This Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy is a fun treat that mixes sweet cherries with creamy chocolate. It’s chewy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet!
You can whip these up in no time, and I love popping them in my snack stash. They are perfect for sharing or sneaking a piece yourself! 🍒🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry-flavored Marshmallow Cream: This is the star ingredient that gives the candy its sweetness and texture. If you can’t find marshmallow cream, consider using cream cheese mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for a similar consistency.
Maraschino Cherries: These contribute bright flavor and color. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try fresh cherries or freeze-dried cherries. Just remember to chop them finely!
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate is popular for a balance of flavor, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. White chocolate is also a fun option for a different twist.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture. If you’re avoiding nuts, feel free to leave them out or use crushed graham crackers or even rice cereal for crunch!
How Do You Melt Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate can be finicky, so it’s important to do it right. Here’s a simple method to ensure a smooth result:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and start with 30-second intervals to melt the chocolate chips slowly.
- Stir the chocolate thoroughly after each interval; this helps it melt evenly.
- If the chocolate seems too thick, add some butter or shortening, which helps create a silky smooth texture.
Avoid overheating the chocolate, as it can seize up. Always stir well—sometimes it takes a little longer to melt than you expect, and patience is key!
Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy Filling:
- 2 (16 oz) bags cherry-flavored marshmallow cream or fluff
- 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
For the Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter or shortening (to help melt chocolate smoothly)
Optional Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Time Needed:
This delightful candy recipe takes about 20 minutes of active preparation time plus around 1 hour for freezing. If you’re planning to enjoy these sweet treats, you’ll also need additional time for the chocolate to set after dipping. Overall, it’s a quick and easy process, perfect for a fun treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
Start by taking a medium bowl and gently combine the cherry-flavored marshmallow cream with the finely chopped maraschino cherries. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and the cherries are well-integrated into the marshmallow cream.
2. Prepare for Freezing:
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the candy from sticking once they are frozen.
3. Shape the Cherry Balls:
Using a spoon or a small scoop, take portions of the cherry marshmallow mixture and roll them into balls. Place each ball onto the lined baking sheet. Once you have them all shaped, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about 1 hour or until the balls are firm.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
While the candies are chilling in the freezer, it’s time to melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the butter or shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating!
5. Add Nuts (Optional):
If you decided to use nuts, stir them into the melted chocolate. This gives your candy a delicious crunch and extra flavor.
6. Dip the Candy:
Once the cherry balls are completely firm, take them out of the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each frozen cherry mash ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s well-coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the parchment-lined tray.
7. Set the Chocolate:
After dipping all the cherry mash balls, return them to the refrigerator. Let the chocolate set completely, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
8. Store and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, you can store your homemade cherry mash candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week, but I bet they’ll be gone long before then!
Enjoy your creamy, nutty, chocolate-covered cherry mash candies! They are perfect for sharing or a sweet treat just for you!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just make sure to pit and chop them finely. Since fresh cherries have less sweetness than maraschino cherries, you might want to add a bit of powdered sugar to the marshmallow mix to enhance the sweetness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this candy dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free shortening. The marshmallow cream should also be checked to ensure it’s dairy-free, as some brands may contain milk ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Mash Candy?
Store any leftover cherry mash candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen if you want to keep them longer; just place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I Customize the Coating?
Absolutely! While chocolate is traditional, you can roll the candies in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzle with white chocolate for added flair. Get creative and have fun with different toppings!
