If you love rich, indulgent treats that bring together the best of chocolate, fruit, and tropical flavors, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe. These little bites of heaven combine the chewiness of shredded coconut, the luscious sweetness of maraschino cherries, and the deep, smooth richness of semisweet chocolate all wrapped up into elegant, bite-sized truffles. They are unbelievably easy to make, perfect for gifts, parties, or a special treat just for yourself. Get ready for a recipe that feels like a holiday celebration in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe. Each component brings its own charm—coconut adds chewy sweetness, cherries provide a tangy pop, and chocolate gives a silky finish.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1 cup): Adds chewy texture and tropical sweetness that’s the heart of these truffles.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): Acts as the binder, giving the filling a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Maraschino cherries (15, drained and patted dry): Offer bursts of bright cherry flavor and a fun, colorful surprise inside each truffle.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Create the rich, glossy coating that makes these truffles truly decadent.
- Coconut oil (2 teaspoons): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly and adds a subtle hint of coconut aroma.
- Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, nutty depth, though vanilla extract works wonderfully as a nut-free alternative.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the truffles from sticking and make cleanup super easy, so you can focus on the fun part of dipping and rolling without any mess worries.
Step 2: Mix the Coconut Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded sweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract until everything is evenly mixed. This creamy, coconut-packed mixture is the foundation of your truffles, offering that perfect chewy yet soft texture.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Gently fold in the maraschino cherries that have been drained and patted dry. Be careful not to break them up too much; you want whole cherries in your truffles for those delightful fruity bursts.
Step 4: Form the Truffle Balls
Scoop out small portions of the coconut and cherry mixture with a spoon and roll them into neat little balls with your hands. Place each ball on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Your hands might get a bit sticky, but trust me, that’s part of the joy of making these!
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips together with the coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is perfectly smooth and glossy. This silky coating will seal in the deliciousness and add that beautiful shine.
Step 6: Dip Each Truffle
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each coconut cherry ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Gently shake off any excess chocolate and return each truffle to the parchment paper. This chocolate envelope will make your truffles feel like a true gourmet treat.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator and chill the truffles for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the chocolate shell to harden, so you get that satisfying snap when you bite in.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your presentation, sprinkle the tops of freshly dipped truffles with a little extra shredded coconut, a tiny dusting of cocoa powder, or even some finely chopped nuts! These garnishes add a lovely texture contrast and a gorgeous finish to your homemade truffles.
Side Dishes
While these truffles shine perfectly on their own, they also pair delightfully with a cup of hot coffee, a glass of red wine, or even a creamy vanilla ice cream. Serving your Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe alongside these beverages or desserts turns a simple moment into a sophisticated treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, arrange your truffles in mini cupcake liners and place them in a decorative box or tin. You can also skewer a few on cocktail sticks and serve them as elegant dessert bites at celebrations. The festive colors and textures make these truffles an instant conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, perfect for nibbling anytime you crave a sweet escape.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these truffles later or prepare them in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
These truffles are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. Just let frozen truffles sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out their wonderful texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While fresh cherries provide a fresher taste, their higher moisture content can affect the texture of your truffles. Maraschino cherries are ideal because they are sweetened and drier, helping the truffles hold their shape perfectly.
What if I don’t have coconut oil for melting the chocolate?
You can melt the chocolate chips on their own, but coconut oil helps smooth out the chocolate and gives a glossy finish. If you don’t have coconut oil, a small amount of vegetable oil or butter can be used as an alternative.
Is there a way to make these truffles nut-free?
Absolutely! Just replace the almond extract with vanilla extract, and you will still have wonderfully fragrant and delicious truffles without any nut flavors.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate is a fantastic option if you want a richer, less sweet coating. Just be sure to taste the mix for sweetness, as dark chocolate can be more intense, and adjust the filling sweetness if needed.
How long do these truffles last at room temperature?
Because these truffles contain sweetened condensed milk and cherries, they are best stored in the refrigerator. At room temperature, they should only be left out for about 1-2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe enough if you want to whip up something easy, charming, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, gifting them over the holidays, or savoring a little homemade treat, these truffles are sure to brighten your day with every bite. Get ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles are a delightfully easy holiday treat that combines shredded sweetened coconut, luscious maraschino cherries, and rich semisweet chocolate. With a creamy condensed milk base and a hint of almond extract, these no-bake truffles offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an irresistible festive snack or gift.
Ingredients
Truffle Base
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract for nut-free option)
- 15 maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the truffles from sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and almond extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended, forming a sticky, cohesive base.
- Add cherries: Gently fold the drained maraschino cherries into the coconut mixture to distribute them evenly without breaking them apart.
- Shape the truffles: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll each into a ball with your hands. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the truffles: Dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Return the coated truffles to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill and set: Place the tray in the refrigerator and chill the truffles for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract.
- Make sure maraschino cherries are well-drained and dried to avoid excess moisture in the truffles.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To serve at room temperature, take truffles out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.
- To prevent truffles from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
