Description
Delight in these luscious Chocolate Maraschino Cherry Coconut Truffles, combining the tropical sweetness of shredded coconut with smooth chocolate and a surprise cherry center. Perfect as a festive treat or elegant dessert, these no-bake truffles offer a creamy, rich flavor with a subtle almond and vanilla undertone.
Ingredients
Scale
Truffle Mixture
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 maraschino cherries, well-drained and dried
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra shredded coconut, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and sticky. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, take about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one dried maraschino cherry in the center, then carefully wrap the coconut mixture around the cherry to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process until you have shaped all 24 truffles.
- Chill the Truffles: Arrange the shaped truffles on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 1 hour or alternatively freeze them for 30 minutes until they become firm enough to handle for dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is fully smooth and melted.
- Dip the Truffles: Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, making sure it is completely coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Garnish and Set: Before the chocolate coating sets, sprinkle extra shredded coconut over the truffles for added texture and decoration. Once all truffles are coated and garnished, chill them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
- Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture from softening the truffles.
- Use good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth coating.
- For easier handling, chill the truffle mixture thoroughly before shaping and dipping.
- Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Optionally, sprinkle with cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts instead of shredded coconut for variety.
