Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
- 100ml heavy cream
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 maraschino cherries or fresh cherries, pitted and dried
Optional Coatings
- Cocoa powder
- Chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts
- Shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Centers: Drain maraschino cherries well or pit and dry fresh cherries thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing thin ganache texture.
- Make the Ganache Base: Gently heat heavy cream and butter in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract to combine fully.
- Assemble the Truffles: Spoon a small amount of ganache into your palm, place a cherry in the center, then cover completely with more ganache. Roll gently to form a smooth ball and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled truffles for at least two hours to firm up before coating.
- Coat the Truffles: Roll the chilled truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut as desired. Return to the fridge for an additional 30 minutes to set the coating.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate and cream for the richest flavor and smoothest texture.
- Dry cherries thoroughly to avoid watery ganache.
- Let ganache cool enough to handle but not become too firm before shaping.
- Use a small cookie scoop for consistent truffle sizes and professional appearance.
- Chill truffles between steps to maintain shape and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: chocolate truffles, cherry cordial, homemade chocolates, dessert truffles, holiday gifts, gluten free dessert