No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls

No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the rich flavors of bourbon and the tartness of cherries, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. These little bites of joy have a fascinating history, often associated with festive gatherings and holiday celebrations. Originating from the Southern United States, bourbon balls have become a beloved staple in many households, especially during the winter months.

What makes No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls so irresistible is their unique combination of taste and texture. The smooth, creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, the convenience of not having to bake means you can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family. It’s no wonder that people love this dish; it’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the flavors of bourbon and cherries without the fuss of traditional baking.

Join me as we dive into this easy recipe for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls that will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar (for rolling)

Preparing the Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, and finely chopped pecans. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
2. Add the chopped dried cherries to the mixture. Make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate small bowl, combine the bourbon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the bourbon mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it forms a cohesive dough. It should be moist but not sticky. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little more bourbon, one teaspoon at a time.

Chilling the Dough

1. Once the mixture is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.

Rolling the Balls

1. After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Prepare a clean surface or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for rolling the balls.
2. Using your hands, take about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Aim for a size similar to a walnut. Repeat this process until all the dough is rolled into balls.
3. Once you have rolled all the balls, place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Coating the Balls

1. In a shallow dish, add the additional powdered sugar. This will be used for coating the bourbon balls.
2. Take each ball and roll it in the powdered sugar until it is fully coated. This not only adds sweetness but also gives a lovely finish to the bourbon balls.
3. After coating, return the balls to the baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart to prevent sticking.

Final Chilling

1. Once all the balls are coated, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or foil.
2. Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator and let the bourbon balls chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Serving Suggestions

1. After the final chilling, your no-bake cherry bourbon balls are ready to serve! You can arrange them on a decorative plate or in a festive tin for gifting.
2. For an extra touch, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkling with additional chopped nuts for garnish.
3. These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply as a delightful indulgence for yourself.

Storage Tips

1. Store any leftover bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks.
2. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the mixture and roll the balls, then freeze them before coating. When ready to serve, simply thaw and coat in powdered sugar.

Variations

1. If you want to switch things up, try using different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, instead of pecans.
2. You can also experiment with different dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a unique flavor twist.
3. For a chocolate lover’s version, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the mixture or rolling the balls

   

   Conclusion:

   If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cherries and bourbon without the hassle of baking, then these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are an absolute must-try! They are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of warmth from the bourbon, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, these cherry bourbon balls will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

   For serving suggestions, I recommend presenting these delightful bites on a beautiful platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. They pair wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee, making them a versatile addition to your dessert table. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with variations! You can substitute the cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, or even add a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the bourbon with a splash of cherry juice or a flavored syrup, and you’ll still have a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.

   I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls in your own kitchen. They are not only a fun and easy project but also a fantastic way to bring friends and family together. Once you’ve made them, don’t forget to share your experience! I would love to hear how they turned out for you and any creative twists you added to the recipe. You can share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me on social media with your delicious creations.

   In conclusion, these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with rich flavors, making them a perfect addition to any dessert spread. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on this sweet adventure! You won’t regret it, and I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own!

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   No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

   Enjoy these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls, a delicious combination of crushed vanilla wafers, dried cherries, and bourbon, all rolled in powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday celebrations or a sweet treat any time of year!

   Prep Time30 minutes

   Cook Time0 minutes

   Total Time150 minutes

   Category: Easy Lunches

   Yield: 24 pieces

   Save This Recipe

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
   • 1 cup powdered sugar
   • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
   • 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
   • 1/4 cup bourbon
   • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
   • 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar (for rolling)

   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, and finely chopped pecans. Stir until well mixed.
   2. Add the chopped dried cherries to the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
   3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
   4. Pour the bourbon mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a cohesive dough forms. If too dry, add more bourbon, one teaspoon at a time.
   5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
   6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough.
   7. Prepare a clean surface or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   8. Roll about a tablespoon of dough into a ball, similar in size to a walnut. Repeat until all dough is rolled.
   9. Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet.
   10. In a shallow dish, add the additional powdered sugar for coating.
   11. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated.
   12. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet, spaced apart.
   13. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or foil.
   14. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
   15. Arrange the bourbon balls on a decorative plate or in a festive tin for gifting.
   16. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with additional chopped nuts for garnish.
   17. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
   18. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the mixture and roll the balls, then freeze before coating. Thaw and coat in powdered sugar when ready to serve.
   19. Substitute different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for pecans.
   20. Experiment with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a unique flavor twist.
   21. For a chocolate lover’s version, add mini chocolate chips to the mixture or roll the balls in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar.

   Notes

   • Der Teig darf während der Ruhezeit nicht bewegt werden.
   • Für ein intensiveres Knoblaucharoma können mehr Zehen verwendet werden.