If you’re a fan of rich, boozy treats that combine the perfect balance of sweet and tart, then you are going to absolutely love this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe. These little gems are packed with luscious bourbon-soaked cherries nestled in a smooth chocolate ganache, all wrapped in a crisp dark chocolate shell. They are simple to make yet incredibly impressive, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a decadent indulgence any time you crave a bit of warm, cherry-infused magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe has a handful of ingredients, each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect flavor and texture harmony. From the succulent cherries to the silky cream and rich chocolate, every component comes together to make these truffles unforgettable.
- Sour cherries: Pitted to provide a tart and juicy contrast that brightens the flavor.
- Bourbon: Adds warmth and depth with a smooth kick that infuses the cherries.
- Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness while complementing the bourbon’s caramel undertones.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: The main ingredient for the creamy ganache, balancing sweet and bitter perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously smooth ganache texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a glossy finish to the ganache.
- Dark chocolate or melting wafers: For the crispy outer chocolate coating that snaps delightfully with each bite.
- Freeze-dried cherries (optional): Provide a pop of color and tartness when sprinkled on top.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A hint of salt to elevate the chocolate’s flavor.
How to Make Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Cherries
Start by soaking the pitted sour cherries in bourbon and brown sugar. This step is the heart of the recipe because it lets the cherries soak up all the irresistible bourbon flavor while softening them just enough to blend beautifully into the ganache. It’s best to let them soak for at least two hours or overnight to achieve that perfect infusion.
Step 2: Make the Ganache
The next step is crafting the silky ganache base. You heat the cream until steaming, then pour it over the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. After letting it melt, stir in butter to give that gorgeous glossy sheen and velvety mouthfeel. This smooth chocolate mixture is what makes the Cherry Bourbon Balls so luscious and indulgent.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Once the ganache cools to a thick but still workable consistency, gently fold in the chopped, bourbon-soaked cherries. This blends the cherry flavor throughout the chocolate while keeping bits of cherries intact for delightful little bursts of tang and sweetness. Refrigerate until firm enough to scoop and shape.
Step 4: Scoop the Truffles
With a small scoop or spoon, form mounds of the chilled ganache mixture on a parchment-lined sheet. Chill them again so they firm up, making them easier to handle when rolling into balls.
Step 5: Roll Into Balls
Roll each portion gently between your palms, shaping smooth, uniform balls. If the mixture feels sticky, a quick chill will make the process much easier. After rolling, place the balls back on the tray and chill once more until firm and ready for coating.
Step 6: Dip in Chocolate
Melt your dark chocolate or chocolate wafers until silky and smooth, then dip each chilled truffle completely, allowing any excess to drip off. This chocolate shell adds a wonderful snap that contrasts the creamy center perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Set
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried cherries or flaky sea salt if you like a touch of contrast. Let the chocolate set fully at room temperature, or pop them in the fridge to firm up faster. These finishing touches make each Cherry Bourbon Ball feel hand-crafted and extra special.
How to Serve Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling crushed freeze-dried cherries adds a pretty pop of color and a slightly tart bite that pairs beautifully with the lush chocolate and bourbon. If you love a sweet-salty combo, a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top of each ball enhances the rich chocolate flavor and adds a gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
These bourbon balls are decadent on their own, but they go wonderfully alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine. Serve them on a dessert platter with fresh berries or alongside a cheese board for a grown-up twist that will impress your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each Cherry Bourbon Ball individually in colorful foil or place them in pretty mini muffin liners for gifting. For a unique dessert table display, stack them on a tiered tray with edible flowers or sprinkle cocoa powder around for an elegant touch that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cherry Bourbon Balls are made, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They will stay delicious for up to two weeks, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays or special occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats if you want to save them for later. Just place the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until hard, then transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to three months and thaw beautifully in the fridge.
Reheating
These bonbons are best enjoyed chilled, so there is no need to reheat. If the chocolate coating seems a bit foggy after refrigeration, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to restore that glossy finish before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of sour cherries for this recipe?
Fresh cherries can be used, but sour cherries provide a more tart and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly in this recipe. If you use fresh, you might want to add a bit more brown sugar or adjust soaking time to maintain the right flavor balance.
Is bourbon necessary or can I substitute it?
Bourbon gives the Cherry Bourbon Balls their characteristic warmth and depth. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute a bourbon extract or even a cherry syrup, but the flavor will be different. For the full experience, the bourbon is highly recommended.
What type of chocolate is best for coating?
Using high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers works best for dipping because they harden nicely and provide that satisfying snap. Semi-sweet chocolate can be too soft for the outer shell, so stick with dark varieties for coating.
How long should I soak the cherries in bourbon?
At least two hours is required to allow the cherries to absorb the bourbon flavor, but soaking overnight in the refrigerator yields the best and most intense flavor infusion.
Can these Cherry Bourbon Balls be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, use dairy-free chocolate, and a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you want a treat that’s both decadent and filled with character, this Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe is a must-try. They bring together the rich depth of bourbon, the brightness of cherries, and the smooth luxury of chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these truffles will quickly become a treasured favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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Cherry Bourbon Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (plus 2 hours to overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes to overnight plus active prep
- Yield: 22 bourbon balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cherry Bourbon Balls, featuring bourbon-soaked sour cherries enveloped in a luscious semi-sweet chocolate ganache and coated with rich dark chocolate. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of bourbon warmth, these bite-sized treats make an elegant dessert or gift for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Bourbon Mixture
- 1 cup pitted sour cherries
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Ganache Filling
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- â…“ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup bourbon-soaked cherries, finely chopped and well-drained
For the Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz dark chocolate or chocolate melting wafers
Optional Garnish
- Crushed freeze-dried cherries
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Soak the Cherries: Combine the sour cherries, bourbon, and brown sugar in a bowl or jar. Cover and soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. After soaking, drain the cherries thoroughly, finely chop them, and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Ganache: Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just steaming, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir gently until smooth and fully melted. Add the butter and continue stirring until the mixture is glossy and fully incorporated.
- Add the Cherries: Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still fluid. Fold in the chopped, drained cherries gently with a spatula to distribute them evenly throughout the ganache. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until the mixture is firm enough to scoop, about 1 hour.
- Scoop the Truffles: Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the chilled ganache into mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all portions are scooped, refrigerate the tray for 20 minutes to allow the truffles to firm up before rolling.
- Roll into Balls: Take each portion and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. If the mixture becomes too soft or sticky, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes. Once rolled, place the truffles back on the parchment-lined tray and chill again until firm.
- Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate or chocolate wafers in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth and fluid. Dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, letting the excess drip off before returning it to the tray.
- Garnish and Set: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with crushed freeze-dried cherries or a small pinch of flaky sea salt, if using. Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or place the tray in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Notes
- Soaking the cherries overnight intensifies the bourbon flavor.
- Ensure cherries are well-drained and dried before adding to ganache to avoid thin or runny filling.
- If the ganache mixture becomes too soft when rolling, chilling it again helps maintain shape.
- Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon for even-sized truffles.
- Store finished bourbon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Allow truffles to come to room temperature briefly before serving for best flavor.
