Picture this: It’s Christmas Eve, snow falling softly outside, and my kitchen smells like heaven – rich chocolate melting, brandy warming in a pan, and those gorgeous glazed cherries waiting to be folded in. That’s when I first fell in love with these brandy cherry truffles. They’re not just candies; they’re little bites of holiday magic wrapped in cocoa powder.
After years of testing chocolate recipes (and eating way too many failed batches), I’ve perfected this version that balances the bold kick of brandy with the sweetness of cherries. The secret? Using really good dark chocolate – none of that waxy stuff – and letting the flavors mingle overnight. Trust me, these truffles will make you feel like a fancy chocolatier without any fancy equipment. Just your hands, a bowl, and maybe an extra splash of brandy “for the chef.”
What I love most is how these transform any occasion – they’ve saved me during last-minute dinner parties, been birthday gifts in pretty boxes, and yes, been secretly eaten straight from the fridge at 2am. Because sometimes adulting means treating yourself to boozy chocolate.
Why You’ll Love These Brandy Cherry Truffles
Oh, where do I even start? These truffles are my go-to for so many reasons. First off, they’re ridiculously easy—no oven, no fancy skills, just melt, mix, and roll. The taste? Pure luxury—dark chocolate with that warm brandy kick and little bursts of sweet cherry. They’re the kind of treat that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen (but we’ll keep our secret).
- No-bake magic: Perfect for when you’re craving something fancy but want zero stress.
- Gift-worthy: Tuck them in a pretty box, and suddenly you’re the most thoughtful friend ever.
- Booze control: Love brandy? Add extra. Prefer kid-friendly? Swap in cherry juice.
Honestly, they’re like edible happiness—one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients for Brandy Cherry Truffles
Here’s the shopping list for these little boozy miracles – trust me, every ingredient counts! The chocolate needs to be 70% cocoa dark chocolate (I chop mine into pea-sized pieces so it melts evenly). For the cream, go for heavy whipping cream – that extra fat content makes the ganache irresistibly smooth. The brandy? A good-quality one, but nothing fancy – about 2 tablespoons does the trick. Oh, and those glazed cherries? Chop them small so you get perfect little ruby pockets in every bite. Here’s the full breakdown:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) – finely chopped
- 100ml heavy cream – warmed to simmering
- 2 tbsp brandy (or cherry juice for non-alcoholic version)
- 50g glazed cherries – finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder – for dusting
- 50g powdered sugar – for dusting
Pro tip: If you’re out of brandy, rum works beautifully too – just adjust to taste!
How to Make Brandy Cherry Truffles
Alright, let’s get our hands chocolatey! Making these truffles is like conducting a little kitchen symphony – each step matters, but the result is pure magic. Follow along, and soon you’ll have those gorgeous, boozy bites ready to impress (or devour secretly).
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Cream
First, grab that chopped dark chocolate and dump it into a heatproof bowl. Now, here’s my golden rule: don’t rush the melting! Bring your cream just to a simmer (little bubbles at the edges), then pour it over the chocolate. Walk away for 2 minutes – I know it’s hard, but let that chocolate dreamily melt on its own.
After the wait, grab a spatula and stir gently from the center outward. If you see stubborn lumps, pop the bowl over a pot of barely simmering water (double boiler style) for 10-second bursts. Watch carefully – overheated chocolate turns grainy, and we want silky smooth. When it’s glossy and perfect, take a sniff – that’s the smell of success!
Step 2: Fold in Brandy and Cherries
Time for the fun part! Pour in your brandy slowly while stirring – you’ll see the mixture get slightly looser. Now add those gorgeous chopped cherries. Here’s my trick: fold don’t stir. Use a figure-eight motion with your spatula to distribute everything evenly without crushing the cherry pieces.
The mixture might look a bit soft now – perfect! Cover it with cling film pressed right onto the surface (this stops skin forming) and chill for 2 hours. No cheating! The ganache needs this time to firm up enough for rolling. I usually take this break to lick the bowl – chef’s privilege!
