Mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls Everyone Will Love Recipe
Delight in these luscious Cherry Caramel Extract Balls, combining the rich flavors of semi-sweet chocolate, cherry juice, and crunchy pecans in a creamy, fudgy treat. Perfectly balanced with a dusting of powdered sugar and topped with a candied cherry half for an irresistible bite-sized dessert everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Mixture
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (substitute with walnuts or omit for a nut-free version)
Cherry Component
- 1/2 cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic) (use apple juice for a milder taste)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (can be swapped with dried cherries for added chewiness)
Base Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (softened) (coconut oil is a great dairy-free substitute)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (reduce for a lighter touch if preferred)
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (opt for dark chocolate for deeper flavor)
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (butter can work for added richness)
Decoration
- 12 pieces candied cherry halves (use chocolate shavings for a unique presentation)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening until smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent melting the butter mixture in the next step.
- Prepare Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar vigorously until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, forming a rich base for your dessert balls.
- Combine Cherry and Nut Ingredients: Stir in the cherry juice, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the base mixture.
- Add Chocolate Mixture: Gradually fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the cherry and nut mixture, stirring until a smooth, uniform dough with a fudgy texture is formed.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the mixture to firm up for easy shaping.
- Shape Balls: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth, bite-sized balls using your hands for a perfect shape.
- Coat and Decorate: Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it evenly for a sweet finish. Top each with a candied cherry half to add a charming and appetizing decorative touch.
- Final Chill: Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined sheet and chill again in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with finely chopped walnuts.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter and shortening.
- Powdered sugar coating can be reduced or replaced with cocoa powder for a less sweet finish.
- Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allow the balls to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Keywords: cherry caramel balls, no bake cherry dessert, chocolate cherry treats, fudge balls, holiday sweets
