Welcome, sweet treat enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a dessert recipe that perfectly balances indulgence, flavor, and simplicity, look no further than these Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles. These delightful bites, also known as Decadent Chocolate Cherry Bliss Bites, are the ultimate sweet treat. Packed with tropical coconut, luscious maraschino cherries, and rich chocolate, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
What makes these truffles truly special is their ease of preparation. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself, these truffles are sure to bring joy and happiness. The blend of flavors, from the coconut’s sweetness to the cherry’s tartness, creates a symphony of taste that delights every palate. Plus, you can easily customize them by swapping in different types of chocolate or adding spices to suit your preferences!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles
- Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and coconut is simply divine.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is not only simple but also quick to make, perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: Modify the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
- Fun Activity: Making truffles can be a fun kitchen project with family and friends.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you get started on making your Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles, you’ll want to prepare your kitchen for success. Make sure you have all the ingredients on hand and measured out to streamline the process. It’s also essential to have your cooking tools ready: a mixing bowl for combining the coconut mixture, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for the truffles, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate. If you have a cookie scoop or tablespoon, that will help with measuring the truffles evenly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 15 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Mixture
Begin by mixing the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract in a medium mixing bowl. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture reaches a thick and sticky consistency. This coconut blend will serve as the base for your truffles, so make sure everything is well incorporated to ensure a fantastic flavor throughout.
Step 2: Assemble the Truffles
Now, it’s time to form your truffles! Take approximately one tablespoon of the coconut mixture and press it into a flat disc in your palm. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of this disc and gently fold the coconut around it, carefully sealing the cherry inside. Aim for a smooth, round ball as you wrap the cherry. Repeat this process until you have formed truffles around all 15 cherries.
Step 3: Chill the Truffles
Once all the truffles are assembled, place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the tray into the freezer for about 15 minutes. Chilling the truffles prior to coating them in chocolate makes it easier to dip them without them falling apart.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the truffles are chilling, you can melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat them together in the microwave, but do so in 20-second intervals. After each interval, take the bowl out and stir the chocolate. Continue this until the chocolate has melted completely and is smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Coat the Truffles
Once the truffles are firm and your chocolate is ready, take each chilled truffle and dip it into the melted chocolate using a fork. Ensure the truffle is fully coated and then gently shake off any excess chocolate before returning it to the parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top while the chocolate is still warm so they stick.
Step 6: Set and Serve
Allow the chocolate coating to set at room temperature for an hour, or expedite the process by placing the truffles back in the refrigerator. Once the chocolate has hardened, your delightful Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles are ready to be shared and enjoyed!
Variations
- Protein: For a chocolate fudge boost, consider adding protein powder to the coconut mixture.
- Vegetables: Incorporate crushed pineapple for a tropical twist, adding moisture and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth during festive seasons.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the cherries are completely drained and dried before wrapping them in the coconut mixture. This helps prevent the truffles from becoming soggy.
- If you desire a richer truffle, opt for dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet to enhance the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your truffles on a decorative plate for an inviting presentation at gatherings.
- Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or your favorite dessert wine for the ultimate indulgent treat.
Tips
- For an added crunch, consider rolling the finished truffles in crushed nuts or unsweetened cocoa powder before the chocolate sets.
- These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 150 per truffle
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
FAQs
How long do these truffles last?
These delicious Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate or even white chocolate can be used depending on your personal taste preferences.
Is there a nut-free version?
Yes! Simply omit the almond extract and use vanilla extract instead for a nut-free alternative.
Can I freeze these truffles?
You can freeze the truffles for longer storage. Just ensure they are packed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures in each bite. With their ease of preparation and versatility, they make for the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing these truffles with friends at a gathering or keeping them all to yourself, they are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try out the variations and make them your own! We’d love to hear your thoughts or any creative twists you added. Enjoy making and indulging in these heavenly treats!
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Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience that combines flavors and textures in each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 15 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract in a medium mixing bowl. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture reaches a thick and sticky consistency.
- Take approximately one tablespoon of the coconut mixture and press it into a flat disc in your palm. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of this disc and gently fold the coconut around it, carefully sealing the cherry inside.
- Once all the truffles are assembled, place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the tray into the freezer for about 15 minutes.
- While the truffles are chilling, you can melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat them together in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Once the truffles are firm and your chocolate is ready, take each chilled truffle and dip it into the melted chocolate using a fork.
- Allow the chocolate coating to set at room temperature for an hour, or expedite the process by placing the truffles back in the refrigerator.
Notes
Ensure the cherries are completely drained and dried before wrapping them in the coconut mixture. This helps prevent the truffles from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal per truffle
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Protein: 2 g