Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of chocolate, cherries, and coconut, you’re in for a real treat with this chocolate cherry coconut truffles recipe! These little bites of heaven are so rich and delicious, they practically melt in your mouth. The combination of dark chocolate and sweetened condensed milk creates this silky-smooth texture, while the dried cherries and shredded coconut add a delightful chewiness. Trust me, once you make these truffles, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more (and maybe another!). Perfect for any occasion, these truffles are bound to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Let’s gather everything we need to create these scrumptious chocolate cherry coconut truffles! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Choose a good quality brand for a rich flavor. You’ll melt these to form the base of your truffles.
- 1/2 cup dried cherries: Chop them roughly if they’re large; these sweet, chewy bits will add a burst of flavor in every bite!
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut: I recommend using unsweetened coconut for a more balanced sweetness, but feel free to use sweetened if you prefer a sweeter truffle.
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk: This is the magic ingredient that gives your truffles that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully!
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before we dive into the fun part—making these delightful treats!
How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these chocolate cherry coconut truffles! Follow these steps, and you’ll be indulging in these little delights in no time.
Step 1: Melt the Dark Chocolate
First things first, grab a microwave-safe bowl and toss in your dark chocolate chips. I like to heat them in the microwave because it’s quick and easy! Set your microwave to medium heat and melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round. This helps prevent it from burning. Seriously, keep an eye on it—burnt chocolate is no fun! Once it’s smooth and creamy, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Mix in Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Now, add your sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to that luscious melted chocolate. Stir gently until everything is combined and looks like a beautiful chocolatey dream. This mixture should be silky and smooth. Take a moment to appreciate that rich aroma—it’s heavenly!
Step 3: Add Dried Cherries and Shredded Coconut
Time to fold in those scrumptious dried cherries and shredded coconut! I find it best to use a spatula for this part; it helps keep everything nice and gentle. You want to make sure every bit of cherry and coconut is evenly distributed throughout that chocolate mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to get everything well combined!
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Once your mixture is ready, pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 30 minutes. This step is super important because it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to form into truffles. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set enough to hold its shape, but still soft enough to scoop. Trust me, patience pays off here!
Step 5: Form Small Balls
Now comes the fun part—forming the truffles! Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon of the chilled mixture and roll it into a ball. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm adds to their character! I like to make them about the size of a walnut. If your hands get a bit sticky, just give them a quick rinse and dry off!
Step 6: Roll in Additional Shredded Coconut
Here’s where those extra coconut flakes come in! Roll each truffle in the shredded coconut until they’re nicely coated. This not only adds a lovely texture but also a beautiful finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in a bit of cocoa powder with the coconut for an extra chocolatey twist!
Step 7: Refrigerate Until Firm
Finally, place your truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until they’re firm—about another 30 minutes should do the trick. This final chill ensures that your truffles are perfectly set and ready to impress! Once they’re firm, they’re all set to be devoured. Enjoy every bite of your homemade goodness!
Nutritional Information for Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers behind these delightful chocolate cherry coconut truffles! Keep in mind that this nutritional information is an estimate, so your actual values may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s what you can expect per truffle:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These little bites are not only delicious but also satisfyingly indulgent without being overly heavy. Perfect for a sweet treat without the guilt! Enjoy your truffles knowing you’re indulging in something that’s both tasty and a bit nutritious!
Tips for Success with Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your chocolate cherry coconut truffles turn out absolutely fabulous! Here are some of my top tips to help you nail this recipe and avoid any hiccups along the way.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Seriously, don’t skimp on the chocolate. A higher quality dark chocolate will elevate your truffles, giving them a rich, decadent flavor that you and your guests will rave about!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! If your mixture isn’t firm enough, it’ll be a sticky mess when you try to roll the truffles. Make sure it’s set well before you start shaping.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform truffles that look professional, a cookie scoop is your best friend! It helps with portion control and ensures that all your truffles are about the same size.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix it up! Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance, or throw in a splash of almond extract for an unexpected twist.
- Coating Options: While shredded coconut is classic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try rolling some in crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or even finely chopped freeze-dried fruit for a pop of color and flavor.
- Keep Hands Cool: If you find the chocolate mixture getting too warm and sticky while rolling, just take a quick break and rinse your hands with cold water. This little trick can make a big difference!
- Store Properly: Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness. They’ll stay good for up to a week—if they last that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating truffles that not only look stunning but taste out of this world. Enjoy the process and happy truffle-making!
Variations on Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Get ready to unleash your creativity because these chocolate cherry coconut truffles are super versatile! While the classic version is absolutely divine, you can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Different Dried Fruits: Swap out the dried cherries for other fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even mango! Each fruit will bring its unique flavor and a delightful chewiness.
- Nutty Twist: Add some finely chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios into the mixture for a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate.
- Flavor Infusions: Try adding a splash of orange or almond extract for a fresh twist. Just a teaspoon can elevate the flavor profile to something extraordinary!
- Cocoa Dusted: Instead of rolling in shredded coconut, dust your truffles with cocoa powder or finely sifted powdered sugar for a more decadent look and taste.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, mix in a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder! It adds a surprising kick that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate.
- Vegan Option: You can easily make these truffles vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips and swapping the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream or a vegan condensed milk alternative.
These variations will keep your truffles exciting and allow you to experiment with flavors that you love. So go ahead, mix and match, and make this recipe your own! The best part? No matter how you switch it up, they’ll still be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Now that you’ve made these delicious chocolate cherry coconut truffles, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Storing them properly is key to keeping their delightful texture and flavor intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing: Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too good!
- Layering: If you’re stacking them in the container, place a layer of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together. Trust me, you don’t want a melty mess!
- Freezing: Want to save some for later? You can freeze these truffles! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
- No Reheating Needed: These truffles are best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. Just take them out of the fridge and enjoy!
With these tips, you’ll ensure that your chocolate cherry coconut truffles remain as delightful as the day you made them. Happy snacking!
FAQ About Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
I wouldn’t recommend using fresh cherries, as they contain too much moisture and could affect the truffle’s texture. Sticking with dried cherries helps keep that chewy goodness without making the mixture too wet!
How do I know when my truffles are firm enough?
You’ll know your truffles are ready when they hold their shape and are no longer sticky to the touch. After chilling, they should be firm enough to roll without losing their shape. If they’re still too soft, give them a bit more time in the fridge!
Can I make these truffles nut-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is already nut-free, but if you want to add a crunch, just stick with the dried fruits and coconut. You can also explore using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful texture without nuts!
What can I do if my mixture is too sticky?
If your mixture is sticking to your hands too much, it might need a bit more chilling time. Just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes, and once it firms up a bit more, rolling will be a breeze!
Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Definitely! These truffles keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, and they actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container!
Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe: Indulge in Blissful Treats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for chocolate cherry coconut truffles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Add dried cherries and shredded coconut to the mixture.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Form small balls from the chilled mixture.
- Roll the truffles in additional shredded coconut.
- Place on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.
Notes
- Store truffles in an airtight container.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet option.
- Substitute cherries with other dried fruits if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry coconut truffles recipe