Mouthwatering Cherry Caramel Extract Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
