Introduction
Do you ever have those moments when a single scent transports you back to your grandmother’s kitchen counter? For me, it is the intoxicating aroma of bourbon soaked cherries and rich cocoa. Growing up in Texas, my grandmother was the queen of the holiday spread. She believed that the best gifts were the ones you could eat. Today, I am sharing a family treasure that brings that same magic to my own home, the No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls. These little bites are more than just a cherry bourbon balls recipe. They are a bridge between the old fashioned traditions I grew up with and the busy life I share now with my wife, Emily, and our kids, Adams and Jana. When I whip these up, Adams usually handles the crushing of the wafers, while Jana is in charge of the semi-sweet chocolate coating. It is a family affair that fills our home with laughter and the promise of something sweet. Whether you are looking for holiday bourbon balls or just easy no bake cherry bourbon truffles to brighten a Tuesday, these are the answer. Grab your apron, because we are making memories together.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Ingredients for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
- How to Make No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Pro Tips & Variations
- No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Serving Suggestions
- No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
There is a special kind of joy that comes from a recipe that requires zero oven time. Between school projects and soccer practice, my kitchen is often a whirlwind. These No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls are the perfect solution for anyone who wants a sophisticated, boozy cherry treat without the stress of baking times or temperature monitoring. Here is why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe box:
- No Oven Required: You can keep the kitchen cool and save your energy for more important things, like tasting the ganache cherry balls as you go.
- Makes People Happy: Much like my easy biscoff truffles recipe, these are always the first to disappear at a party.
- Sophisticated Flavor: The combination of bourbon, cherries, and chocolate cherry balls creates a complex flavor profile that tastes like it took hours to develop.
- Kid Friendly Prep: While the final product is for adults, the process of mixing and rolling is a blast for kids like Adams and Jana. Just make sure they do not sneak too many bourbon balls before the chocolate set!
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these in a tin along with some buttery pecan snowballs recipe and you have the ultimate holiday gift.
We often think that gourmet treats need to be complicated. But as a home cook, I have learned that the best things are often the simplest. This no bake bourbon balls recipe is proof that quality ingredients and a little bit of love are all you really need to create something extraordinary. If you have enjoyed making heavenly maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies, you will find these even easier and just as delicious.
Ingredients for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
To make the perfect cherry bourbon balls with maraschino cherries, you want to gather the best ingredients you can find. Quality chocolate and a decent bourbon really make a difference here.
- Vanilla Wafers: These provide the structure. You can also use graham cracker crumbs if you prefer.
- Pecans: Finely chopped pecan cherry bourbon balls add a wonderful crunch and depth.
- Powdered Sugar: For that essential sweetness and smooth texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: To give the base a rich chocolatey kick.
- Bourbon: Use your favorite. A slightly sweet bourbon works wonders here.
- Maraschino Cherries: Drained and chopped. You can also use bourbon soaked cherries for an extra punch.
- Corn Syrup: This helps bind everything together and gives a glossy finish.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: For the semi-sweet chocolate coating that snaps when you bite into it.
- Heavy Cream: To create a silky melt for the chocolate dip.
- Optional Toppings: Flaky sea salt or crushed freeze dried cherries for a beautiful finish.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let us get down to the fun part. Cooking is a tactile experience, so do not be afraid to get your hands a little messy! Here is how we make our no-bake chocolate cherry bourbon balls easy boozy treat at the Sharif household.
- Crush the Wafers: Start by pulsing your vanilla wafers in a food processor until they are fine crumbs. I usually let Adams do this part. He loves the noise! You want them to look like coarse sand.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wafer crumbs, finely chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Make sure there are no large lumps of sugar. The smell of the cocoa hitting the nutty pecans always reminds me of my grandmother’s pantry.
- Add the Boozy Kick: Stir in the bourbon, the chopped cherries, and the corn syrup. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky. This is where the magic happens. The bourbon starts to hydrate the crumbs, and the cherry bits peek through like little gems.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes the rolling process much easier and keeps the cherry bourbon balls from falling apart.
- Roll into Balls: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll it between your palms into one inch balls. Jana loves this part. She calls them chocolate marbles. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: While the balls are firming up in the fridge again, melt your semi sweet chocolate and heavy cream together. You can use a double boiler or the microwave in 30 second increments. Stir until it is glossy and smooth. If you are looking for more chocolate inspiration, check out this professional guide to chocolate cherry bourbon balls.
