Introduction

Indulge in these mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls, a delightful treat combining creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors coated in rich chocolate. Perfect for parties or a special homemade dessert, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress.

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface holding seven round chocolate-covered treats. Each treat is coated in smooth, dark brown chocolate and topped with a glossy, bright red cherry. The front treat is cut in half to show its inside layers: a light, crumbly white center with bits of red fruit embedded, surrounded by a thick chocolate shell. The overall look is neat with a contrast between the dark outer chocolate, the creamy white center, and the shiny red top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped dried cherries
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
2 tbsp bourbon
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate
1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional)
Whole or chopped dried cherries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is thick.
Step 2: Stir in the finely chopped dried cherries, pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
Step 3: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour or freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm enough to scoop.
Step 4: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a tray and chill again for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate along with the optional coconut oil or shortening in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Step 6: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the dipped balls on parchment paper and garnish with a whole or chopped dried cherry before the chocolate sets.
Step 7: Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with cherry juice or simply omit it and add a splash of milk for consistency.
Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
To speed chilling time, freeze the balls for 10–15 minutes after rolling before dipping in chocolate.
Try white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating.

Storage

Store the Cherry Caramel Extract Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white plate holds seven round chocolate-coated truffles, each topped with a small piece of bright red candied fruit. One truffle is cut in half at the front, showing two layers inside: a thick outer dark brown chocolate shell with a smooth texture, and an inner white creamy filling speckled with pieces of red fruit and dark bits, giving a chunky and mixed look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred with hints of red in a bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these without alcohol?

Yes, you can replace the bourbon with cherry juice or omit it entirely. Adding a small amount of milk can help maintain the right consistency.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Melt the chocolate slowly over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring often. Adding a bit of coconut oil or shortening helps keep the chocolate smooth and glossy.

Mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 54 reviews

These Mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy cream cheese, buttery sweetness, dried cherries, pecans, and a splash of bourbon. Coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and garnished with dried cherries, these bite-sized balls offer a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and nutty flavors with a luscious caramel undertone.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: About 24 balls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped dried cherries
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
2 tbsp bourbon
1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating and Garnish

12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate
1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (optional)
Whole or chopped dried cherries for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until the mixture becomes thick and well combined. Stir in the finely chopped dried cherries, pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Chill and shape the balls: Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour or alternatively freeze it for 20 to 30 minutes until it firms up enough to handle. Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the mixture and roll each into a smooth ball. Chill the formed balls again in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help them set.
Melt chocolate and coat the balls: Melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate, stirring gently. For a smoother coating, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening while melting the chocolate if desired. Dip each chilled ball thoroughly into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated, then place them on parchment paper. Garnish each chocolate-covered ball with a whole or chopped dried cherry before the chocolate sets.
Set and serve: Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the chocolate has fully set, the cherry caramel extract balls are ready to be served or stored for later enjoyment.

Notes

If desired, substitute bourbon with vanilla extract or cherry liqueur for a non-alcoholic or differently flavored option.
To speed up chilling times, use the freezer but monitor closely to prevent the mixture from freezing solid.
Store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For a nut-free version, omit pecans and replace with additional dried cherries or seeds.
Ensure chocolate is fully melted and smooth before dipping to get an even and glossy coating.

Keywords: cherry caramel balls, no bake dessert, cream cheese balls, bourbon dessert, chocolate dipped balls, holiday treats