Oh, if you love a little boozy, fruity, and chocolaty treat that feels festive yet indulgently cozy, then this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is going to become your new go-to. These bite-sized delights bring together the perfect harmony of tart cherries soaked in bourbon, smooth ganache infused with those luscious cherries, and a rich dark chocolate coating. They are elegant enough for holidays, yet simple enough to whip up anytime you want to impress your friends or satisfy your own sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making something truly special, and this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe uses a handful of simple but carefully selected items. Each plays a big role in delivering that balanced flavor and velvety texture you’ll adore.
- Sour cherries: Their natural tartness perfectly contrasts the sweet and boozy notes in the recipe.
- Bourbon: Adds warmth, depth, and a subtle kick that brings everything together beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the cherries with a touch of caramel-like sweetness during soaking.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Creates a luscious, creamy ganache base with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Smooths out the chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth texture in the ganache.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and makes the ganache glossy and velvety.
- Dark chocolate or melting wafers: For dipping, providing a firm, satisfying shell around each cherry bourbon ball.
- Optional garnishes (crushed freeze-dried cherries, flaky sea salt): These add a pop of color, a hint of tartness, or a sophisticated finish.
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Cherries
This step is where the magic begins. Combine the sour cherries with bourbon and brown sugar, then let them soak for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. This soaking process lets the cherries soak up rich bourbon flavor while softening slightly and sweetening up with the brown sugar. Once soaked, make sure to drain and finely chop the cherries to avoid excess moisture that could affect the ganache texture.
Step 2: Make the Ganache
Next up is crafting that silky ganache that wraps the bourbon-soaked cherries. Gently heating the cream and pouring it over finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate allows the chocolate to melt into a smooth, luxurious mixture. Adding the butter towards the end gives it a beautiful shine and extra richness that feels downright decadent when you bite in.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Let the ganache cool until it thickens just enough to hold the chopped cherries without sinking. Carefully folding in the bourbon-soaked cherries disperses bursts of fruity sweetness throughout every bite of ganache. Once mixed, refrigerate it to firm up so it’s easy to scoop and shape.
Step 4: Scoop The Truffles
Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the chilled ganache on a parchment-lined tray. This makes evenly sized balls, and chilling the scooped portions for 20 minutes firms them enough for rolling. This is a great step for a quick break and building anticipation!
Step 5: Roll Into Balls
If the ganache feels a bit too sticky, a quick chill in the fridge helps. Rolling these mounds gently between your palms creates smooth, round truffles that feel heavenly in your hand. Once rolled, pop them back into the fridge to maintain their perfect firm shape.
Step 6: Dip in Chocolate
The dark chocolate coating is the crowning glory. Melt your choice of dark chocolate or melting wafers slowly to achieve a silky glaze. Dipping each chilled truffle carefully and letting excess chocolate drip off ensures a clean, even coating that’s just firm enough to snap when you bite in.
Step 7: Garnish and Set
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried cherries or flaky sea salt to elevate both flavor and appearance. This final touch doesn’t just add beauty – the tart crunch or salty finish perfectly balances the decadent sweetness. Let the chocolate harden completely at room temperature or speed it up by refrigerating.
How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding crushed freeze-dried cherries provides a vivid pop of color and an intense burst of tartness that complements the rich chocolate perfectly. If you prefer a little saltiness, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the complexity of the bourbon and balances the sweetness, making each bite a more sophisticated experience.
Side Dishes
These Cherry Bourbon Balls shine on their own as a luxurious treat, but they also pair wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee or a glass of your favorite bourbon or whiskey. For gatherings, serve alongside a cheese platter with creamy brie or sharp cheddar to offer guests the perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, place your cherry bourbon balls in pretty mini cupcake liners or arrange them in a decorative tin tied with a festive ribbon – gifts that your friends and family will adore. You can even skewer a few on cocktail picks for an elegant party presentation that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cherry bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors actually marry and deepen with a little rest, so they taste even better the next day or two. Just make sure they’re chilled well to maintain their perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to keep the chocolate coating intact and ganache creamy.
Reheating
No reheating needed here since these are best enjoyed chilled. If you want them slightly softer, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying so the ganache softens just enough to melt beautifully on your tongue.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cherries for this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe?
Absolutely! While sour cherries give that perfect tart contrast, you can substitute with sweet cherries or dried cherries soaked in bourbon. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Is it necessary to soak the cherries overnight?
Soaking overnight is ideal because it allows the cherries to fully absorb the bourbon and brown sugar, enhancing flavor and softening them. If short on time, at least 2 hours will work, but longer is tastier.
What if I don’t have bourbon? Can I use another alcohol?
Sure thing! While bourbon adds a unique warmth, you can substitute with whiskey, brandy, or even a bourbon extract for a non-alcoholic version. Each will give a slightly different flavor twist but still be mouthwatering.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
You can! Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a plant-based butter substitute. The texture might be a bit different, but the flavor will still be wonderfully rich.
How do I prevent the chocolate coating from melting too fast when serving?
Serve the cherry bourbon balls chilled and keep them refrigerated until just before serving. Present on a cool plate and avoid direct sunlight or warm rooms to keep the chocolate coating firm and delightful.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about making and sharing this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe. Each bite bursts with unexpected layers of flavor – from the tart cherries soaked in bourbon to the creamy, decadent ganache wrapped in a crisp chocolate shell. Whether you’re treating yourself, gifting friends, or dazzling guests, these little bites promise joy, comfort, and a touch of festive sophistication. Give them a try soon; I promise they’ll quickly become a cherished favorite!
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Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (plus 2 hours to overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no actual cooking involved)
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes to overnight depending on soaking time
- Yield: 22 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich and indulgent Cherry Bourbon Balls, featuring bourbon-soaked sour cherries enveloped in a smooth semi-sweet chocolate ganache, then coated in dark chocolate. These elegant, no-bake truffles combine the warmth of bourbon with luscious chocolate, perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Bourbon Mixture
- 1 cup pitted sour cherries
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Ganache Filling
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- â…“ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup bourbon-soaked cherries, finely chopped and well-drained
For the Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers
Optional Garnish
- Crushed freeze-dried cherries
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Soak the Cherries: Combine the sour cherries, bourbon, and brown sugar in a bowl or jar. Cover and soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. After soaking, drain the cherries thoroughly, finely chop them, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Ganache: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just steaming, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir gently until smooth and fully melted. Add the butter and continue stirring until the mixture is glossy and fully incorporated.
- Add the Cherries: Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still fluid. Fold in the chopped, drained cherries gently with a spatula to distribute them evenly throughout the ganache. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until the mixture is firm enough to scoop, about 1 hour.
- Scoop the Truffles: Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the chilled ganache into mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all portions are scooped, refrigerate the tray for 20 minutes to allow the truffles to firm up before rolling.
- Roll into Balls: Take each portion and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. If the mixture becomes too soft or sticky, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once rolled, place the truffles back on the parchment-lined tray and chill again until firm.
- Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate or chocolate wafers in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth and fluid. Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, letting the excess drip off before returning it to the tray.
- Garnish and Set: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with crushed freeze-dried cherries or a small pinch of flaky sea salt, if using. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or place the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Notes
- For best flavor, soak cherries overnight to fully infuse bourbon taste.
- Ensure cherries are well drained and patted dry to prevent watery ganache.
- If ganache becomes too soft while rolling, chill it to firm up again before continuing.
- Use tempered chocolate for a shiny, crisp coating if desired.
- Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
