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- 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped - 1/4 cup light corn syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup cherry juice (ensure it is unsweetened) - A pinch of sea salt You can swap dried cherries with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. If you want a nut-free option, use sunflower seeds instead of pecans. For a gluten-free treat, choose gluten-free graham crackers. You can also use maple syrup in place of corn syrup for a different flavor. If you don’t have cherry juice, use apple juice; it adds a nice taste too. Choose high-quality dried cherries for the best flavor. Look for ones with no added sugar. When picking graham crackers, make sure they are fresh for a nice crunch. Use fresh pecans for a richer taste. Always check the cherry juice label to ensure it is 100% juice and unsweetened. This helps keep the sweetness balanced. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of finely chopped dried cherries, 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix these ingredients well. You want them to blend into a nice, even mixture. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of toasted and finely chopped pecans. Add 1/4 cup of light corn syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour in 1/4 cup of unsweetened cherry juice and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until a moist dough forms. This dough is the base for your tasty treats. Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to roll the balls. Use your hands to take a small amount of dough. Roll it into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keep rolling until all the mixture is shaped into balls. This part is fun and lets you see your treats take shape! After rolling, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the balls firm up. Once chilled, it’s time to coat them. Take each ball and roll it in a little extra powdered sugar. This gives them a lovely, sweet finish. Now, you can serve these Cherry Bourbon Balls chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your sweet treat! To get the right texture in your Cherry Bourbon Balls, start with finely chopped dried cherries. This helps them blend well with the other ingredients. Use smooth graham cracker crumbs, not large chunks. The dough should feel moist but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit more cherry juice. If it's too wet, add more graham cracker crumbs. You can boost flavor easily. Try adding a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist. A dash of cinnamon adds warmth, too. For a richer taste, use dark corn syrup instead of light. Mixing in some chocolate chips gives it a sweet surprise. Just remember to keep the balance in flavors. One common mistake is not chilling the balls long enough. Chilling helps them firm up and makes rolling easier. Also, don’t skip the powdered sugar coating. It keeps the balls from sticking together. Lastly, make sure to use unsweetened cherry juice. Sweetened juice can make your balls too sweet. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality dried cherries and fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture in your bourbon balls. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of powdered sugar used for dusting or in the mixture. Chilling is Key: Make sure to chill the balls for at least 2 hours; this helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle when rolling. Experiment with Spirits: While bourbon is traditional, you can experiment with different spirits like rum or whiskey for a unique twist on the flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch out bourbon for other spirits. Try rum for a sweeter taste. Brandy adds a warm, rich flavor. For a twist, use whiskey. Each spirit changes the taste, giving you new options. You can add chocolate to your Cherry Bourbon Balls. Mix in cocoa powder or dip them in melted chocolate. Nuts also work well. Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Each nut has its unique taste and crunch. Experiment with spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for extra warmth. If you need gluten-free treats, use gluten-free graham crackers. They work just as well in the recipe. For nut-free options, skip the pecans. You can use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients fit your dietary needs. Store your Cherry Bourbon Balls in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if needed. It prevents sticking and helps keep their shape. Keep them in the fridge to maintain their taste and texture. When stored properly, Cherry Bourbon Balls can last up to two weeks in the fridge. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. They may lose some texture and flavor over time, but they will still taste good. To freeze your Cherry Bourbon Balls, first let them chill in the fridge. Once firm, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. Cherry Bourbon Balls are small, sweet treats made with dried cherries, nuts, and bourbon. They are rich in flavor and offer a chewy texture. The combination of graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar gives them a delightful sweetness. This recipe blends classic ingredients, making it a favorite for parties and holidays. Yes, you can make Cherry Bourbon Balls ahead of time. In fact, chilling them helps the flavors blend. You can prepare them a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes them a great option for busy times. Your Cherry Bourbon Balls are ready when they are firm to the touch after chilling. They should hold their shape well. After rolling them in powdered sugar, they look inviting and sweet. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience. You now know how to make delicious Cherry Bourbon Balls. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfection. You learned about fun variations and proper storage methods to keep these treats fresh. Remember, using quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Avoid common mistakes for the best results. Whether you make them for a party or as a gift, these treats will impress everyone. Enjoy your baking and share these delightful bites with friends!

Cherry Bourbon Balls

Delicious no-bake treats made with dried cherries, graham crackers, and a hint of bourbon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried cherries, finely chopped
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cherry juice (ensure it is unsweetened)
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped dried cherries, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar. Mix well until combined.
  • Stir in the toasted and finely chopped pecans, corn syrup, vanilla extract, cherry juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until a moist dough forms.
  • Use your hands to roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Once all the mixture is rolled into balls, cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
  • After chilling, remove the balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat lightly for a sweet finish.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keyword bourbon, cherry, dessert, no-bake