Cherry Almond Truffles: 7 Steps to Pure Delight

By:

Christina R. Jones

August 13, 2025

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Okay, let me tell you about my absolute favorite sweet treat: Cherry Almond Truffles! These little gems are like taking a bite of pure bliss, with rich dark chocolate mingling with the bright, tart flavor of cherries and the warm, nutty essence of almonds. Seriously, who could resist? The best part? They’re so easy to make! You don’t need to be a master chocolatier to whip these up; if you can melt chocolate, you can make these truffles!

I remember the first time I made Cherry Almond Truffles for a family gathering. I was a bit nervous, thinking everyone would expect something fancy, but boy, was I wrong! As soon as I set them out, my relatives flocked to the dessert table. I watched as they savored each bite, their eyes lighting up at the cherry flavor bursting through. It’s such a joy to see people enjoy something you created with your own hands. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll find they’re perfect for any occasion – or just a little treat for yourself! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Cherry Almond Truffles - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make your mouthwatering Cherry Almond Truffles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces for easy melting
1/2 cup heavy cream, fresh and rich
1/4 cup cherry preserves, to bring that delicious fruity flavor
1 teaspoon almond extract, for that lovely nutty aroma
1/2 cup crushed almonds, to coat the truffles and add a satisfying crunch

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating these delightful treats!

How to Prepare Cherry Almond Truffles

Making Cherry Almond Truffles is a delightful and straightforward process! Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of these delectable treats ready to impress.

Step 1: Heat the Cream

Start by pouring the heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to watch closely for the moment it begins to simmer, which means little bubbles will start forming around the edges. Once you see that, it’s time to move on to the next step! Don’t let it boil, or you might end up with a curdled mess – yikes!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

With the cream heated, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Now, here’s where the magic happens! Stir gently with a spatula or a whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. You want it to be rich and velvety – that’s the sign you’ve done it right. If the chocolate doesn’t melt all the way, you can pop it back on low heat for just a moment, but keep stirring!

Step 3: Mix in Flavors

Next, it’s time to add the cherry preserves and almond extract. Scoop in the cherry preserves and pour in the almond extract, then stir everything together until it’s beautifully combined. The scent will be heavenly, and you’ll feel the flavors melding together – this is where the truffle magic begins!

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Now, transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Pop it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This chilling time is crucial because it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to scoop into truffle shapes later. If you’re like me, you might find it tough to wait, but trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Step 5: Form the Truffles

Once the mixture is nice and firm, take a small scoop (about the size of a tablespoon) and start scooping out balls. Your hands might get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun! If you find the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder or powdered sugar to help with shaping. Aim for uniform sizes – this makes for a prettier presentation!

Step 6: Coat with Almonds

Now for the fun part! Roll each truffle ball in the crushed almonds until they’re fully coated. This adds a delightful crunch and beautiful texture. I love giving them a little gentle press to ensure the almonds adhere well – you want each bite to be bursting with flavor!

Step 7: Refrigerate and Serve

Lastly, place the coated truffles back on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate them again for about 30 minutes to set everything nicely. Once they’re firm, they’re ready to serve! For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. Trust me, the flavors really shine when they’re not too cold!

And there you have it – your gorgeous Cherry Almond Truffles are ready to be devoured. Enjoy every bite of this rich, chocolatey goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these Cherry Almond Truffles in no time. Perfect for both novice cooks and experienced bakers!
Rich, Decadent Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate, cherry preserves, and almond extract creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that’s sure to impress anyone who tastes them.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these truffles are a delightful treat that fits any event. They also make fantastic homemade gifts!
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Try different coatings or flavor extracts to keep things fresh and exciting!
Impressive Presentation: These truffles look as good as they taste! Their elegant appearance makes them a classy addition to any dessert table.

Tips for Success

To make your Cherry Almond Truffles truly exceptional, here are some pro tips that I swear by!

