Cherry Balls

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of homemade Cherry Balls—a no-bake treat that combines juicy maraschino cherries, a luscious almond-scented coconut and graham cracker shell, and a decadent dark chocolate coating. Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a fun edible gift, these bite-sized delights balance vibrant cherry flavor with rich chocolate in every mouthwatering bite. With just 30 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients like powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and melted chocolate, this recipe is easy to follow yet impressive to serve. Whether you're a fan of no-bake desserts or looking for creative cherry recipes, these Cherry Balls are guaranteed to brighten up your dessert table!

Nutriscore Rating: 39/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 24 pieces maraschino cherries
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 0.5 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup melted dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon shortening (optional, for thinning chocolate)

Directions

Step 1

Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly on a paper towel. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

Gradually mix in the shredded coconut and graham cracker crumbs until a pliable dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not stick to your fingers.

Step 4

Take about 1 tablespoon of the coconut mixture and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place one maraschino cherry in the center and gently wrap the mixture around the cherry, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining cherries and coconut dough.

Step 5

Place the formed cherry balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 6

While the cherry balls are chilling, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of shortening to thin the chocolate and make it easier for dipping.

Step 7

Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled cherry ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is completely covered. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the ball back onto the parchment-lined tray.

Step 8

Let the chocolate-covered cherry balls set at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator for faster setting.

Step 9

Once the chocolate has hardened, serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(913.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4158.9

Total Fat 196.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 126.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 124mg	0%
Sodium 511.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 583.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.5g	0%
Total Sugars 443.5g
Protein 24.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 247.5mg	0%
Iron 31.6mg	0%
Potassium 1909.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 2.3%

Carbs: 55.6%