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Cherry Caramel Extract Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 92 reviews

Delightfully rich and fudgy cherry caramel extract balls combining luscious chocolate, sweet cherries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for an elegant party treat or a charming dessert bite that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

Scale

Nut Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans (substitute with walnuts or omit for a nut-free version)

Cherry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cherry juice (non-alcoholic) (use apple juice for a milder taste)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (can be swapped with dried cherries for added chewiness)
  • 12 pieces candied cherry halves (use chocolate shavings for a unique presentation)

Base Mixture

  • 1/2 cup butter (softened) (coconut oil is a great dairy-free substitute)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (reduce for a lighter touch if preferred)

Chocolate Coating

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (opt for dark chocolate for deeper flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (butter can work for added richness)

Instructions

  1. Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening until smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent melting the butter mixture in the next step.
  2. Prepare Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar vigorously until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, forming a rich base for your dessert balls.
  3. Combine Cherry and Nut Ingredients: Stir in the cherry juice, finely chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the base mixture.
  4. Add Chocolate Mixture: Gradually fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the cherry and nut mixture, stirring until a smooth, uniform dough with a fudgy texture is formed.
  5. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the mixture to firm up for easy shaping.
  6. Shape Balls: Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth, bite-sized balls using your hands for a perfect shape.
  7. Coat and Decorate: Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating it evenly for a sweet finish. Top each with a candied cherry half to add a charming and appetizing decorative touch.
  8. Final Chill: Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined sheet and chill again in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with chopped walnuts if preferred.
  • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative without compromising texture.
  • Adjust powdered sugar amount to taste if you prefer a less sweet dessert ball.
  • Dried cherries can be used in place of maraschino cherries for a chewier texture and intensified flavor.
  • Dark chocolate chips can be used instead of semi-sweet for a richer, deeper chocolate taste.

Keywords: cherry caramel balls, chocolate cherry dessert, no-bake dessert balls, holiday treats, fudge balls, cherry pecan balls

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/cherry-caramel-extract-balls-recipe/