Maraschino Cherry Candy
Sweet and creamy maraschino cherry candies with rich chocolate coating, perfect for parties or as a delightful homemade treat for cherry lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the margarine, cream cheese, and 10x sugar thoroughly until smooth.
- Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball around a maraschino cherry using your palms.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and cherries.
- Dip each cherry ball into melted chocolate and let it harden before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the margarine is softened at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or blueberry. To make the chocolate coating easier to work with, use a high-quality melting chocolate or candy melts. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, you can substitute the margarine with a light spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cherry candies as a festive treat during holidays or special occasions. They pair beautifully with Rich Crescent Dinner Rolls for a delightful dessert spread. For a colorful presentation, arrange them on a platter with sprigs of mint or edible flowers. Consider serving alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the maraschino cherry candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To maintain their shape, layer the candy with parchment paper. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maraschino Cherry Candy contains roughly 786 calories, with 9g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 637mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but you will need to pit them and possibly coat them in a light syrup to prevent them from drying out. Maraschino cherries have a distinct flavor that complements the candy, so the taste will vary with fresh cherries.
How can I make these candies without cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, which will give you a comparable consistency while keeping the recipe vegan.
What kind of chocolate should I use for dipping?
Using semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for dipping, as it balances the sweetness of the candy. You can also experiment with white chocolate or even flavored chocolate for a fun twist. Just ensure whatever chocolate you choose is suitable for melting.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).