Cherry Mash Truffles are a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth candy that combines rich chocolate ganache with vibrant cherry flavor for a truly indulgent bite. Smooth, creamy centers infused with cherry puree are coated in cocoa powder or crunchy nuts, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. Each truffle delivers deep chocolate richness followed by a bright, fruity finish that feels elegant yet comforting.
If you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, budget-friendly holiday treats, or simple family recipes that look gourmet without complicated steps, Cherry Mash Truffles are a perfect choice. This no-bake candy recipe is ideal for Christmas platters, edible gifts, or anytime you want a decadent treat made with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy no-bake dessert that requires no oven time
• Perfect for holiday entertaining, gifting, and parties
• Rich chocolate flavor balanced with bright cherry notes
• Budget-friendly ingredients with a gourmet result
• Beginner-friendly candy recipe with simple steps
• Great make-ahead dessert for busy schedules

Ingredient Breakdown

High-Quality Chocolate – The foundation of these truffles, good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate delivers deep cocoa flavor and a silky smooth texture. Using premium chocolate ensures a glossy ganache and rich taste that elevates this recipe into gourmet territory.
Heavy Cream – Essential for creating a smooth, creamy ganache, heavy cream adds richness and structure so the truffles set properly while staying soft inside.
Cherry Puree – Provides natural fruit flavor and subtle sweetness, giving these truffles their signature cherry-forward taste. It also adds moisture and a vibrant color to the ganache.
Cherry Liqueur (Optional) – Enhances the cherry flavor with depth and complexity, making these truffles perfect for adult holiday gatherings.
Cocoa Powder or Chopped Nuts – Used for coating, these add texture, visual appeal, and balance to the creamy center. Cocoa powder offers a classic finish, while nuts provide crunch.

Pro Tips

Use finely chopped chocolate so it melts evenly when the hot cream is added.
Heat the cream just until it simmers, not boiling, to prevent scorching the chocolate.
Let the ganache rest before stirring to ensure smooth melting and prevent separation.
Chill the mixture fully before rolling to make shaping easy and mess-free.
Dust your hands lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking while rolling.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier truffle.
Swap cherry puree with raspberry or strawberry puree for a different fruit profile.
Roll truffles in shredded coconut or crushed pistachios for visual contrast.
Make this recipe alcohol-free by skipping the cherry liqueur entirely.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Mash Truffles shine on holiday dessert boards alongside fudge, cookies, and peppermint treats. Serve them chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for the best texture. They pair beautifully with coffee, espresso, dessert wine, or hot cocoa. For gifting, arrange truffles in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

These truffles are ideal for meal prep and holiday planning. Store Cherry Mash Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where they’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Cultural and Holiday Notes

Chocolate truffles originated in France and have long been associated with celebrations and special occasions. Fruit-infused truffles, like cherry chocolate, gained popularity as home cooks began blending classic candy-making techniques with seasonal flavors. Cherry Mash Truffles fit perfectly into American holiday traditions, combining nostalgic fruit flavors with rich chocolate indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cherry Mash Truffles ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making days or weeks in advance when stored properly.
What’s the best way to store these truffles?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely, the cherry liqueur is optional and can be omitted without affecting texture.
Can I make these truffles healthier?
Use dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage and roll in cocoa powder instead of nuts.
Why is my ganache too soft?
It may need more chilling time or slightly less puree next time.

Maya