Cherry Mash Candy is a fun and tasty treat that combines sweet cherry flavor with creamy chocolate. It’s like a little bite of happiness in every piece!
Making these candies is a breeze! I love how you can whip them up quickly and share them with friends or just keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Maraschino Cherries: These are the star of the candy. If you can’t find them or want a natural option, try using fresh cherries or freeze-dried cherries. The fresh option might change consistency, but it could offer a lovely natural flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar gives the candy a smooth texture. If you need a sugar alternative, consider using powdered erythritol or coconut sugar, but be aware that this may affect the candy’s flavor and sweetness.
Salted Peanuts: I really enjoy the crunch and salty kick from crushed salted peanuts. You can use any nut you prefer—almonds or pecans also work great! For nut-free options, try using sunflower seeds.
Evaporated Milk: This adds creaminess to the mixture. If you want a dairy-free alternative, you could use coconut milk or almond milk. Just remember that coconut milk will add a distinct flavor.
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semisweet chocolate for its balance of sweet and rich flavor, but you can swap it out for dark chocolate or white chocolate, depending on your personal taste!
How Do You Get the Chocolate to Set Perfectly?
Getting the chocolate coating just right can sometimes be tricky. Here’s a simple method to ensure you get that perfect set:
- Make sure your cherry candy balls are fully chilled before dipping; this helps maintain their shape.
- When melting the chocolate, do it slowly in the microwave. Stir after every 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- Once dipped, tap off excess chocolate so it doesn’t pool around the bottom. This keeps your candy beautiful!
- Finally, let the chocolate set at room temperature for a nice finish. If you’re in a hurry, the fridge is your friend!
Following these tips will help you achieve a lovely, firm chocolate coating every time!
How to Make Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy Filling:
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (reserve some whole for garnish if desired)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup finely crushed salted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a few drops of red food coloring to enhance pink coloring
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips (or chocolate melting wafers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cherry Mash Candy takes about 30 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes to chill before they’re ready to enjoy. So in total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes before you can savor these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Work Surface:
First, grab a small baking sheet or tray and line it with wax paper or parchment paper. This will help keep your candies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Make the Candy Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped maraschino cherries, powdered sugar, and finely crushed salted peanuts. Stir it until combined.
3. Heat the Liquid Mixture:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk and corn syrup. Stir gently, heating until it just starts to simmer. Then, carefully pour this warm mixture into your cherry mixture.
4. Form the Candy Dough:
Add in the vanilla extract and mix everything together until it becomes a sticky and manageable dough. If you’d like, add a few drops of red food coloring to give it a vibrant pink hue!
5. Shape the Candy:
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle. Then, take small portions and shape them into bite-sized balls or mounds. Place each piece on your lined baking sheet.
6. Chill the Candy:
Put the tray with the cherry-peanut candy in the refrigerator. Chill for about 15-20 minutes until they’re firm.
7. Melt the Chocolate:
While the candy is chilling, melt your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
8. Dip the Candy:
Using a fork or dipping tool, take each chilled cherry candy ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Return it to the wax paper-lined tray.
9. Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate the tray for quicker setting.
10. Enjoy Your Treats!
Once the chocolate coating is firm, your Cherry Mash Candy is ready! Serve them up or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for later snacking. Enjoy the chewy, cherry-peanut center wrapped in rich chocolate coating!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peanuts, you can substitute them with finely chopped almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Mash Candy?
Store any leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are separated with wax paper if they touch each other to avoid sticking.
Can I Make These Candies Vegan?
Yes, you can make these candies vegan! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute the evaporated milk with a plant-based alternative, like coconut milk or almond milk. Just ensure your corn syrup is vegan-friendly as well!
What If My Candy Mixture Is Too Sticky?
If you find the candy mixture is too sticky to shape, try chilling it for a little longer in the refrigerator. This can help firm it up, making it easier to handle. If it’s still too sticky, a light dusting of powdered sugar on your hands can help prevent it from sticking as you shape it.