- The Big Dip: Using a fork, dip each ball into the chocolate ganache. Let the excess drip off and place them back on the parchment. This creates that beautiful ganache cherry balls look.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or a bit more crushed pecans on top. Let them set at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate is firm.
Pro Tips & Variations
Every home cook has a few tricks up their sleeve. Over the years, Emily and I have experimented with this cherry bourbon balls recipe to make it even better. Here are some of our favorite tweaks:
- The Cherry Swap: If you want a deeper flavor, try using dried tart cherries instead of maraschino. Soak them in bourbon overnight for an incredible flavor explosion.
- Alcohol-Free Version: For a kid friendly treat everyone can enjoy, simply swap the bourbon for cherry juice or a splash of vanilla extract. It still tastes amazing!
- Nut Free Option: If you have allergies, you can replace the pecans with extra crushed wafers or even toasted oats for a similar texture.
- Vegan Variation: Use vegan vanilla wafers, agave nectar instead of corn syrup, and dairy free chocolate chips with coconut oil for the coating. It is a wonderful way to include everyone at the table.
- Texture Secret: If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of cherry juice. If it is too wet, add a few more wafer crumbs. You want it to feel like soft playdough.
As I always say, recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to make these your own. Maybe you prefer a white chocolate drizzle or a dust of cinnamon? Go for it! Cooking is about making people happy, and that includes you while you are making it.
No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Serving Suggestions
These chocolate cherry balls are gorgeous enough to stand on their own, but they love company. When I am setting up a holiday spread, I like to create a dessert board. You can find inspiration from my valentines sweets charcuterie board recipe. Here are a few ways to serve these treats:
- With Coffee: A strong espresso or a hot cup of coffee cuts through the richness of the chocolate perfectly.
- On a Cookie Tray: Pair them with pizzicati italian pinch cookies recipe for a beautiful contrast in textures and colors.
- Dessert Flight: Serve one bourbon ball alongside a small glass of the same bourbon you used in the recipe. It is a very sophisticated way to end a dinner party.
- Holiday Gift Sets: Place three or four in a decorative cupcake liner and box them up with some old fashioned butter mints recipe.
According to the experts at Spicy Southern Kitchen, these are a staple of Southern hospitality. I couldn’t agree more. There is something so welcoming about a small, handmade treat offered with a smile.
No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls is that they actually get better with age! The flavors have time to meld and deepen over a few days.
- In the Fridge: Store your bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I actually think they taste best when they are slightly chilled.
- In the Freezer: These freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature: While they are fine at room temperature for a few hours at a party, the chocolate coating might soften if it is very warm. Keep them in a cool spot.
- No Reheating Needed: Since these are a no bake treat, you never want to heat them up. They are meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temperature to preserve the texture of the semi-sweet chocolate coating.
FAQ about No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
Can I make these without bourbon?
Absolutely! You can use cherry juice, apple juice, or even a little bit of cold brew coffee for a different flavored no bake bourbon balls style treat without the alcohol.
Why is my mixture too sticky to roll?
This usually happens if there is too much liquid. Try chilling the dough for another 30 minutes. If it is still too sticky, add a tablespoon of wafer crumbs at a time until you reach the right consistency.
How do I get a smooth chocolate finish?
The secret is adding a little bit of heavy cream or coconut oil to your chocolate. It thins it out just enough to wrap around the pecan cherry bourbon balls smoothly without being too thick.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, walnuts or toasted almonds work beautifully if you do not have pecans on hand. Just make sure they are very finely chopped.
Final Thoughts
In the end, cooking is not just about the food. It is about the moments we create while we are in the kitchen. Every time I make these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls, I feel a little closer to my grandmother and the lessons she taught me about love and hospitality. Seeing Adams and Jana getting excited to help reminds me that we are building our own traditions, one chocolate ball at a time. I hope these treats bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours. If you make them, please come back and leave a comment! I would love to hear how they turned out for you. Do not forget to save this to your favorite Pinterest board and subscribe for more recipes from our kitchen to yours. Happy rolling!
No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pulse vanilla wafers in a food processor until fine crumbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together wafer crumbs, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Stir in bourbon, chopped cherries, and corn syrup until mixture is thick and sticky.
- Cover and chill in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Using a small cookie scoop, roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate and heavy cream together in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Dip each ball into chocolate using a fork, let excess drip, place back on parchment.
- Sprinkle toppings and let set in fridge until firm.
