This Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy is a fruity treat that mixes sweet cherry flavor with creamy peanut butter. It’s fun to make and perfect for sharing, or sneaking a piece for yourself!
Honestly, who can resist those cherry and chocolate vibes? I love making these candies on a lazy afternoon. Just whip up the ingredients, roll them into balls, and enjoy the sweet results!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips give a perfect balance of sweetness. If you prefer dark chocolate, that would work well too! Milk chocolate is an option, but it will be sweeter.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. For a lower-fat option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, or if you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Peanut Butter: Regular peanut butter is great, but natural or crunchy peanut butter can add a fun texture. If you’re allergic to peanuts, any nut or seed butter, like almond or sunflower seed butter, can be used.
Maraschino Cherries: These provide the cherry flavor. You can substitute with dried cherries for a different texture and flavor, or use fresh cherries if they’re available. Just be sure to chop them finely!
How Do I Ensure My Cherry Mash Candies Are Perfectly Coated?
Dipping the candies in chocolate can be a bit tricky if you haven’t done it before. Here’s a quick guide:
- Make sure the chocolate is melted but not too hot. It should be smooth and slightly warm, not boiling.
- Use a fork to dip each candy, letting excess chocolate drip off. This prevents a heavy layer.
- For a neater look, you can return the dipped candy to the sheet using a toothpick.
Remember to refrigerate them after coating so the chocolate can harden nicely. Happy candy making!
Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (10 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Time Estimate:
This delicious Cherry Mash Candy takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another hour for chilling to let the chocolate set. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, start by beating the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the candy starts to come together!
2. Add Sweetness:
Gradually sprinkle in the powdered sugar a bit at a time, continuing to mix well until everything is fully combined and the mixture becomes thick. This will give your candies their delightful sweetness.
3. Incorporate the Cherries:
Now, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and vanilla extract until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is what adds that lovely cherry flavor!
4. Shape the Candy:
With clean hands, shape the cream cheese mixture into logs or balls, depending on your preference. Place each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once you’ve shaped all the candies, pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat!
6. Prepare for Dipping:
Mix the chopped peanuts into the melted chocolate. This will add a delightful crunch and flavor to your candy coating!
7. Dip the Candies:
Take the cherry logs out of the freezer. One by one, dip each piece into the chocolate-peanut mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Use a fork to lift them out, letting any excess chocolate drip off.
8. Set the Candy:
Place the coated candies back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all of them are dipped, put the sheet in the refrigerator and let the candies chill until the chocolate is set, which will take about 1 hour.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once set, your homemade Cherry Mash Candy is ready to be served! Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Happy candy making!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the chopped peanuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well with the chocolate coating!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cherry Mash Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps keep them fresh and the chocolate coating firm.
Can I Make These Without Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative. Alternatively, you could try using nut-based cream cheese for a similar consistency while keeping it plant-based!
What Can I Use Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
If maraschino cherries aren’t available, you can use dried cherries or fresh cherries (make sure to chop them finely and remove the pits). Adjust the sweetness accordingly, as dried cherries may be less sweet than the syrupy maraschinos.
