The air is sweet and intoxicating, filled with the rich aroma of chocolate and bourbon. As you take a moment to gaze at your creations—these No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls—a delightful burst of color captures the eye. Each glossy orb glistens like a jewel, promising a decadent escape. Imagine the first bite: the smooth chocolate melding perfectly with the tartness of the cherries and a gentle warming from the bourbon. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth experience that transports you to a cozy holiday gathering, surrounded by laughter and love.

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

These bites hold a special place in my heart, reminiscent of festive moments spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She always had a way of whipping up treats that felt so indulgent yet effortless. This recipe takes me back, yet it also adds a modern twist. Perfect for holiday trays, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth anytime, these Bourbon Balls are a must-savor creation that invites you to indulge. I can’t wait for you to try your hand at making these tasty bite-sized wonders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These delightful treats come together in under 35 minutes (plus chilling time), making them an easy choice for last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: With a beautiful balance between chocolate, tart cherries, and bourbon, every bite is an explosion of flavor that’s perfect for adult palates.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their glossy chocolate finish and optional garnishes make these bourbon balls an impressive addition to any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Great for holiday celebrations, parties, or even a cozy night in—these treats are suitable for any occasion that calls for a little indulgence.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adjust the recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free, catering to various dietary preferences while still being packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pitted sour cherries: Fresh or dried work best. They provide a tartness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
½ cup bourbon: Opt for a smooth bourbon; it enhances the flavor of the cherries. Substitute with whiskey if needed.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a depth of sweetness, balancing the tart cherries.
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate: Use a high-quality chocolate for the ganache; it’s the base of the flavor. You can swap with bittersweet chocolate for a richer taste.
⅓ cup heavy cream: This is crucial for creating a luscious ganache. Half-and-half can work, but the richness may be slightly reduced.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature: It helps to achieve a glossy finish in the ganache. Make sure it’s not cold for better mixing.
½ cup bourbon-soaked cherries, finely chopped and well-drained: These add texture and a burst of flavor. Drain and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
12 oz dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers: For coating. Chocolate wafers are easier to work with and melt smoothly.
Optional Garnish: Crushed freeze-dried cherries or flaky sea salt for a beautiful touch that enhances visual appeal and flavor.

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

Soak the Cherries: In a bowl or jar, combine the sour cherries, bourbon, and brown sugar. Cover and let them soak in the fridge for at least 2 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor absorption. After soaking, drain the cherries well, chop finely, and pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it prevents your mixture from getting too wet later on.

Make the Ganache: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to steam—don’t bring it to a boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute to soften. Gently stir until smooth and combine the mixture. Once smooth, add the room temperature butter and stir until fully incorporated and glossy. This ganache is the magic that binds your flavors together.

Add the Cherries: Allow the ganache to cool for a few minutes until it thickens but is still pourable. Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to break them up too much. This ensures every truffle has the delightful cherry flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop. Waiting is hard, but it’s worth it!

Scoop the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the chilled ganache into small mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step makes the process cleaner and manageable. Once you’ve scooped all the portions, chill the tray in the refrigerator for an additional 20 minutes. This gives a perfect firmness for rolling into balls.

Roll into Balls: With your hands, take each chilled mound and roll it between your palms to create smooth balls. If the mixture feels too soft while rolling, simply return it to the fridge for a few minutes. Once you have formed all the truffles, place them back on the parchment-lined tray. Chill again until firm, usually around 30 minutes.

Dip in Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers, stirring until smooth and fluid. Alternatively, you can melt it in the microwave in short bursts. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it back on the tray. Make sure to work carefully so that they all get an even coating!

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 for extra flair and flavor. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or place the tray in the fridge for quicker results. It’ll only take about 15-20 minutes to set completely!

Storing & Reheating

To store your No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to three weeks. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the truffles in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge to avoid melting the chocolate coating. The flavor may mellow slightly after freezing, but they’ll still taste divine!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your cherries are very well-drained to prevent a soggy mixture; patting them dry is a must.
For a quicker chill, use the freezer for the ganache; just be cautious not to let it freeze solid.
If the chocolate coating is too thick, add a little bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out.
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a hint of almond extract to the ganache mixture.
These are great to make ahead of time; prepare them a few days in advance for a holiday gathering!

With their rich taste and delightful texture, these No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients or garnishes to suit your style. Each batch is a new opportunity for creativity, and there’s nothing quite like seeing friends and family enjoy your creations. So grab your ingredients, and let the sweetness take over your kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the tartness of sour cherries is a highlight, you can experiment with other fruits like dried cranberries, blueberries, or even chunks of candied orange to bring new flavors to your Bourbon Balls.

How do I adjust this recipe for a non-alcoholic version?

You can substitute the bourbon with cherry juice or soda for a non-alcoholic treat. The flavors will be different, but it will still be a fun and festive variation perfect for all ages.

Can I make the balls smaller or larger?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the size as you prefer. Just remember that different sizes may affect the chilling and setting times, so keep an eye on them accordingly.

What can I do if my chocolate coating won’t set properly?

If you find that your chocolate coating is not setting, it might be too thick or not tempered properly. You can add a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil or shorten the melting time to get a thinner consistency that will set better.