Indulging in rich, decadent truffles without compromising your vegan lifestyle is easier than you think. Our Chocolate Covered Cherry Truffles Recipe (Vegan) combines the lusciousness of ripe cherries with velvety dark chocolate, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
These truffles are not only luscious but also free from dairy and animal products, making them ideal for vegans and anyone seeking a wholesome dessert without the guilt. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have gourmet-quality delights ready to impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying a quiet moment of self-care, these truffles bring a burst of flavor and indulgence in every bite.
Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free if you choose your sweeteners carefully. Get ready to dive into a world where cherries and chocolate meet in perfect harmony, all while keeping things plant-based and deliciously satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan chocolate covered cherry truffles recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves luscious desserts without dairy or refined sugars. The juicy cherries add a fresh, fruity burst that perfectly complements the rich, smooth chocolate coating.
Not only are these truffles simple to make, but they also use wholesome ingredients like coconut cream and natural sweeteners, ensuring every bite feels indulgent yet nourishing. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, parties, or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea.
What’s more, the recipe is flexible: you can customize the chocolate type, cherry variety, and even add a hint of spice or liqueur for an adult twist. Plus, these truffles freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried tart cherries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/4 cup coconut cream (full-fat, from a chilled can)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
- 200 grams (7 oz) vegan dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for smooth melting)
- Pinch of sea salt
Equipment
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan or double boiler
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Fork or dipping tool
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator or freezer space
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry filling: Place the dried tart cherries in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain well.
- Blend the filling: In a food processor, combine the soaked cherries, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture should hold together but remain soft.
- Chill the mixture: Transfer the cherry filling to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. This step makes it easier to form the truffles.
- Shape the truffles: Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form the cherry mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all are shaped, pop them into the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up further.
- Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan over low heat or using a double boiler, melt the vegan dark chocolate with the coconut oil, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Dip the truffles: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each cherry ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it is fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the truffle back on the parchment paper.
- Set the truffles: Once all truffles are coated, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Store and serve: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of cherry liqueur or almond liqueur to the cherry filling before chilling.
If you prefer fresh cherries, you can substitute them for dried ones, but be sure to pit and finely chop them first. You may want to reduce the coconut cream slightly to account for the extra moisture.
To make these truffles nut-free, skip the almond extract and use coconut or vanilla extract only. For a festive touch, sprinkle the finished truffles with crushed freeze-dried cherries or shredded coconut before the chocolate sets.
Interested in more creative vegan desserts? Check out our Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe or the delightfully unique Pecan Chocolate Bark Recipe for inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Truffle (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 80 kcal |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Sodium | 10 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate covered cherry truffles make a perfect bite-sized dessert to serve alongside coffee or tea. They’re also a delightful addition to a vegan dessert platter alongside other treats like Pecan Crackers or a rich vegan cake.
For special occasions, arrange the truffles in decorative boxes or on festive platters as gifts. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
Looking for savory complements to your dessert? Try pairing these truffles with flavors from our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a balanced meal experience.
Conclusion
Creating vegan desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth without dairy or refined sugars is a joyous culinary adventure. These Chocolate Covered Cherry Truffles are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special.
Their luscious cherry centers paired with smooth, rich dark chocolate offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply want to try a healthier dessert alternative, this recipe provides a fantastic base that’s easy to customize. With minimal prep and no baking required, you can whip up these truffles anytime you crave something indulgent yet wholesome.
Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and flavor variations to make them uniquely yours. Happy truffle making!
📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Covered Cherry Truffles (Vegan)
Description: Delicious vegan chocolate covered cherry truffles made with rich dark chocolate and juicy cherries. Perfect for a healthy treat or special occasion.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 12 truffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Soak dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Blend cherries, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Form mixture into 12 small balls and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil over a double boiler.
- Dip chilled cherry balls into melted chocolate, coating fully.
- Place truffles on parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.
- Optional: Roll truffles in chopped nuts before refrigerating.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 12g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chocolate Covered Cherry Truffles (Vegan)”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Delicious vegan chocolate covered cherry truffles made with rich dark chocolate and juicy cherries. Perfect for a healthy treat or special occasion.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “12 truffles”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried cherries”, “1/4 cup almond butter”, “2 tbsp maple syrup”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips”, “1 tbsp coconut oil”, “1/4 tsp salt”, “1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak dried cherries in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend cherries, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 12 small balls and freeze for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil over a double boiler.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip chilled cherry balls into melted chocolate, coating fully.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place truffles on parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Optional: Roll truffles in chopped nuts before refrigerating.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12g”}}