Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles Recipe

If you’re looking for a no-bake treat that’s utterly decadent yet blissfully easy to whip up, Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles might just become your new obsession. These sweet bites are packed with chewy coconut, luscious maraschino cherries, and a velvety chocolate coating—all working in harmony for a flavor explosion in every bite. They’re a perfect fusion of nostalgia and elegance, finished in under an hour and made with simple pantry ingredients. Share them at your next gathering, or sneak a few from the fridge for a midnight treat. Their irresistible combination of chocolate, cherry, and coconut will have everyone asking for the recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles. Each one brings its own unique twist, building layers of sweetness, texture, and rich flavor that turn a humble snack into pure joy.

• Sweetened shredded coconut: This creates a chewy and tropical base, providing softness and signature coconut flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as a lush binder, holding everything together and adding a distinctly creamy richness.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings out the complexity and warmth in the whole batch.
• Finely chopped maraschino cherries: Make sure they’re well-drained for vibrant bursts of color and that unmistakable cherry sweetness.
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips: Melts into a glossy cloak for each truffle, giving a luxurious (not-too-sweet) chocolate shell.
• Coconut oil (or butter): Added to the chocolate for that perfect melt and shine—never chalky or too thick!

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Cherry Filling

Start by mixing up the heart of your truffles! In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and those gorgeous chopped cherries. Stir everything together until you have a sticky, cohesive dough. You’ll notice the mixture smelling incredible right away, and the color is already enough to make your mouth water!

Step 2: Shape the Truffles

Taking about a tablespoon of that luscious mixture at a time, roll it gently between your palms to form smooth balls. Space them out on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick together. Don’t worry if they’re a little sticky—that helps them stay extra moist inside. Once you’ve finished shaping, pop the tray into the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes. This chill time makes coating them in chocolate a breeze!

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

While the coconut cherry balls are firming up, get your chocolate ready. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips with a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil (or butter). Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until your chocolate is totally smooth and glossy. The coconut oil helps the chocolate coat the truffles more evenly and adds a subtle richness.

Step 4: Dip the Truffles

One at a time, dip each chilled coconut-cherry ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Let any excess chocolate drip off so you get a neat finish, then return the truffle to your parchment-lined tray. The chocolate will start to set quickly—especially if your kitchen is cool or if you pop them in the fridge for a few minutes.

Step 5: Set and Serve

Allow all your truffles to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely. If you’re feeling impatient, a few minutes in the refrigerator will do the trick. Once set, your Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles are ready to savor! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and keep them chilled for peak indulgence.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles

Garnishes

A little garnish takes these truffles from irresistible to downright dazzling! Try sprinkling a bit of extra shredded coconut or a tiny piece of cherry on top before the chocolate sets. You could even dust with cocoa powder or drizzle with white chocolate for a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

While these indulgent bites are perfect on their own, they pair beautifully with after-dinner coffee, a mug of hot cocoa, or a chilled glass of cherry liqueur. Arrange them on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit for a truly celebratory dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles make lovely edible gifts—just nestle them in mini paper cups and tuck them into a decorative box or jar. For parties, stack them pyramid-style on a serving tray, or skewer them onto cocktail picks for a fun twist. You can even freeze a few and serve them with ice cream for an extra decadent treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles store beautifully! Simply place any uneaten truffles in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking whenever you crave something sweet.

Freezing

If you’d like to make a larger batch in advance, these truffles freeze perfectly. Once the chocolate is fully set, layer your truffles in a freezer-safe container using parchment between the layers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat these truffles—they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature! If yours have been in the freezer, let them sit in the fridge for a couple of hours to gradually thaw. This keeps their texture just right: creamy and chewy on the inside, snappy chocolate on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can absolutely be used if you pit them and chop them very finely, but keep in mind that fresh cherries will have more moisture. Drain them well or even pat them dry before mixing to avoid a soggy filling.

What’s the best type of chocolate for dipping?

Both semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips work beautifully for Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles. If you enjoy a deeper, less-sweet flavor, go for dark chocolate. White chocolate is also fun for a sweeter, milder twist.

Can I make these truffles dairy-free?

You can! Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk (widely available in most grocery stores) and swap in coconut oil instead of butter for the chocolate coating. Choose a dairy-free chocolate brand for dipping, and voila—dairy-free truffles!

Why are my truffles sticky or hard to handle?

If the filling feels too sticky, try chilling the mixture before shaping the balls. Freezing them as directed is key for easy dipping. If your hands are too warm, occasionally rinsing them with cool water helps keep everything neat.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Finely chopped toasted almonds, pistachios, or even mini chocolate chips can be stirred into the filling for extra flavor and texture. Just don’t go overboard—about 1/4 cup of extras is plenty for one batch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making (and sharing) a homemade treat like Chocolate Cherry Coconut Truffles. With every bite, you get the magic of chocolate, cherry, and coconut—all in one luscious, easy-to-love package. I hope you’ll give these a try soon and discover just how quickly they become a favorite in your home, too!