Cherry Mash Candy is a fun and tasty treat that combines cherries, chocolate, and peanuts. It’s chewy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious, making it a favorite for candy lovers!
Who wouldn’t enjoy a bite of this fruity and nutty delight? I love making these candies for friends, and they always ask for seconds. They’re perfect for sharing—or not! 🤫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maraschino Cherries: These cherries add a sweet and fruity punch. If you want a fresher taste, try using chopped fresh cherries, but remember they won’t have the same sweetness.
Mini Marshmallows: They create the chewy texture. If you’re looking for a vegan option, look for egg-free marshmallows. You could also use a homemade marshmallow recipe for freshness!
Cherry Syrup: This enriches the cherry flavor. If you don’t have it, maple syrup or agave syrup can work in a pinch, though it will change the candy’s taste a bit.
Crisp Rice Cereal: This provides the crunch! If you’re gluten-sensitive, ensure you choose gluten-free rice cereal. Another option is to replace it with crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Coating?
Dipping the candy bites in the melted pink chocolate requires some finesse. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your chocolate is smooth and not too hot to avoid messy drips.
- Use a fork or toothpick to hold the candy while dipping, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Consider chilling your candies slightly before coating them; this helps the chocolate set quickly.
This will give you a beautiful layer without any pooling on the parchment paper! Don’t forget to work quickly; the coating should be done before it cools and thickens too much!
Cherry Mash Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy Mixture:
- 2 cups chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup cherry syrup (from maraschino cherries)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups crisp rice cereal (e.g. Rice Krispies)
- 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped into small chunks
For the Coating:
- 12 ounces pink candy melts or white chocolate dyed pink
- Sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried cherries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 30 minutes for chilling. Overall, you should set aside around 1 hour to make and refrigerate these delicious treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cherry Mixture:
Start by chopping the maraschino cherries into very small pieces. You can do this in a food processor or by hand. Just make sure they’re well chopped but not pureed. This will give a great flavor and texture to your candy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherries, mini marshmallows, cherry syrup, and almond extract. Stir everything together until well mixed, creating a lovely, sticky mixture.
3. Fold in the Cereal and Chocolate:
Now, gently fold in the crisp rice cereal and the chopped chocolate chunks. Mix until everything is evenly combined, making sure that all the cereal is coated with the cherry mixture.
4. Shape the Candy:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using oiled hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized squares or rounds (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches). Place these on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Melt the Pink Coating:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the pink candy melts in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until they are smooth. Alternatively, you can melt white chocolate, adding a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a pink tint.
6. Coat the Candy Bites:
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each candy bite into the melted pink coating, ensuring they’re fully covered. Let excess chocolate drip off before returning them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Garnish the Treats:
If you’re using sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried cherries, sprinkle them on top while the coating is still wet. This adds a nice touch of color and crunch!
8. Chill to Set:
Refrigerate the candies for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating is completely set. This will help with the texture and keep them from sticking together.
9. Store and Enjoy:
Store the candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy your homemade Cherry Mash candies, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own!
This recipe captures the classic Cherry Mash candy’s delicious mix of cherry-flavored marshmallow, crispy texture, chocolate chunks inside, and a delightful pink chocolate coating. Enjoy making this sweet treat!
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Just chop them finely and remember that they will be less sweet than maraschino cherries. You might want to add a bit of extra sugar or sweetener to balance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Mash Candy?
Store any leftover candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are well separated to prevent sticking together.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free crisp rice cereal to make this treat suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Always check labels to be sure!
What Can I Use Instead of Cherry Syrup?
If you don’t have cherry syrup, you can substitute it with maple syrup or even honey. Keep in mind that these alternatives will slightly change the flavor of the candies.
