This Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy is a sweet treat that combines creamy peanut butter and cherry flavor with a crunchy outer layer. It’s a fun and simple candy you can make at home!
Fun fact: you might even find yourself sneaking bites while waiting for it to cool! I love these little gems because they’re quick to whip up and perfect for sharing or treating yourself! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maraschino Cherries: These provide the signature cherry flavor in the candy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use diced fresh cherries, but they’ll be less sweet.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate is traditional, but you can swap it for dark chocolate for a richer taste. Milk chocolate can also work if you prefer a sweeter candy.
Nuts: Pecans add a great crunch, but walnuts are a good alternative. If you’re nut-free, you can either skip them or use crushed graham crackers for texture.
Creamy Center: Mini marshmallows give the candy a fluffy texture. If you can’t find them, you can use a marshmallow fluff as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chocolate Coating?
Coating the candies well is essential for tasty and eye-catching treats! Here’s how:
- Melt the chocolate slowly to prevent burning. Stir until creamy and smooth.
- When dipping, use a fork or toothpick to fully submerge the candy, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Roll the dipped candy in chopped nuts before the chocolate sets for a perfect finish.
- Place the candies on parchment paper to avoid sticking, and refrigerate to harden.
Following these tips ensures a wonderful candy experience with every bite!
Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy:
- 6 oz (about 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 7-oz jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped (reserve 1 tbsp liquid)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
- 1 tbsp reserved maraschino cherry juice
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for pink color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun candy recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 1 hour for chilling in the fridge. The total time to get your delicious cherry mash candy ready is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Sounds easy, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the candies from sticking as they set.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt them in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each session until the chocolate is perfectly smooth. Once melted, stir in the chopped nuts and set the mixture aside.
3. Create the Marshmallow Base:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows to your pan. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. It’s like making a sweet marshmallow goo!
4. Combine with Chocolate:
Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the white chocolate chips. Stir until they melt and blend harmoniously with the marshmallow mixture. Stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries, the reserved cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. If you want a lovely pink color, add the optional red food coloring now!
5. Shape the Candy:
Let the cherry marshmallow mixture cool slightly for about 10 minutes; this helps it thicken and makes it easier to shape. Then, use a spoon or your hands to form small logs or balls (about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size).
6. Coat the Candies:
Take each log or ball and dip it into the nut-chocolate mixture you set aside earlier. Make sure they’re well-coated in chocolate and nuts for that crunchy goodness!
7. Chill and Set:
Place your coated cherry mash candies on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate coating is firm. This is the hard part—waiting for them to set!
8. Store and Enjoy:
Once firm, store your delicious homemade cherry mash candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Share them with friends, or keep them all to yourself!
Enjoy your nostalgic homemade cherry mash candy, featuring a creamy cherry center and a delightful crunchy chocolate-nut coating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional, feel free to use your favorite nuts or even skip them altogether for a nut-free version. You can use crushed graham crackers instead for added crunch!
How Should I Store the Cherry Mash Candy?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure they are fully cooled and set before placing them in the container to avoid sticking together!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cherry mash candies a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. The flavors develop beautifully as they sit!
What if I Can’t Find Maraschino Cherries?
If maraschino cherries are hard to find, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh cherries or another fruit preserve, such as cherry jam, though the flavor will be different. Adjust sweetness accordingly if you use preserves.
