Cookie Cheesecake from Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt
Toffee Thumbprint Cookies from The Bitter Side of Sweet
Ugly Sweater Cake from Mildly Meandering
Vanilla Yogurt Mousse with Cinnamon Apples from With Two Spoons
Vegan Hot Chocolate Layer Cake from The Baking Fairy
Winter Wonderland Snack Mix from An Affair from the HeartCraving more deliciousness?
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