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Truffles
Ready for the messy, joyful part? Scoop tablespoon-sized portions (I use a melon baller for perfect rounds). Now, here’s the secret to smooth truffles: cold hands work best. Rinse your hands in ice water and dry quickly, then roll each portion between your palms. If they start sticking, dust your hands with cocoa powder.
For coating, you’ve got options! Roll some in unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic truffle look, or powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Feeling fancy? Melt extra chocolate for dipping. Arrange them on parchment paper and chill another 30 minutes – this sets everything perfectly. Now try not to eat them all before serving!
Expert Tips for Perfect Brandy Cherry Truffles
After making countless batches of these truffles (and learning from every mistake), here are my hard-won secrets for perfection. If your ganache turns grainy, don’t panic! A tablespoon of warm cream and gentle stirring usually fixes it. Too sweet? Balance it with a pinch of sea salt in the mixture. And if your truffles won’t hold their shape, they probably need more chill time – pop them back in the fridge for another hour.
Always use room-temperature cherries – cold ones can make the chocolate seize. For a pro touch, keep a bowl of hot water nearby to dip your scoop between portions. And remember – brandy cherry truffles taste even better the next day when flavors fully meld. Just try not to eat them all in one sitting!
Variations of Brandy Cherry Truffles
Want to play with flavors? These truffles love a good makeover! Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate if you prefer something sweeter – it makes the cherry flavor pop beautifully. For crunch, roll the shaped truffles in finely chopped almonds or pistachios before chilling. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the ganache. My husband’s favorite version has a surprise inside – I tuck a whole cherry in the center of each truffle before coating. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storing Brandy Cherry Truffles
Presentation is half the fun with these beauties! I love serving them in petite paper cups for parties – the contrast of dark chocolate against white liners looks so elegant. For special gifts, layer them in a gift box with parchment between rows. They’ll keep like a dream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!). Pro tip: Let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving – the flavors really sing when they’re not ice-cold!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the real talk – these are decadent treats, not health food! Each little brandy cherry truffle packs about 120 calories, with that glorious combo of 7g fat (mostly from quality chocolate and cream) and 12g carbs. But honestly? Worth every bite. These numbers are estimates – your exact count depends on your chocolate brand and how generously you coat them. My advice? Savor slowly and share with friends (or don’t – no judgment here).
FAQs About Brandy Cherry Truffles
Can I make these without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the brandy for an equal amount of cherry juice or even strong brewed tea. The truffles will still be deliciously rich – just with a slightly different flavor profile. My niece loves when I make the kid-friendly version with a splash of vanilla extract instead.
How long do brandy cherry truffles stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll keep their magic for about 5-7 days. If you need longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to 2 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight. Pro tip: Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking!
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Go for 70% cocoa dark chocolate – it balances sweetness with depth. Cheap chocolate can make your truffles waxy, while ultra-premium isn’t necessary. I’ve had great results with supermarket brands as long as they’re good quality. White chocolate works too if you prefer sweeter truffles.
Why did my ganache turn grainy?
This usually happens if the chocolate got too hot or the cream was boiling. Don’t worry – stir in a tablespoon of warm cream until smooth, or gently rewarm over a double boiler. Next time, watch that cream doesn’t go past a simmer!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your brandy cherry truffles turned out! Did you add your own twist? Leave a note below – your kitchen adventures might inspire someone else’s chocolatey creation! You can also find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.
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Boozy Brandy Cherry Truffles in Just 3 Steps
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 min
- Yield: 15-20 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and indulgent brandy cherry truffles with a smooth chocolate coating.
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 100ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp brandy
- 50g glazed cherries, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 50g powdered sugar
Instructions
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream until simmering, then pour over the chocolate.
- Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add the brandy and chopped cherries, mix well.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
- Use a spoon to scoop small portions, then roll into balls.
- Coat each truffle in cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
- Refrigerate for another 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
- Adjust brandy quantity to taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: brandy cherry truffles, chocolate truffles, no-bake dessert
