Are you searching for a deliciously easy, no-bake holiday treat that will impress everyone on your gift list (or just your own sweet tooth)? Look no further than these Cherry Caramel Extract Balls! This recipe delivers a festive punch of sweet cherry, rich caramel, and delightful crunch in every single bite, making it the perfect no-fuss dessert for busy seasons. These delightful little spheres are incredibly simple to make, requiring no baking whatsoever, and are guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to add a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to your holiday spread with these irresistible treats!
Jump To :
Key Ingredients for Cherry Caramel Extract Balls
To craft these delightful no-bake Cherry Caramel Extract Balls, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients. Here’s a precise breakdown:
- 1 ½ cups (about 250g) Crushed Digestive Biscuits/Graham Crackers: Finely crushed into a sandy texture. You can use a food processor for this.
- ½ cup (120g) Unsalted Butter, melted: Allows the mixture to bind beautifully.
- 1 cup (about 120g) Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): For sweetness and a smooth texture.
- ½ teaspoon Cherry Extract: The star of the show, providing that vibrant cherry flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon Caramel Extract: Adds a rich, buttery depth that pairs perfectly with cherry.
- ½ cup (about 60g) Desiccated Coconut (or finely chopped nuts like pecans/walnuts for an allergy-friendly alternative): For texture and a subtle tropical note.
- 1 cup (about 180g) White Chocolate Chips (for coating): Or your preferred chocolate for a festive finish.
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (or vegetable shortening, for coating): Helps thin the chocolate for a smoother dip.
- Optional garnishes: Red sprinkles, finely chopped pistachios, or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
How to Make Cherry Caramel Extract Balls
This dish is ridiculously easy, utterly delicious, and incredibly satisfying, especially during the bustling holiday season. These Cherry Caramel Extract Balls promise a delightful blend of chewy texture and rich, sweet flavor, making them an instant crowd-pleaser.
With their no-bake simplicity, they’re perfect for both novice and experienced treat makers. The preparation time for these beauties is a mere 20 minutes, followed by a chill time to set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) and the confectioners’ sugar. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted unsalted butter. Add the cherry extract and the caramel extract. Mix everything together using a spoon or your hands until a moist, crumbly dough forms. It should be firm enough to hold its shape when pressed.
- Incorporate Coconut/Nuts: Stir in the desiccated coconut (or finely chopped nuts if using) until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This adds another layer of texture and flavor.
- Form the Balls: Take small portions of the mixture, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them gently between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill Time: Once all the balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will make them easier to coat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Coat the Balls: Remove the chilled cherry caramel balls from the refrigerator. Using a fork or a dipping tool, gently dunk each ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift it out, tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate, and place it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Garnish (Optional): While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with any desired garnishes like red sprinkles or finely chopped pistachios.
- Final Chill: Return the coated balls to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has fully set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, these delightful Cherry Caramel Extract Balls are ready to be served!
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Caramel Extract Balls
You’re absolutely going to adore these Cherry Caramel Extract Balls because they marry pure deliciousness with incredible convenience. The main highlight is undoubtedly the unique flavour combination: a bright, fruity cherry dances beautifully with a rich, buttery caramel note, all encased in a satisfyingly crunchy coating.
These aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly budget-friendly! Making these delightful treats at home saves you a significant amount compared to store-bought holiday confections, allowing you to indulge without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget the delightful texture provided by the crushed biscuits and the optional crunchy toppings, making each bite an experience. If you enjoyed the simplicity of our No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls, you’ll find these equally rewarding. Don’t wait – try making these Cherry Caramel Extract Balls for your next gathering and watch them disappear!
What to Serve Cherry Caramel Extract Balls With:
These delightful no-bake treats are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few complementary options to enhance their festive appeal:
- Hot Beverages: Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a classic vanilla latte, or a fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint. The warmth contrasts beautifully with the cool, sweet bites.
- Coffee: A simple black coffee or an espresso can balance the sweetness of the balls perfectly, offering a nice bitterness.
