There’s something magical about combining comfort-food nostalgia with modern baking creativity, and Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate capture that spirit perfectly. Inspired by the classic cherry candy cups, this upgraded version adds the tangy depth of sourdough and a rich chocolate shell for a treat that feels both festive and familiar. Perfect for fans of Easy Bundt Cake Recipes and Easy Christmas Candy Recipes, these Dessert Truffles blend fruity sweetness, silky chocolate, and warm homemade charm. In this article, you’ll find the story behind these truffles, a detailed recipe guide, expert tips, storage ideas, and answers to your most common questions.
Memories Wrapped in Chocolate & Cherries
Holiday memories often begin in the kitchen — the hum of conversation, the scent of chocolate melting on the stove, and the bright ruby color of cherries waiting to be folded into something sweet. Growing up, cherry candies were a seasonal staple, showing up in stockings and candy dishes alongside fudge and toffee. When I first created Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate, I was chasing that warm, nostalgic flavor but wanted to give it a little twist.
By adding sourdough discard to the recipe, these Cherry Truffles gain a subtle, sophisticated depth. That familiar tang, combined with the soft sweetness of candied cherries and the velvety snap of chocolate, creates a balance that feels both homemade and gourmet. Imagine biting into one: first, the silky chocolate coating yields, then the tender cherry center melts into your mouth with just a whisper of sourdough’s rich aroma. The result isn’t just a truffle—it’s a story of tradition meeting modern comfort.
The blend of sourdough and cherry also mirrors the evolution of home baking itself. Many bakers have learned to create joy from simple starters and pantry staples, turning what some might toss out into irresistible treasures. These Cherry Mash Truffles are the perfect way to use up sourdough discard and transform it into something beautiful and celebratory. Every bite carries a little bit of that spirit—the heart of the holidays in candy form.
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Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate – Festive Dessert Truffles
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
Description
These nostalgic truffles blend tangy sourdough discard, candied cherries, and a rich chocolate shell for a festive homemade treat perfect for gifting or holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix sourdough discard, powdered sugar, and softened butter until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped candied cherries, vanilla extract, and sea salt to form a firm, pliable paste.
3. Portion mixture into walnut-sized balls and roll smooth between palms.
4. Place truffle centers on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl and melt over simmering water, stirring until glossy.
6. Dip chilled centers into melted chocolate, tapping off excess and returning to tray.
7. Optionally drizzle with extra chocolate or sprinkle chopped nuts over tops.
8. Refrigerate coated truffles for 20–25 minutes until set.
9. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to two weeks or freeze for up to two months.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
Keywords: cherry mash truffles, sourdough truffles, holiday dessert, chocolate truffles, festive treats, easy candy, cherry truffles
Why Cherry Mash Truffles Make Every Celebration Special
Festive seasons deserve desserts that feel both personal and shareable. Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate do exactly that. They look elegant enough for a dessert table but are easy enough to bundle into homemade gift boxes for friends and family. Their vibrant color and glossy chocolate finish make them stand out among Easy Christmas Candy Recipes, while their homemade, slightly rustic charm ties them to comforting Easy Bundt Cake Recipes you might pull from the oven on the same day.
These Dessert Truffles bring a sense of occasion with every piece. Whether you’re wrapping them in red foil for party favors or presenting them alongside coffee after dinner, they embody the sweetness of togetherness. The interplay of textures—the chocolate shell, creamy cherry interior, and faint sourdough chew—creates a delightful sensory experience that echoes the rhythm of the holidays themselves: lively, cozy, and full of love.
Even more, these Cherry Truffles reflect what festive desserts are all about—connection. Making them with children can become a cherished December tradition, or crafting them solo can offer a quiet, creative ritual. They remind us that celebration lives in small, simple acts—melting chocolate, rolling ganache between your palms, sharing laughter over a cooling rack. With just one recipe, Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate transform your kitchen into a workshop of sweet memories ready to be shared again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Festive Dessert Truffles
To bring these Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate to life, you’ll need a blend of pantry staples and a few special touches. The recipe makes about 24 Dessert Truffles, perfect for gifting or serving on a holiday platter. Each ingredient has its purpose – from the tang of sourdough discard adding depth to the luscious cherry filling and smooth chocolate coating that ties everything together.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough discard | ½ cup | Adds mild tang, richness, and reduces waste |
| Powdered sugar | 1 ½ cups | Sweetens and stabilizes the cherry filling |
| Chopped candied cherries (or maraschino cherries, drained and dried) | ¾ cup | Provides fruity center and signature cherry flavor |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 2 tablespoons | Adds smooth texture to the center mixture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances aroma and depth |
| Semisweet or dark chocolate chips (60–70%) | 2 cups | Creates the glossy truffle shell |
| Heavy cream | ⅓ cup | Adds silkiness to the filling and helps with coating consistency |
| Sea salt | Pinch | Balances sweetness |
| Optional: chopped nuts (pecans, almonds) | ¼ cup | For added crunch and festive appeal |
For dietary adjustments:
- Dairy-free: Replace butter and cream with coconut cream or vegan butter.