Choose Quality Chocolate

The chocolate you use can make or break your truffles. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich, deep flavor. I always go for brands I trust, as it really elevates the overall taste of the truffles. Remember, you want that luxurious melt-in-your-mouth experience!

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh cherry preserves and pure almond extract make a world of difference. Check the expiration dates on your preserves; you want that bright, fruity flavor to shine through. If you can find homemade or artisanal cherry preserves, even better! They often have a richer taste than store-bought options. Learn more about the benefits of cherry preserves.

Don’t Rush the Chilling Process

Patience is key! Allowing the mixture to chill completely makes it easier to handle and shape into perfect little balls. Don’t skip this step, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess instead of beautiful truffles. Set a timer, and maybe distract yourself with a good show while you wait!

Keep Your Hands Cool

If your hands start to warm up while shaping the truffles, the mixture can get sticky. A little trick I use is to run my hands under cold water and dry them off before scooping. This helps keep the truffles from sticking to your fingers and makes the process much smoother!

Coating Techniques

When rolling the truffles in crushed almonds, don’t be afraid to press gently to ensure a good coating. I like to use a shallow bowl for the crushed almonds, which gives me plenty of space to roll them around. If you want to get creative, you can also mix in other coatings like cocoa powder or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture!

Serve at the Right Temperature

For the best flavor experience, let your truffles sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly, enhancing that delightful melt-in-your-mouth moment. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most perfect Cherry Almond Truffles. Happy truffle making!

Variations

One of the best things about Cherry Almond Truffles is how adaptable they are! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting and cater to different tastes:

Swap the Fruit Preserves

If cherries aren’t your thing, try using other fruit preserves! Raspberry or strawberry preserves can add a delightful twist, providing a burst of fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of the preserves you choose.

Experiment with Extracts

While almond extract gives these truffles their lovely nutty aroma, you can mix it up! Consider using orange extract for a bright and zesty flavor, or even coconut extract for a tropical vibe. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste – you want that flavor to enhance, not overpower!

Try Different Coatings

Coatings can completely change the vibe of your truffles. Instead of crushed almonds, roll them in finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and a unique flavor. You can also use cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey exterior or shredded coconut for a fun, tropical twist. Get creative with what you have on hand!

Add a Touch of Spice

For those who love a little warmth, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the truffle mixture. It adds an unexpected depth and a subtle kick that complements the chocolate and cherry beautifully. Just a hint goes a long way, so start small!

Make Them Vegan

If you want to whip up a vegan version, simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate. You’ll still get that rich flavor while accommodating different dietary needs. Trust me, they’ll be just as luscious!

With these variations, you can keep your Cherry Almond Truffles fresh and exciting every time you make them. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and find your favorite combination!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! While I love indulging in these Cherry Almond Truffles, it’s good to know what you’re treating yourself to. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each truffle:

Calories: 100
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 10mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, they’re a delicious little treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth in moderation! Enjoy your truffles without guilt!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Cherry Almond Truffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! These truffles are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare them up to a week ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their best texture and flavor.

Q2: What if I don’t have cherry preserves?
No worries! You can swap the cherry preserves for any fruit preserves you enjoy. Raspberry or even apricot preserves work beautifully, giving your truffles a unique twist while still pairing wonderfully with the chocolate and almond flavors.

Q3: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can definitely use milk chocolate if that’s your preference! Just keep in mind that it will give the truffles a sweeter flavor. Dark chocolate adds a rich depth, so if you choose milk chocolate, you might want to adjust the amount of cherry preserves slightly to balance the sweetness.

Q4: How do I store leftover truffles?
To keep your leftover Cherry Almond Truffles fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying them again, as this enhances their creamy texture!

Q5: Can I make these truffles vegan?
Yes! Making vegan Cherry Almond Truffles is easy. Simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free dark chocolate. You’ll still get the same rich, decadent flavor while accommodating your dietary preferences!