- Holiday Dessert Platter: They make an excellent addition to a larger holiday dessert spread, alongside shortbread cookies, gingerbread, or a fruit tart, adding a pop of color and unique flavor.
- As a Gift: Package them in pretty holiday tins or cello bags with ribbons for a thoughtful, homemade edible gift.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cherry Caramel Extract Balls:
To ensure your Cherry Caramel Extract Balls turn out absolutely perfect every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Crush Biscuits Finely: For the best texture, ensure your digestive biscuits or graham crackers are crushed very finely, almost like sand. Larger chunks can make the balls crumbly and harder to form. A food processor is your best friend here!
- Don’t Skimp on Chilling: The initial chilling step is crucial. It allows the butter to firm up, making the mixture much easier to roll into neat, sturdy balls that won’t fall apart when dipped. Don’t rush it!
- Quality Extracts Matter: Since cherry and caramel extracts are central to the flavor, invest in good quality extracts. They’ll provide a more authentic and potent taste. You can find them in most baking aisles.
- Control the Chocolate Temperature: When melting your white chocolate for coating, heat it slowly and carefully. Overheated chocolate can seize or become thick and unworkable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more coconut oil (¼ teaspoon at a time) to thin it out.
- Use a Dipping Tool: A fork or a dedicated chocolate dipping tool will make coating the balls much easier and less messy. Tap off excess chocolate gently to ensure a thin, even coat.
- Experiment with Coatings: While white chocolate is classic, feel free to try dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also drizzle contrasting chocolate colors for an artistic touch.
- Storage is Key: Once coated and set, store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their firmness and fresh taste. This also prevents them from getting sticky.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of desiccated coconut, finely chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even crushed freeze-dried raspberries can make excellent additions for texture and flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
These Cherry Caramel Extract Balls are best enjoyed chilled!
- Storage: Store the finished (and fully set) Cherry Caramel Extract Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Layer them with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 1-2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, these treats freeze beautifully! Once the chocolate coating is completely set, place the balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag, again using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply transfer the frozen balls to the refrigerator for a few hours, or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes until they’ve softened slightly to your desired texture. No reheating is necessary, as these are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature!
Final Thoughts:
These Cherry Caramel Extract Balls are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a burst of festive joy in a bite-sized package. Their no-bake simplicity means less stress and more deliciousness, leaving you with extra time to soak in the season’s magic. The vibrant cherry, rich caramel, and delightful crunch create a flavor symphony that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, these treats are sure to bring a smile. Go ahead, make a batch (or two!) and let these sweet spheres add a little extra sparkle to your holidays.
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
- Medium
Cherry Caramel Extract Balls FAQs:
Q: Can I use different types of biscuits/cookies?
A: Yes! While digestive biscuits or graham crackers are recommended for their neutral flavor and good binding properties, you can experiment with other plain, firm cookies like shortbread or vanilla wafers. Just make sure to crush them finely.
Q: Can I omit the coconut/nuts if there are allergies?
A: Absolutely! The coconut or nuts are primarily for texture. If there are allergies or strong dislikes, you can simply leave them out entirely, or replace them with a different crunchy element like rice cereal or finely crushed pretzels if allergies allow.
Q: My mixture is too dry/too wet – what should I do?
A: If the mixture is too dry and crumbly to form balls, add a tiny bit more melted butter (1 teaspoon at a time) until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon or two of extra crushed biscuits or confectioners’ sugar until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of extract?
A: For this specific recipe, cherry extract is preferred because it provides concentrated flavor without introducing excess moisture, which can alter the texture of a no-bake treat. Fresh or frozen cherries would require cooking and reduction, changing the recipe significantly.
Q: How far in advance can I make these?
A: You can comfortably make these Cherry Caramel Extract Balls up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months!
Q: Do these need to be kept refrigerated?
A: Yes, due to the butter and chocolate coating, and to maintain their firm texture, these Cherry Caramel Extract Balls are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can, however, sit out at room temperature for a few hours when serving.