Decadent Chocolate Cherry Truffles
Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavor of these Decadent Chocolate Cherry Truffles. Combining semi-sweet chocolate with the sweet-tart burst of maraschino cherries, these treats are rolled in your choice of ground almonds or shredded coconut, adding an irresistible texture. Perfect for special occasions or as a delightful homemade gift, these truffles are not only easy to make but promise to impress everyone who tries them.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (melted)
Evaporated milk
1/3 cup (combined with melted chocolate)
Powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
Chopped nuts
1/3 cup (for mixing and rolling)
Chopped maraschino cherries
1/3 cup (well drained)
Ground almonds or shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups (for rolling truffles)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and evaporated milk over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
2
Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually fold in the sifted powdered sugar, ensuring there are no lumps.
3
Add the chopped nuts and well-drained maraschino cherries into the chocolate mixture, mixing until evenly distributed.
4
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until it is cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes.
5
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the chocolate mixture and quickly roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands.
6
Roll each ball in either ground almonds or shredded coconut until fully coated.
7
Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, allowing them to firm up.
8
Serve the truffles chilled and enjoy your delightful treats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Cherry Truffles?
These are luxurious candy treats made by combining melted semi-sweet chocolate, evaporated milk, powdered sugar, nuts, and maraschino cherries.
What kind of chocolate is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips to provide a balanced richness that isn't overly sweet.
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead?
Yes, but the truffles will be significantly sweeter and might be slightly softer in texture.
How do I melt the chocolate properly?
Melt the chocolate chips with evaporated milk in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
It is not recommended as evaporated milk has a lower water content and higher fat content, which is necessary for the truffle consistency.
Why do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting ensures that there are no lumps in the mixture, resulting in a perfectly smooth truffle texture.
How should I prepare the maraschino cherries?
The cherries should be well-drained to remove excess syrup and then chopped into small pieces before being added to the chocolate.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries contain more moisture and may make the truffles too soft; maraschino cherries are preferred for their texture and sweetness.
What types of nuts work best in these truffles?
You can use chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on your personal preference.
How long should the mixture chill before rolling?
The mixture needs to refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until it is cool enough to handle without sticking excessively to your hands.
What is the ideal size for each truffle?
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
What can I use to coat the truffles?
The recipe suggests using either ground almonds or shredded coconut for a variety of textures and flavors.
Can I roll them in cocoa powder?
Yes, rolling the truffles in unsweetened cocoa powder is a great alternative for a more intense chocolate flavor.
How long do the finished truffles need to set?
They should chill in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 4 hours to firm up completely.
Are these truffles a no-bake dessert?
Yes, these are entirely no-bake, requiring only a stovetop for melting the chocolate.
How should I store the truffles?
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their shape and freshness.
How long will these truffles stay fresh?
When kept refrigerated in an airtight container, they should remain fresh for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze these chocolate cherry truffles?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I add alcohol to the recipe?
You can add a teaspoon of cherry brandy or rum to the chocolate mixture for an adult version of the treat.
Are these truffles gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chocolate chip and powdered sugar labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
Can I make these truffles vegan?
You can use dairy-free chocolate chips and sub the evaporated milk for a coconut-based evaporated milk alternative.
What do I do if the mixture is too soft to roll?
If the mixture is too soft, return it to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes or add a little more sifted powdered sugar.
How many truffles does this recipe yield?
Depending on the size of the balls, this recipe typically makes about 20 to 24 truffles.
Can I use white chocolate instead?
White chocolate has a different fat content and may require less milk; it is possible but requires careful adjustment of ratios.
What if the chocolate mixture seizes while melting?
Ensure no water gets into the pan and keep the heat low. If it seizes, you may need to start over or add a tiny bit of vegetable oil.
Can I use almond extract to enhance the flavor?
Yes, adding half a teaspoon of almond extract along with the cherries complements the flavor profile beautifully.
Are these truffles suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! They look beautiful in small candy boxes or tins and make for a very thoughtful homemade gift.
Can I use heavy cream instead of evaporated milk?
Heavy cream can be used as a 1:1 substitute for evaporated milk for an even richer ganache-like texture.
Should the truffles be served cold?
Yes, they are best served chilled as they have the best texture and hold their shape better.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, if you have an allergy or preference, you can omit the nuts entirely and add a little more chopped cherries or crushed cookies.