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!
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.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the flour and salt. Stir until a crumbly dough forms.
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.
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.
While the crust cools, prepare the truffle filling. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not allow it to boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, whisk until smooth and glossy.
Fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the chocolate mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the chocolate and cherry mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the chopped dark chocolate over the top of the truffle layer for added texture and flavor.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the truffle layer is firm and set.
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.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Calories |
5865 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 306.2 g | 393% | |
| Saturated Fat | 183.8 g | 919% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 488 mg | 163% | |
| Sodium | 748 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 779.5 g | 283% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.6 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 518.0 g | ||
| Protein | 54.1 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 124 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 34.2 mg | 190% | |
| Potassium | 1021 mg | 22% | |
*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.