Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe

Introduction

This Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles recipe delivers a simple yet decadent treat perfect for any occasion. Combining rich chocolate, sweet maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut creates irresistible no-bake bites. For more indulgent desserts, try This dreamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe features a decadently creamy peanut butter filling crunchy OREO crust and luscious chocolate ganache topping every bit as indulgent as it sounds or Better Than Anything Toffee.

Ingredients

These decadent Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles combine chewy coconut, sweet cherries, and rich chocolate for an irresistible treat.

• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted (for coating)

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	5 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cherry Filling

Drain and finely chop ½ cup of maraschino cherries, reserving 1 tablespoon of the juice. In a small bowl, combine the chopped cherries, 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Tip: Pat the cherries dry with a paper towel before chopping to prevent excess moisture from making the filling too wet.

Step 2 — Form the Cherry Centers

Using a teaspoon or small scoop, portion the cherry mixture into 20–24 small balls, about ¾ inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm.

Freezing the centers makes them easier to coat in chocolate without losing their shape.

Step 3 — Toast the Coconut

Spread ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut in a single layer on a dry baking sheet. Toast in a preheated 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden and fragrant.

Watch closely—coconut can burn quickly. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 4 — Melt the Chocolate

Place 8 ounces of chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt using a double boiler or in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth.

Avoid overheating—chocolate should not exceed 115°F. If it seizes, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil to restore smoothness.

Step 5 — Coat the Truffles

Remove the cherry centers from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the parchment-lined tray.

Work quickly so the centers stay cold. Re-melt chocolate as needed to keep it fluid.

Step 6 — Add the Coconut Topping

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle each truffle generously with the toasted coconut. Gently press to help it adhere if needed.

For even coverage, you can also roll truffles in a shallow bowl of coconut.

Step 7 — Set and Serve

Let the Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles set at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, about 1–2 hours. For faster setting, refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information

Calories	185
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	35mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein powder instead of coconut — Adds protein while maintaining texture; choose vanilla or unflavored to complement the chocolate and cherry flavors.
• Almond flour instead of shredded coconut — Lowers carbs and provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate and cherry.
• Coconut oil instead of butter — Creates a dairy-free version while enhancing the coconut flavor in your Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles.
• Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate — Reduces sugar content and provides richer antioxidant benefits.
• Unsweetened dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries — Lowers added sugar and sodium while providing natural cherry flavor.
• Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese — Increases protein content and creates a tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate coating.
• Stevia-sweetened chocolate chips — Offers a lower-carb option for those monitoring sugar intake in their truffles.
• Homemade cherry compote instead of canned cherries — Allows control over sugar and sodium levels while using fresh ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coffee or dessert wine for an elegant after-dinner treat
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream to complement the cherry flavor
• Arrange on a decorative platter for holiday parties and special occasions
• Package in decorative boxes for homemade edible gifts
• Create a dessert charcuterie board featuring these truffles with fresh fruits and nuts
• Serve as petit fours at bridal showers and wedding receptions

For beautiful presentation, dust the Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles with cocoa powder or shredded coconut and serve in petite paper liners. These sophisticated confections make perfect bite-sized desserts for any celebration where you want to impress guests with homemade elegance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using wet maraschino cherries without thorough drying. Fix: Pat cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
• Mistake: Melting chocolate too quickly over high heat. Fix: Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.
• Mistake: Adding coconut to overly warm chocolate mixture. Fix: Allow the chocolate base to cool slightly before folding in coconut to maintain texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before rolling truffles. Fix: Refrigerate the mixture until firm for easier handling and perfectly round shapes.
• Mistake: Using sweetened coconut exclusively, making truffles overly sweet. Fix: Balance flavors by using a mix of unsweetened and sweetened shredded coconut.
• Mistake: Rolling truffles with warm hands, causing melting. Fix: Chill your hands briefly or wear food-safe gloves when shaping the truffles.
• Mistake: Storing finished truffles at room temperature. Fix: Keep Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles refrigerated in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
• Mistake: Chopping cherries too finely, losing their signature burst. Fix: Dice cherries into small, distinct pieces to ensure a flavorful bite in every truffle.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to preserve their flavor.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the truffles in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: If the truffles become too firm, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Do not microwave, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and lose shape.

Always store Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles below 40°F (4°C) in the fridge or freezer to ensure food safety and maintain freshness.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are an easy, decadent treat perfect for any occasion. If you love these, try our White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies Recipe for another fruity delight. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

No, maraschino cherries are essential for the signature flavor and moist texture in these Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles. Fresh cherries contain too much water and lack the sweet, syrupy quality that binds the truffle mixture together.

How should I store these truffles to keep them fresh?

Store your Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for several months; just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make these truffles without coconut?

Yes, but the coconut adds texture and flavor that complements the maraschino cherries and chocolate. If you omit it, you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the proper consistency for rolling the truffles.