- Gluten-free: Use a certified gluten-free sourdough discard or substitute with almond flour for a similar texture.
- Low-sugar option: Consider using sugar-free powdered sweetener or dark chocolate with 85% cacao.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Create the Cherry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, powdered sugar, and softened butter until a smooth paste forms. Stir in the chopped candied cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; chill briefly if the mixture is too soft.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Centers
Form walnut-sized balls, smooth them, and chill on parchment for 30 minutes to firm up before coating.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating
Gently melt chocolate chips with cream over a double boiler, stirring until glossy. Thin slightly with more cream if needed.
Step 4: Dip and Coat the Truffles
Dip each center in the melted chocolate, let excess drip off, and place on parchment. Optionally drizzle more chocolate or sprinkle toppings such as nuts or coconut flakes.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Refrigerate for 20–25 minutes until firm, then move to airtight containers or candy cups.
Step 6: Storing and Serving
Keep Cherry Mash Truffles cool and dry up to two weeks, or freeze up to two months, thawing gently before serving.
- Prepare the cherry filling a day ahead for easy assembly.
- Double the recipe for festive gift boxes.
- Use skewers or sticks for tidy dipping.
The beauty of Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate is their simplicity. No special tools, just patience and joy—each bite marrying chocolate’s snap, a creamy cherry core, and a whisper of sourdough’s tangy aroma, lifting these classic Dessert Truffles into something unforgettable.
Handy Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Keep chocolate temperature low: Melt gently to prevent bloom and maintain shine.
- Balance sweetness and tang: Adjust sugar or add lemon for harmony.
- Chill after each stage: Cold centers coat cleanly and evenly.
- Choose quality chocolate: Prefer 60–70% cacao dark or semisweet varieties.
- Store carefully: Use airtight containers, layered with parchment, away from moisture and odors.
- Hide imperfections artfully: Drizzle extra chocolate or dust edible glitter.
Cherry Mash Variations & Dessert Pairings
- White Chocolate Cherry Truffles: Use dried tart cherries and white chocolate for a snowy touch.
- Milk Chocolate Almond-Cherry Mash: Add toasted almonds to evoke classic candy bar flavors.
- Bourbon Cherry Truffles: Stir in a splash of bourbon for a refined adult dessert.
- Dark Chocolate Espresso Cherry Truffles: Add espresso powder to enhance depth.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Sub coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate; subtle coconut complements cherry.
For serving, pair Cherry Mash Truffles with slices from Easy Bundt Cake Recipes—think almond, chocolate, or citrus bases. Combine on festive trays with fudge, peppermint bark, or nut brittle from your collection of Easy Christmas Candy Recipes. For heartfelt gifts, line a small box or jar with parchment, pack a dozen glossy truffles, and tie with ribbon. Sprinkling crushed freeze-dried cherries or edible gold dust makes them sparkle like treasures under the tree.
FAQ
Can I use cherry jam instead of candied cherries?
Yes. Blend a few tablespoons of thick jam into the filling and reduce cream slightly for firmness. Add chopped dried cherries if you want texture.
How long do Cherry Mash Truffles stay fresh?
They keep for 10–14 days sealed in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for best texture.
Can I freeze sourdough-based truffles?
Yes. Freeze up to two months between parchment layers, thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve coating and texture.
What chocolate works best?
Use high-quality dark or semisweet chocolate (60–70% cacao) for balanced flavor. Melt gently to avoid graininess.
How can I package these as gifts?
Arrange each truffle in a mini cup inside tins or jars, add ribbon and a small note. Simple decorations make a handmade, heartfelt impression.
Sweet Conclusion – Bringing Joy with Cherry Mash Truffles
Making Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate is more than baking—it’s storytelling through flavor. Stirring glossy chocolate, rolling cherry-filled centers, and watching them shine on cooling trays brings a pause to holiday busyness and reconnects you with the spirit of home craft.
The result blends memory and modern creativity—the perfect link between old-fashioned Easy Bundt Cake Recipes and today’s lively Easy Christmas Candy Recipes. Arrange them on dessert boards, slip them into pretty tins, or share with loved ones over a cup of cocoa.
However they find their way to the table, these Dessert Truffles always deliver cozy sweetness and a reminder that celebration lives in the smallest homemade treats. Each bite of Cherry Mash Truffles with Sourdough & Chocolate is a taste of joyful tradition reborn—rich, tangy, and irresistibly festive.
