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These Cherry Delight Balls feature a gooey pink center wrapped in a nutty chocolate shell. They're an amazing homemade version of the classic Cherry Mash candy that'll bring back fond memories. Perfect for holiday gifting or whenever you want a tasty cherry treat.
Nostalgic Cherry Bites
Whipping up these balls fills my house with the most amazing cherry smell that takes me right back to my childhood. There's something truly special about making these treasures at home. I love watching people's faces light up when they take that first bite and realize they taste exactly like those beloved candies from years ago.
What You'll Need
- Cherry Flavored Chips: 2 cups of top-notch cherry chips for bold taste and color.
- Powdered Sugar: 3 cups, properly sifted for smoothness.
- Milk: 1/2 cup of whole milk at room temperature for extra richness.
- Cherry Bakery Emulsion: 1 teaspoon to boost the cherry flavor, try brands like LorAnn Oils.
- Chocolate Chips: 2 cups of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for dipping.
- Chopped Peanuts: 1 cup of finely chopped, unsalted peanuts for the outer layer.
Let's Make Them Together
- Make the Cherry Center
- Grab a microwave-safe bowl and melt 2 cups of cherry chips in 30-second bursts, giving them a good stir between each. Once smooth, mix in 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of cherry bakery emulsion until you get a soft, pliable dough.
- Shape and Chill
- Form the cherry mixture into 1-inch balls and put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips using the same 30-second interval method. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of chopped peanuts to create your coating mix.
- Dip the Truffles
- With a fork or special dipping tool, lower each cold cherry ball into the chocolate-peanut mix, letting the extra drip off. Place them back on your parchment-lined sheet.
- Set the Truffles
- Let your coated treats sit out or chill them for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate gets completely firm.
Making Sweet Memories
These sweet treats have become such an important part of my holiday cooking. I love how the bright pink centers show through the chocolate layer, making them look so pretty. The mix of cherry, chocolate and peanuts just works so well together. It's always fun to see people recognize that familiar Cherry Mash taste after their first bite.
Spread the Happiness
I really love how these treats make such wonderful gifts. They look so cute packed in small holiday boxes or old-fashioned tins with pretty ribbons. Everyone goes crazy for them at cookie swaps, and they're such a heartfelt present, especially for folks who grew up enjoying the original Cherry Mash candies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the reason for freezing the centers?
This keeps the cherry filling firm so it doesn’t break apart when you coat it in chocolate. It also makes the chocolate harden smoothly.
- → Why use coconut oil with chocolate?
Coconut oil makes the chocolate thinner, so dipping is simple, and it also gives your coating a shiny, soft finish that won’t get too hard.
- → Why should I refrigerate these treats?
The fridge helps keep the soft cherry filling and chocolate coating in perfect shape. If left out, they could get too soft or sticky.
- → Can I substitute the cherry emulsion?
Yes, you can. Regular cherry flavoring works too. Just taste as you go since flavor strength might differ.
- → Why not add all the powdered sugar at once?
Adding it bit by bit keeps everything smooth and lump-free. Plus, it lets you tweak the final texture easily.