No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Easy Boozy Treat are the perfect indulgence for any occasion. Imagine biting into a smooth, rich chocolate coating that gives way to a delightful cherry-bourbon filling. The aroma of chocolate mixed with whiskey and cherries wafts through your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting. These bite-sized treats are not only visually stunning but also a delicious blend of flavors that send you straight to dessert heaven.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Easy Boozy Treat
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls

Growing up, I always looked forward to the holidays when my family would gather and share homemade treats. There’s something magical about creating memories through food, especially when sharing a little something festive like these No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls. Whether you’re prepping for a festive get-together or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these treats will surely add a splash of joy to your day. So why not roll up your sleeves and whip up a batch today?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in just about 35 minutes of prep time and a little chill time!
Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries and a hint of bourbon—it’s a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These truffles look adorable, making them perfect for gifting or holiday trays.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a post-dinner treat, or even as a fun addition to your party platter.
Diet-Friendly Options: With clever substitutions, they can be made gluten-free or dairy-free, accommodating a variety of diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sour Cherries: Look for fresh, pitted sour cherries. These will give your truffles that delicious tartness. If unavailable, you can use preserved cherries but ensure to drain them well.
Bourbon: A good quality bourbon enhances the flavors beautifully. For a non-alcoholic version, you may substitute with cherry juice, but the flavor will differ.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth and an extra touch of sweetness, balancing the bitterness of chocolate. You can swap it with granulated sugar if needed.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for the ganache; it’s the base of your treats. If desired, dark chocolate can work wonderfully too!
Heavy Cream: This makes the ganache rich and creamy. For a lighter version, coconut cream can be substituted.
Unsalted Butter: It adds silkiness and gloss to the ganache finish; feel free to use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Dark Chocolate or Melting Wafers: You’ll need this for coating. Using melting wafers can make the coating process easier but high-quality dark chocolate is always a delicious choice.
Crushed Freeze-Dried Cherries and Flaky Sea Salt: These are optional garnishes, but they add a beautiful finishing touch. The cherry provides a pop of color and flavor, while sea salt creates a delightful contrast.

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Easy Boozy Treat

Soak the Cherries: Start by combining the pitted sour cherries, bourbon, and brown sugar in a bowl or jar. Cover it and let the mixture soak for at least two hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This soaking helps the cherries absorb the bourbon flavor. After soaking, drain them thoroughly, finely chop, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Make the Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it’s just steaming—don’t let it boil! Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for one minute. Then, stir gently until it transforms into a smooth, glossy ganache. Add in the butter and stir until completely incorporated.

Add the Cherries: Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it’s thick but still pourable. Gently fold in the finely chopped, drained cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the ganache. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour until the mixture firms up enough to scoop.

Scoop the Truffles: With a small scoop or spoon, portion the chilled ganache into mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all portions are scooped, pop the tray in the refrigerator for another 20 minutes to help them firm up before rolling them into balls.

Roll into Balls: Take each portion and roll it between your palms to create smooth balls. If at any point the mixture becomes too soft or sticky, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes. Next, place the rolled truffles back on the parchment-lined tray to chill until they’re firm.

Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate or melting wafers in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water or in the microwave using short bursts. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and fluid. Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before placing it back on the tray.

Garnish and Set: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with crushed freeze-dried cherries or a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired. Allow the truffles to set completely at room temperature or place the tray in the refrigerator for quicker results.

Storing & Reheating

To store your No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, no need to reheat—let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly, which enhances their flavors and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When soaking the cherries, remember to drain well to avoid a soggy ganache.
Ensure your chocolate is finely chopped for a quick melting time. The smaller, the better!
If your ganache seems too soft when rolling, a brief chill will help. It’s an easy fix!
Experiment with different types of chocolate for coating—the contrast can yield delightful surprises.
These truffles can be made a week in advance, making them perfect for holiday prep.
Consider a splash of vanilla or almond extract for added depth in flavor.

These rich and decadent No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls are a fantastic treat that brings together the nostalgic flavors of chocolate and cherry with a delightful hint of bourbon. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, they’re sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your flavors, toppings, or even a bit of spice! Enjoy every bite of this delicious indulgence!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of sour ones?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries bring a lovely sweetness to the mix. Just be sure to adjust the sugar as needed since fresh cherries are usually sweeter than sour ones.

What if I don’t have bourbon?

No problem! You can substitute the bourbon with cherry juice or a splash of soda to maintain the cherry flavor without the alcohol. The texture might be a bit different, but they’ll still be delicious!

How long do they need to set in the fridge?

They usually need about 1-2 hours to firm up say, but if you’re in a pinch, even 30 minutes can do the trick. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they hold their shape when dipped.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegan butter, and a dairy-free chocolate. They’ll still be rich and satisfying!

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No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approx. 24 truffles
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

These No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls are a delightful treat with rich chocolate, tart cherries, and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for any celebration or a cozy night!

Ingredients

Sour Cherries
Bourbon
Brown Sugar
Semi-Sweet Chocolate
Heavy Cream
Unsalted Butter
Dark Chocolate or Melting Wafers
Crushed Freeze-Dried Cherries and Flaky Sea Salt

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Instructions

Soak the cherries in bourbon and brown sugar for at least two hours or overnight.
Make the ganache by heating heavy cream, pouring it over chopped chocolate, and stirring until smooth.
Fold in drained and chopped cherries to the ganache and chill until firm.
Scoop ganache into small mounds and chill again to firm up.
Roll each portion into smooth balls.
Dip the chilled truffles in melted chocolate and let excess drip off.
Garnish with crushed cherries or sea salt and let set.

Notes

If the ganache is too soft when rolling, refrigerate briefly to firm it up.
Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache and coating for best flavor.
These truffles can be made a week in advance, ideal for holiday preparation.