Cherry Ripe Truffles Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are the perfect easy holiday treat. With a one-bowl prep method, they combine rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and coconut for an irresistible no-bake dessert. For more coconut-inspired sweets, try These Martha Washington Candies are rich sweet and full of nostalgic charm Coconut pecans and chocolate – whats not to love or the tropical Best Piña Colada Fluff – Easy No-Bake Dessert.

Ingredients

These decadent truffles combine the rich taste of dark chocolate with sweet maraschino cherries and tropical coconut for an irresistible holiday confection.

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 180g glace cherries (half finely chopped, half blitzed)
• 2 tablespoons condensed milk
• 150g dark chocolate (for coating)

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This recipe for Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a truly easy holiday treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cherry Filling

Drain a 10-ounce jar of maraschino cherries, reserving 2 tablespoons of the juice. Pat the cherries completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in your truffles.

Finely chop the cherries and combine them with 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut and 2 tablespoons of the reserved cherry juice in a medium bowl. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when pressed.

Step 2 — Form the Truffle Centers

Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, portion the cherry-coconut mixture. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to form 1-inch balls.

Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it prevents the centers from falling apart during the chocolate coating process.

Step 3 — Melt the Chocolate Coating

Place 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.

For best results, ensure no water gets into the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize. The chocolate should be fluid but not hot to the touch—around 90°F (32°C) is ideal for dipping.

Step 4 — Coat the Truffles

Remove the chilled cherry-coconut balls from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge one ball at a time into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered.

Gently tap the fork against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate. This technique gives your Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles a smooth, professional finish.

Step 5 — Set the Chocolate Shell

Transfer each coated truffle back to the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, immediately sprinkle with additional shredded coconut or festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

Allow the chocolate to harden completely at room temperature, which typically takes 1-2 hours. For faster setting, you can refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6 — Store and Serve

Once fully set, transfer your finished Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles to an airtight container. They can be stored at cool room temperature for up to one week.

For the best texture and flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if they’ve been refrigerated. These easy holiday treats are perfect for gifting or party platters.

Nutritional Information

Calories	85
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fat	5g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	15mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein powder — Replace some coconut with vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a protein boost while maintaining sweetness.
• Stevia-sweetened chocolate — Use sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce carbs and sugar content significantly.
• Coconut cream — Swap heavy cream or dairy with full-fat coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free version.
• Almond flour coating — Instead of shredded coconut, roll truffles in finely ground almond flour for lower carbs.
• Unsweetened cherries — Opt for frozen, pitted dark cherries instead of maraschino cherries to cut added sugar and sodium.
• Dark cocoa powder — Use unsweetened dark cocoa in the truffle base for deeper flavor and less sugar.
• Date paste — Substitute refined sugar with blended dates for natural sweetness and fiber.
• Sea salt flakes — Garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt instead of regular salt for lower sodium and enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange these Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles on a festive holiday platter alongside other seasonal cookies and candies for a beautiful dessert spread.
• Serve them as a sweet conclusion to a holiday dinner, pairing wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a dessert wine.
• Package these easy holiday treats in decorative boxes or tins to create thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers.
• For an elegant plating tip, place each truffle in a mini cupcake liner and dust the platter with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
• Bring these truffles to cookie exchanges, holiday potlucks, or office parties for a dessert that is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Create a stunning dessert board by pairing these Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles with fresh berries, nuts, and a selection of cheeses.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these truffles are the perfect easy holiday treat to spread festive cheer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using warm chocolate, which causes the coconut coating to melt and become greasy. Fix: Ensure your melted chocolate has cooled to room temperature before rolling the truffles.
• Mistake: Not draining maraschino cherries thoroughly, adding excess liquid that prevents the truffle center from setting. Fix: Pat cherries completely dry with paper towels after draining.
• Mistake: Overworking the truffle mixture with your hands, melting the fats and creating a sticky mess. Fix: Handle the mixture quickly and use a small cookie scoop for portioning.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step, resulting in soft truffles that lose their shape when coated. Fix: Always chill the formed centers for at least 30 minutes before dipping.
• Mistake: Using sweetened coconut flakes that are too large, creating a chunky, uneven coating. Fix: Pulse the coconut in a food processor a few times for a finer, more even texture.
• Mistake: Dipping chilled truffles into chocolate that is too hot, causing the centers to crack. Fix: Temper your chocolate properly or let it cool slightly before dipping.
• Mistake: Storing finished truffles at room temperature, which can cause blooming and texture issues. Fix: Keep them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Mistake: Rushing the process and trying to coat all truffles at once, leading to melted, misshapen candies. Fix: Work in small batches, keeping the majority of the centers chilled until ready to dip.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 weeks. Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: If chocolate softens, briefly refrigerate until firm. Do not microwave; the coconut coating may melt.

For best quality, enjoy your Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles chilled. Always use clean utensils when handling to maintain food safety.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles are the perfect easy holiday treat to share with loved ones. If you enjoy coconut desserts, you might also love our Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know how your truffles turn out in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for this recipe?

We do not recommend fresh cherries because maraschino cherries provide the signature sweet, syrupy flavor and moist texture essential for these Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles. Using fresh cherries will alter the consistency and sweetness of the truffles.

How far in advance can I make these truffles for the holidays?

You can prepare these easy Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles up to one week ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm for your holiday gatherings.

What is the best way to coat the truffles if I don’t have a double boiler?

You can melt the chocolate coating for your Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles in the microwave. Heat it in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until smooth and fully melted for easy dipping.