With sweet aromas wafting through the air, there’s something undeniably special about creating treats that combine chocolate and cherries, especially when a splash of bourbon is involved. These No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Easy Boozy Treats are not just desserts; they’re little bites of joy. Rich chocolate melds beautifully with tart cherries, all enveloped in a luscious bourbon ganache that melts in your mouth. The thought of indulging in these chewy morsels brings back memories of cozy gatherings, laughter, and the thrill of homemade candy-making during the holiday season.

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

I still remember the first time I made these delightful balls. My friends gathered in my kitchen, and we laughed as we rolled the chocolate mixtures into perfectly imperfect spheres. Now, I can’t help but feel excited sharing this recipe with you. Whether you’re whipping these up for a festive party or simply treating yourself after a long day, it’s the perfect occasion to experience the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries mingled with a hint of bourbon. Let’s make some magic in the kitchen together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 35 minutes of prep (plus chilling time), you can have these little bites ready to impress.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of tart cherries, creamy chocolate, and a hint of bourbon makes for a uniquely rich treat.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bourbon balls are as delightful to behold as they are to eat, perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Flexible Serving: Great for gatherings, thoughtful gifts, or indulging after dinner—these bites fit any moment.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to use gluten-free or dairy-free chocolate to make them fit various dietary needs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pitted sour cherries: They provide that tartness to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate. Use fresh or frozen; just make sure they’re pitted!
½ cup bourbon: This adds the boozy kick that elevates the flavor profile. You can substitute with a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative if desired.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: This will aid in sweetening the cherries as they soak, giving them a flavorful base. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use coconut sugar.
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: Perfect for the ganache; it melts beautifully and has a nice balance of sweetness. Try using high-quality chocolate for the best results.
⅓ cup heavy cream: Used to create that creamy ganache texture. Opt for full-fat for the richest flavor.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: At room temperature, this helps achieve that glossy finish in your ganache.
½ cup bourbon-soaked cherries, finely chopped and well-drained: These add a delightful chewy texture and flavor throughout the truffle.
12 oz dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers: For coating. Melting wafers are easier to work with and provide a smooth finish.
Optional Garnish: Crushed freeze-dried cherries and flaky sea salt add an extra special touch on top of your truffles.

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

Soak the Cherries: In a bowl or jar, combine the pitted sour cherries, bourbon, and brown sugar. Cover and let the cherries soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it plumps the cherries and infuses them with bourbon flavor. After they soak, drain the cherries thoroughly, and finely chop them. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this ensures a firm truffle.

Make the Ganache: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream until it just begins to steam but does not boil. Pour this hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Then stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and fully melted. Adding the butter at this point will make your ganache glossy and rich, so stir until fully incorporated.

Add the Cherries: Allow the ganache to cool slightly, until it thickens but is still fluid. Fold in the chopped, drained cherries carefully using a spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the ganache. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the mixture is firm enough to scoop, which usually takes about an hour.

Scoop the Truffles: Once the ganache is firm, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Aim to get equal-sized mounds for a uniform look. After scooping, refrigerate the tray for an additional 20 minutes to help the truffles firm up before rolling.

Roll into Balls: Take each chilled ganache portion and roll it in your palms to form smooth balls. Should the mixture feel too soft or sticky, simply return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once all truffles are rolled, place them back on the parchment-lined tray and chill again until firm.

Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt in short intervals in the microwave. Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl before placing it back on the tray.

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, if desired. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature, or place the tray in the refrigerator for a quicker setting.

Storing & Reheating

To store your delightful No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls at room temperature, place them in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to three weeks. If you prefer to save them for later, you can freeze these treats for up to 3 months. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. The flavors may mellow a bit, but they still taste amazing!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Over-soaking: Don’t let the cherries soak for too long, as this can make them too soggy.
Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate for the ganache—it’s worth it for the rich flavor.
Chill Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream are at room temperature for better incorporation into the ganache.
Even Sizing: A cookie scoop helps create uniform truffles, making them look more professional and ensuring even flavor distribution.
Try Different Flavors: Experiment with different nut butters or flavored chocolate for a unique twist.

These No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls really pack a punch in both flavor and charm. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself, they magically bring indulgence into any moment. Don’t hesitate to get creative; feel free to play with different flavors and toppings. You’ll love sharing or enjoying these bites for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or simply omit it entirely. If you’re looking for a similar flavor profile, consider adding a splash of cherry juice or almond extract for depth without the alcohol.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your bourbon balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to three weeks, or freeze them for up to three months, ensuring they’re well-wrapped.

Can I use milk chocolate instead?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different; milk chocolate is inherently sweeter than its darker counterparts.

What can I use instead of cherries?

Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even raisins can be delightful substitutes. Each of these will alter the flavor slightly, providing a unique spin on these no-bake treats while maintaining that chewy texture.