Cherry Truffle Squares

Indulge in the decadent delight of Cherry Truffle Squares, a perfect fusion of buttery shortbread crust, rich chocolate truffle filling, and sweet bursts of maraschino cherries. This easy-to-make dessert stands out with its luscious layers: a golden, melt-in-your-mouth base topped with a creamy ganache infused with cherries and finished with a sprinkle of dark chocolate for a luxurious touch. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a handful of simple ingredients, this sophisticated treat is ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a special after-dinner indulgence. Serve these chilled for the ultimate velvety texture, and let every bite transport you to dessert heaven!

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped)
• 0.5 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate bar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the flour and salt. Stir until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 4

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to smooth it out.

Step 5

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6

While the crust cools, prepare the truffle filling. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.

Step 7

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not allow it to boil.

Step 8

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 9

Fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the chocolate mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 10

Pour the chocolate and cherry mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 11

Sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate over the top of the truffle layer for added texture and flavor.

Step 12

Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the truffle layer is firm and set.

Step 13

Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the dessert out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares.

Step 14

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1437.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5865.4

Total Fat 306.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 183.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 488mg	0%
Sodium 748.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 779.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.6g	0%
Total Sugars 518.0g
Protein 54.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 124.4mg	0%
Iron 34.2mg	0%
Potassium 1021.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 51.2%