Mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls Recipe
Indulge in these Mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls, a delicious treat combining the sweet tang of cherries, rich butter, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate. These no-bake dessert balls are rolled in powdered sugar and topped with candied cherry halves, perfect for parties or anytime snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups powdered sugar, divided
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
- 30 candied cherry halves
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic alternative)
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening or coconut oil until the mixture becomes smooth, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cool slightly before use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with 3 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your dessert balls.
- Add Cherries and Pecans: Stir in the non-alcoholic cherry juice, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and finely chopped pecans into the butter-sugar mixture, combining well to distribute all flavors evenly.
- Combine with Chocolate: Gradually add the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture into the butter-sugar-cherry mixture. Mix thoroughly until a uniform ‘dough’ forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle and shape into balls without sticking.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop small portions, about 1 tablespoon each, of the chilled mixture. Roll them between your palms to form smooth, round balls, ensuring they are even in size for consistent serving.
- Coat and Garnish: Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar to coat evenly. Top each ball with a candied cherry half for an attractive and flavorful finish.
- Final Chill: Arrange the coated Cherry Caramel Extract Balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to allow them to firm up completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure the cherry juice used is non-alcoholic for those avoiding alcohol.
- The shortening can be substituted with coconut oil for a slight coconut flavor and a more natural option.
- Chilling the mixture thoroughly is essential to make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
- Store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with chopped seeds or omit entirely.
Keywords: cherry caramel balls, no-bake dessert, cherry dessert balls, holiday treats, easy sweet snacks
