This easy homemade cherry mash candy is a sweet treat that combines chocolate and cherry flavors. It’s chewy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping for yourself!
Making this candy is so fun! I love how simple it is to shape the mixture and coat it in chocolate. It brings back happy memories of cooking with family. Yum! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maraschino Cherries: These give the candy its sweet, fruity flavor. If you prefer, you could use fresh or frozen cherries, but be sure to remove any pits and chop them finely.
Marshmallow Creme: This brings a creamy texture to the recipe. If you can’t find marshmallow fluff, you could try making your own by whipping egg whites and sugar together until soft peaks form, but it requires a bit more effort.
Powdered Sugar: This ingredient helps to bind the mixture together. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you could use a sugar substitute, but it may affect the texture slightly.
Chocolate Chips: I usually go for milk chocolate because it adds a nice sweetness. For darker flavors, feel free to substitute with semi-sweet or dark chocolate. White chocolate works too, if you’re a fan!
Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a nice crunch. If you’re allergic, walnuts or almonds would be great substitutes. You can even skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Candy?
Shaping the cherry mixture into candy forms might seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks. Here’s how to do it right!
- Once you mix in the cherries, the mixture will be sticky but manageable. Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while shaping.
- Form the mixture into small logs or rectangles, about 2 inches long. Aim for uniform shapes to ensure even chocolate coating.
- Be gentle but firm when shaping, and don’t worry about perfection! The uneven shapes add character to your candies.
- Always remember to refrigerate the candies after shaping to firm them up before dipping them in chocolate!
Following these tips will help you create beautiful, delicious Cherry Mash candies every time!
Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (7 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme (marshmallow fluff)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 5 cups milk chocolate chips or melting chocolate
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cherry Mash candy will take about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus an additional 1 hour for chilling after shaping, and another 30 minutes after dipping for the chocolate to set. In total, you should plan for around 2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherries:
Start by draining the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Once they’re drained, finely chop them up and set aside. Make sure they’re well-drained to avoid making the mixture too runny!
2. Make the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marshmallow creme and powdered sugar. Mix them together until you achieve a thick, dough-like consistency. This sweetness sets the base for your candy!
3. Add the Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into the mixture, distributing them evenly. The cherries will add a nice pop of color and flavor throughout your candy.
4. Shape the Candy:
Now it’s time to have some fun! Shape the cherry mixture into small rectangular or cylindrical candy pieces, about 2 inches long. Place each piece onto a lined baking sheet. If your mixture is sticky, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to help form the shapes.
5. Chill the Candies:
Cover the baking sheet and pop it into the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This will help the candies firm up, making them easier to coat in chocolate later.
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the candies are chilling, melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is fully smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat!
7. Add Pecans:
Stir the chopped pecans into the melted chocolate, creating a delicious combo that complements the sweet cherry flavor of the candies.
8. Dip the Candies:
Retrieve the chilled cherry candies from the fridge. Using a fork or dipping tool, carefully dip each candy into the chocolate-nut mixture, coating it completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
9. Set the Candies:
After dipping, place the candies back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool. You can refrigerate them for another 30 minutes, which helps the chocolate harden perfectly!
10. Store and Enjoy:
Once set, store your delectable Cherry Mash candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them chilled, or at room temperature whenever you crave a sweet treat!
Enjoy your sweet, chewy homemade Cherry Mash candy with its rich cherry center and crunchy chocolate-nut coating! They’re a delightful indulgence you’ll love sharing.
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Mash Candy
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries! Just make sure to pit and finely chop them, and drain any excess moisture to maintain the right consistency in your candy mixture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cherry Mash Candy?
Store the leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 1 week, and will keep their chewy texture and flavor when chilled!
Can I Make These Candies Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the cherry mixture and shape the candies ahead of time, up to a day in advance. Just keep them stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to dip them in chocolate.
What If My Candy Mixture Is Too Sticky?
If your mixture is too sticky to shape, you can add a little extra powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency. Lightly dusting your hands with powdered sugar will also help while shaping the candy!
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions or need further assistance with the recipe!
