The moment you open the refrigerator, the sweet and rich aroma of No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls wafts through the air, beckoning you closer. The soft sheen of dark chocolate coating glistens like precious jewels, while hints of boozy cherries promise a taste adventure that’s utterly irresistible. When you finally bite into one, the delicate crunch gives way to a smooth, luscious filling that melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful burst of cherry and bourbon.

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 have fond memories of making boozy treats like these during holiday gatherings, when laughter and joy filled the kitchen as my friends and I sampled our creations. These No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Easy Boozy Treat are a heartfelt nod to those cherished times, perfect for gifting or as a fun indulgence any day of the year. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen—it’s going to be delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 35 minutes of prep and a little chilling time, you’ll have these dreamy treats ready to go!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, cherries, and bourbon creates a harmonious balance that’s simply divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These truffles look stunning on any dessert table, making them a worthy centerpiece for celebrations.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, holiday trays, or even as a midday indulgence when you need a little something special.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt these for gluten-free diets by ensuring your chocolate and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pitted sour cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries impart a delightful tartness. If unavailable, you can substitute dried cherries or even cranberries.
½ cup bourbon: This adds not just flavor but a lovely warmth; feel free to swap with whiskey if needed.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: This enhances the cherries’ sweetness while balancing tang—white sugar is a fine alternative.
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: Essential for a rich ganache, you can use dark chocolate for an intense flavor.
⅓ cup heavy cream: This creaminess makes the ganache silky; coconut cream works well for a dairy-free option.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature: Helps the ganache stay smooth; feel free to swap with a vegan butter alternative.
½ cup bourbon-soaked cherries, finely chopped and well-drained: These cherries infuse the balls with flavor—drain them well to avoid soggy truffles.
12 oz dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers: These yield a luscious coat for your truffles. Melting wafers simplify coating since they don’t require tempering.
Crushed freeze-dried cherries & flaky sea salt (optional): Add a festive touch and an explosion of flavor. If you can’t find freeze-dried, chopped nuts or sprinkle cocoa powder as an alternative.

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

Soak the Cherries: Begin by placing the pitted sour cherries in a bowl with bourbon and brown sugar. Stir to combine! Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—as overnight is ideal—for the best flavor extraction. After soaking, drain the cherries well and finely chop them, patting dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture that could make your truffles too sticky.

Make the Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, add your finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about a minute; this helps with smooth melting. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and shiny. Add the room temperature butter and continue stirring until incorporated. This step creates a rich ganache base!

Add the Cherries: Allow your ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable. Then, gently fold in the finely chopped bourbon-soaked cherries using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.

Scoop the Truffles: Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the chilled ganache into mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. After scooping, place the tray back into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, allowing the truffles to firm up even more.

Roll into Balls: Take each portion and roll it between your palms to form smooth, evenly shaped balls. If the mixture is too soft or sticky, return it to the fridge for a few moments until it firms up again. Once rolled, place the truffles back on the parchment-lined tray and chill until firm—about another 20 minutes works wonders!

Dip in Chocolate: Melt your dark chocolate or melting wafers in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water or carefully in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before returning it to the tray. Make sure to work quickly so the ganache stays cold!

Garnish and Set: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with your choice of crushed freeze-dried cherries or just a small pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch. Allow the chocolate coating to set completely at room temperature or speed things up by placing the tray in the refrigerator.

Storing & Reheating

Store your delightful No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to a week. For longer freshness, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks. If you’re looking to keep them even longer, freeze the truffles in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying, but be aware that while flavor will remain, a slight change in texture is natural after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to really drain those bourbon-soaked cherries; excess moisture will make rolling difficult.
If your ganache starts to get too warm while you’re scooping, pop it back in the fridge briefly.
For a bit of fun, you can mix and match different chocolate varieties for coating—try milk chocolate or white chocolate for a twist!
If your coating isn’t setting properly, it might be too thin; ensure it’s melted just right until silky.
These truffles can be made ahead—simply let them warm up a tad before serving to brighten their flavor!

The bliss found in these No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bourbon Balls: Easy Boozy Treat is not just in the sweet chocolate or the enticing cherry flavor, but in the joy of sharing them with friends and family. They’re a delightful treat you’ll want to indulge in again and again. Let your creativity run wild—feel free to add your favorite flavors or toppings. You’ll be amazed at how inviting these little bites can be, and before you know it, they’ll be a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every moment with these decadent truffles!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these bourbon balls non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute bourbon with cherry juice or a favorite flavored soda for a non-alcoholic kick. The flavor profile will change slightly, but they will still be delicious!

How long can I store leftovers?

Store these delightful treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just remember, if you freeze them, allow them to thaw in the fridge to maintain their best flavor and texture!

What is the best way to melt chocolate?

The most effective technique involves gently heating chocolate over simmering water in a heatproof bowl, stirring frequently until smooth. If using a microwave, do it in short bursts (20 seconds at a time) to avoid scorching. Both methods help preserve the chocolate’s luscious texture.

Can I use different types of chocolate for coating?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter profile. Each variety brings a unique richness to these truffles, so experiment to find your favorite combination.