Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the mixture of creamy goodness and sweet nostalgia, the kitchen filled with a warmth reminiscent of holiday gatherings. These Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls capture the essence of festive joy with each indulgent bite. Rich cream cheese, tart dried cherries, and a splash of bourbon come together in a delightful harmony, all wrapped in a glossy chocolate shell. The best part? They require no baking, making them perfect for those last-minute holiday treats or gift-giving. Not only are these cherry bourbon balls easy to whip up, but they also offer a delightful twist on traditional desserts, promising to impress your friends and family without the fuss. Are you ready to discover how to create these festive delights? Let’s dive in! Why are No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls irresistible? Simplicity at Its Best: These delightful treats require no baking, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules and easy preparation. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of rich cream cheese, tart cherries, and smooth bourbon creates a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for more. Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to adapt the recipe with substitutions like dried cranberries or nuts, ensuring it fits your family’s preferences. Festive Appeal: Their gorgeous chocolate coating makes them an eye-catching addition to any holiday dessert table or as a thoughtful gift, just like a Cherry Cheese Danish. Crowd Favorite: These truffles are guaranteed to impress at gatherings, embodying the spirit of holiday cheer in every mouthful. No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Ingredients For the Filling Cream Cheese – Provides a creamy, rich base for filling that makes these no-bake cherry bourbon balls super indulgent. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture for the filling. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling and contributes to the desired consistency, making it delightful. Finely Chopped Dried Cherries – Offers a fruity burst and tartness; substitute with dried cranberries for a sharper flavor. Finely Chopped Pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor; can be replaced with almonds or walnuts for a different twist. Bourbon – Infuses warmth and festive flavor; opt for milk and almond extract for a non-alcoholic version. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile, tying all ingredients together beautifully. For the Coating Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate – Forms the outer coating, providing a rich finish; milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter taste. Coconut Oil or Shortening – Optional addition for a smoother chocolate coating, ensuring that glossy finish. For Garnish Whole Cherries or Dried Cherry Pieces – Used for garnish, adding visual appeal and a festive touch. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Step 1: Prepare Filling In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar, ensuring a thick consistency, and then fold in 1 cup of finely chopped dried cherries, 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons of bourbon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a luscious filling. Step 2: Chill Mixture Once the filling is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Alternatively, you can freeze it for 20 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the mixture to be firm enough to handle but still malleable, which will make rolling into the balls much easier and more enjoyable. Step 3: Form Balls After chilling, use a tablespoon to scoop out the firm filling, rolling it into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart. Once all the filling is rolled, return the tray to the refrigerator and chill for another 20 minutes to help them hold their shape before coating. Step 4: Melt Chocolate While the balls chill, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, combine 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or shortening to enhance smoothness. Heat the chocolate gently in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until melted and glossy, ensuring not to overheat for the best finish on your No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls. Step 5: Coat Truffles Remove the chilled balls from the refrigerator and carefully dip each one in the melted chocolate, using a fork to coat them evenly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper. Add a whole cherry or cherry piece as a garnish on top of each ball immediately after coating for a festive touch. Step 6: Set Chocolate Let the coated No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re looking to speed up the process, you can also place them back in the refrigerator for a quick chill. Once set, they’re ready to serve or can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for fresh enjoyment later. Make Ahead Options These Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats with less last-minute hustle! You can prepare the filling—cream cheese, dried cherries, and pecans—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture, ensuring it remains tightly covered to maintain its fresh flavors. When ready to serve, scoop and roll the mixture into balls, chill briefly, and then coat them in melted chocolate. If desired, you can also complete the entire chocolate coating step up to 3 days ahead. Just store the finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them just as delicious and ready for your holiday celebrations! How to Store and Freeze No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Fridge: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This ensures the cream cheese stays fresh and creamy, perfect for snacking. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheating: These truffles are best served cold. However, if desired, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to soften the chocolate coating slightly. Wrapping: For gifting, wrap them individually in cellophane or place them in a decorative box to make a wonderful festive treat for friends and family. What to Serve with Easy No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls These scrumptious bites of festive joy are best enjoyed alongside some delicious pairings that elevate your holiday experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their fluffy texture acts as a soothing contrast to the rich bourbon balls, providing a perfect balance. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of the cherry bourbon balls, adding depth to your meal. Their slight bitterness is a delightful contrast to the sugary bite of the treats. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses for a delightful charcuterie experience. The creaminess of a brie or the sharpness of aged cheddar perfectly pairs with the rich chocolate coating of the truffles. Gingerbread Cookies: Embrace the holiday spirit with classic gingerbread cookies, whose warm spices harmonize beautifully with the tart cherries in the bourbon balls. Sparkling Cider: This effervescent drink offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bourbon balls, enhancing your festive gathering with a touch of celebration. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa adds a cozy element to your dessert experience. The chocolate notes harmonize perfectly while the warmth complements the chilled truffles. Peppermint Bark: The cool, minty flavor of peppermint bark is a delightful finish to the rich sweetness of the no-bake cherry bourbon balls. The contrast in flavors elevates the entire dessert experience. Fruit Tart: A refreshing fruit tart adds a burst of color and flavor to your dessert table, ensuring a vibrant contrast to the dark chocolate and creamy filling of the truffles. Eggnog: Rich and spiced, a glass of homemade eggnog brings warmth and fun to your gatherings, making it an excellent companion to the festive cherry bourbon balls. Expert Tips for No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is very soft to ensure smooth blending into the filling, avoiding any lumps. Chocolate Dipping: If your chocolate coating appears dull or thick, it may have overheated; a bit of coconut oil will help restore that beautiful glossy finish. Garnish Right Away: Add the garnishing cherry or cherry piece right after coating each ball to ensure it sticks well before the chocolate hardens. Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the chilling steps; they help the mixture firm up and make rolling easier, resulting in perfectly shaped No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls. Store Properly: Keep your finished truffles refrigerated, enjoying them within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness and taste. No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Variations Feel free to explore these delightful variations that will make your no-bake cherry bourbon balls even more special! Non-Alcoholic: Substitute bourbon with 1 tablespoon of milk and add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a festive flavor without the alcohol. This way, everyone can enjoy the treat! Different Chocolate Coating: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter, more delicate confection. It’s a fun twist that adds an elegant touch to your dessert presentation. Boost the Bourbon: Increase the bourbon in the filling to 3 tablespoons for a more pronounced flavor. Just remember to adjust the chilling time accordingly for perfect firmness. Nutty Swaps: Instead of pecans, try using finely chopped almonds or walnuts to create a new flavor profile and texture that’ll surprise your loved ones. Cookie Crunch: Pour in crushed cookies like Oreos or Nilla Wafers into the filling for an extra crunch. This twist makes them reminiscent of your favorite childhood desserts. Fruity Twist: Experiment with different dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots to diversify the fruity flavors in your truffles. Each choice brings a unique zing that enhances your no-bake cherry bourbon balls! Garnish Ideas: Instead of whole or dried cherries, consider using edible glitter or chopped pistachios for garnish to create a visually striking dessert that catches the eye and tempts the palate. Layered Treats: Turn these treats into a layered dessert by placing them in small dessert cups, adding layers of whipped cream or custard between them for a scrumptious parfait that’s perfect for entertaining. Whether it’s holiday time or a cozy gathering with friends, you can easily elevate the charm of your no-bake cherry bourbon balls. And for more delightful desserts, check out my recipes for a Summer Berry Peach Cheesecake or the comforting Katsu Bowls Tonkatsu to impress your guests! No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the filling? I recommend using finely chopped dried cherries for that fruity burst and tartness. If you’re looking for a sharper flavor, you can also substitute them with dried cranberries. How should I store the No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls, and how long do they last? Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This keeps the cream cheese fresh and creamy, ensuring every bite is just as delightful as the first! Can I freeze these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls? Absolutely! To freeze, first place the formed balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container where they can last for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy! What if my chocolate coating doesn’t look glossy? If the chocolate appears dull or thick, it may have overheated. You can rescue it by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil, which will restore that beautiful glossy finish you want on your truffles. Are these No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls suitable for people with allergies? While these treats are vegetarian, they do contain dairy and nuts, so they may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies. For a nut-free variation, consider using sunflower seeds or omitting nuts altogether. How can I adjust the recipe for a non-alcoholic version? For a delightful non-alcoholic variant, simply replace the bourbon with 1 tablespoon of milk and ½ teaspoon of almond extract. This will still give you a wonderfully flavorful truffle without the alcohol! Delicious No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls for Festive Joy These No-Bake Cherry Bourbon Balls are a perfect festive treat that combines rich cream cheese, tart cherries, and bourbon, all enveloped in chocolate. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsChill Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 ballsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Softened4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Softened2 cups Powdered Sugar1 cup Finely Chopped Dried Cherries Can substitute with dried cranberries1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans Can be replaced with almonds or walnuts3 tbsp Bourbon Substitute with milk and almond extract for non-alcoholic1 tsp Vanilla ExtractFor the Coating8 oz Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Can use milk chocolate for sweeter taste1 tbsp Coconut Oil or Shortening Optional for smoother coatingFor GarnishWhole Cherries or Dried Cherry Pieces Used for visual appeal Equipment Mixing bowlParchment Papermicrowave-safe bowl or double boiler Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick consistency, and then fold in dried cherries, chopped pecans, bourbon, and vanilla extract until fully combined.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or freeze for 20 to 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.Scoop out the firm filling using a tablespoon and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for another 20 minutes.Melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, heating gently until melted and glossy.Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Garnish with a whole cherry or cherry piece immediately after coating.Let the coated balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, about 15 to 20 minutes, or refrigerate for quicker setting. Nutrition Serving: 1ballCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is soft for smooth blending. Keep portions consistent for even-sized balls. Store truffles in an airtight container. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
