Decadent Cherry-Coconut Peanut Butter Truffles
Indulge in these Decadent Cherry-Coconut Peanut Butter Truffles - a delightful blend of rich peanut butter, creamy butter, and sweet maraschino cherries, all encased in a smooth chocolate coating. Ideal for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones, these truffles offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With a hint of coconut added in the mix, these irresistible bites are sure to captivate your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more!
N/A
Servings
110
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (softened (no substitutes))
Peanut Butter
1 cup (smooth)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Confectioners' Sugar
2 cups
Maraschino Cherries
24-26 cherries (with stems, patted dry)
Additional Confectioners' Sugar
As needed (for dusting)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
2 cups
Shortening
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Cream the mixture together until smooth and well-blended.
2
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the mixture, beating continuously until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to firm it up.
4
In the meantime, pat each maraschino cherry dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the peanut butter mixture adhere better.
5
Dust your hands with additional confectioners' sugar to prevent sticking. Take a rounded tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm.
6
Wrap the flattened mixture around each cherry, shaping it into a ball. If the mixture becomes too warm, refrigerate it for a short while before continuing.
7
Once all cherries are wrapped, place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and return to the refrigerator for another hour.
8
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and completely melted.
9
Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated, and then place it back on the waxed paper to cool.
10
Once all truffles are dipped, refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
11g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Cherry-Coconut Peanut Butter Truffles?
They are a rich confection made of peanut butter, butter, and confectioners' sugar wrapped around maraschino cherries and dipped in chocolate.
What is the primary flavor profile of these truffles?
These truffles offer a sweet and creamy blend of peanut butter and chocolate with a fruity maraschino cherry center.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients including butter, peanut butter, vanilla, sugar, cherries, chocolate chips, and shortening.
Can I use a substitute for the butter?
The recipe specifies using softened butter with no substitutes to ensure the correct texture.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
Smooth peanut butter is recommended for a creamy truffle texture.
How should the maraschino cherries be prepared?
They should be patted dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture so the peanut butter mixture adheres better.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Yes, one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is used to enhance the flavor of the peanut butter mixture.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of confectioners' sugar plus additional for dusting your hands.
Why do I need to dust my hands with sugar?
Dusting your hands with sugar prevents the peanut butter mixture from sticking to your skin while shaping the truffles.
How long should the initial mixture be refrigerated?
The peanut butter and butter mixture should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to firm up.
How do I shape the truffles?
Take a rounded tablespoon of the mixture, flatten it in your palm, and wrap it around a cherry to form a ball.
What if the peanut butter mixture gets too warm?
If the mixture becomes too soft to handle, refrigerate it for a short while before continuing to shape the balls.
How long should the shaped balls chill before dipping?
Once all cherries are wrapped, they should return to the refrigerator for another hour.
What kind of chocolate is used for the coating?
The recipe uses 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed with shortening.
Why is shortening added to the chocolate chips?
Shortening helps the chocolate melt smoothly and provides a better consistency for dipping and setting.
How should I melt the chocolate?
Melt the chocolate and shortening in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth.
What is the best way to coat the truffles?
Dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate until it is fully coated.
What should I use to line the tray for cooling?
Use parchment paper or waxed paper to prevent the chocolate-dipped truffles from sticking to the tray.
How long does it take for the chocolate coating to set?
The truffles should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour until the chocolate coating is firm.
Are these truffles a no-bake dessert?
Yes, these are a no-bake treat, requiring only mixing, chilling, and melting of chocolate.
How many calories are in one truffle?
Each truffle contains approximately 110 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6.7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these truffles?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any protein in this recipe?
Yes, each truffle provides about 1.7 grams of protein.
Where does the coconut flavor come from?
The description mentions a hint of coconut is added to the mix to captivate your taste buds.
How many truffles does this recipe make?
Based on the cherry count, this recipe makes approximately 24 to 26 truffles.
What occasions are these truffles best for?
They are ideal for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
Can I use cherries with stems?
Yes, the recipe suggests using maraschino cherries with stems for easy handling and a decorative look.
How should I store these truffles?
They should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the peanut butter center firm and the chocolate coating set.
Are these considered a candy or a dessert?
They are categorized as both candy and dessert, fitting into the category of sweets and holiday treats.