Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls have a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of cozy holiday gatherings and my mom’s kitchen filled with sweet aromas. These no-bake wonders are incredibly simple to whip up, making them my go-to treat when I need a little something special without the fuss. The combination of rich chocolate, chewy coconut, tart cherries, and crunchy pecans is just divine. I’ve found that making no-bake chocolate coconut cherry balls is the perfect way to bring a touch of homemade magic to any occasion, and they always disappear fast! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
You’ll absolutely adore these delightful treats for so many reasons! They offer an incredible taste experience, blending rich chocolate with sweet coconut and tart cherries. Plus, they’re a lifesaver for busy bakers because they require no oven time at all – talk about a time-saver!
- Incredible flavor combination: Rich chocolate, sweet coconut, tart cherries, and crunchy pecans.
- Super speedy prep time: Perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses common pantry staples.
- Family-favorite dessert: Kids and adults alike will adore these.
- These easy chocolate coconut cherry balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- A healthier-ish indulgence compared to traditional baked cookies.
- They make for beautiful and easy chocolate coconut cherry balls for any gathering.
- A delightful no-bake option for warm weather or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
Gathering the right chocolate coconut cherry ball ingredients is your first step to creating these delightful treats. You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This creates a creamy base and helps bind everything together.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For that classic, comforting aroma and flavor.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk – This is the magic ingredient that makes them no-bake and wonderfully sweet.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Essential for achieving that firm, rollable dough consistency.
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut – Adds a lovely texture and tropical sweetness.
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped – These provide bursts of tartness and beautiful color. Make sure they’re well-drained!
- 3 cups pecans, chopped – For a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The foundation for our decadent coating.
- 4 tablespoons shortening – Used with the chocolate chips to create a smooth, dippable coating that sets nicely.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
Crafting these delightful no-bake chocolate coconut cherry balls is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a truly delicious outcome:
- Step 1: Begin by creaming the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened in a large mixing bowl until it’s wonderfully light and fluffy. This is your base! Then, blend in the 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and the 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk. Mix it thoroughly with an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until everything is completely smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Gradually add the 4 cups powdered sugar to the butter mixture. It’s best to add it about 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. You’ll notice the mixture will start to thicken considerably, becoming more like a dough.
- Step 3: Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut, the 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped, and the 3 cups pecans, chopped. Mix until everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture should be firm enough that you can easily roll it into balls.
- Step 4: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls. This is a great step to get the kids involved in making these quick chocolate coconut cherry balls! Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step is crucial for the next stage.
- Step 5: While the balls are chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. Melt the 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons shortening together. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring well between each until it’s completely smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Once chilled, dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork or a dipping tool to coat them evenly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before carefully returning the chocolate-covered balls to the parchment paper. This is where your quick chocolate coconut cherry balls start to look truly professional.
- Step 7: Finally, refrigerate the finished chocolate coconut cherry balls for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate coating is completely set. For the absolute best flavor and texture experience, I highly recommend letting them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy these fantastic quick chocolate coconut cherry balls!
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bites
Want to elevate your chocolate coconut cherry balls from good to absolutely incredible? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These little tips ensure your homemade treats are perfect every single time.
- Prep your cherries thoroughly: Drain maraschino cherries overnight in a strainer, then pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make your mixture too soft to hold its shape.
- Chill between steps: If your butter mixture becomes too soft while working, don’t hesitate to refrigerate it for 10 minutes. Cold balls dip more cleanly in melted chocolate.
- Prevent chocolate seizure: Always ensure all water is kept away from your melting chocolate. Even a tiny drop can cause it to seize up and become unusable.
- Room temperature serving: For the perfect balance of flavors and textures, let these chocolate coconut cherry balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls?
The real secret to perfect chocolate coconut cherry balls is ensuring your maraschino cherries are thoroughly drained and patted dry. This prevents excess moisture, which is key for achieving that firm, rollable dough that makes these easy chocolate coconut cherry balls so manageable.
Can I make Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These chocolate coconut cherry balls are fantastic for meal prep. You can make the rolled balls (before dipping in chocolate) up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. The total time is about 2 hours 50 minutes, so making them the day before is a great strategy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Coconut Cherry Chocolate Truffles?
To avoid common pitfalls with these coconut cherry chocolate truffles, make sure you don’t skip the chilling step before dipping; it’s crucial. Also, be very careful to keep water away from your melted chocolate to prevent it from seizing, which ruins the smooth coating.
Best Ways to Serve Sweet Cherry Chocolate Coconut Treats
These delightful chocolate coconut cherry balls are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. For a truly special treat, serve them as a decadent dessert after a hearty meal, perhaps alongside a scoop of homemade ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. They also make for stunning festive chocolate coconut cherry confections during the holidays or at parties. Imagine a platter piled high with these beautiful bites – they’re always a showstopper! You can also pack them as a simple yet elegant snack for a picnic or a special afternoon tea.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
When you’re enjoying these delightful chocolate coconut cherry balls, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Each one is a perfect little package of flavor and texture.
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
Keeping your delicious chocolate coconut cherry balls fresh is super simple, ensuring you can enjoy these treats whenever a craving strikes. After they’ve completely cooled and the chocolate coating is set, store them in an airtight container. For the best quality, I recommend keeping them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delightful for about 3 to 4 days. They make for wonderful simple chocolate coconut cherry snacks that are ready to grab and go!
If you want to keep these homemade delights even longer, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply transfer the frozen balls to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. There’s no need to reheat them; they’re best served chilled or at room temperature after thawing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
What are chocolate coconut cherry balls and how do you make them?
Chocolate coconut cherry balls are delightful no-bake treats featuring a rich chocolate coating filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, tart cherries, and crunchy pecans. To make them, you cream butter with condensed milk, then mix in powdered sugar, coconut, cherries, and pecans. Roll into balls, chill, and dip in melted chocolate. It’s a straightforward process, and learning how to make chocolate coconut cherry balls is easy!
Can I make vegan chocolate coconut cherry balls?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe to make vegan chocolate coconut cherry balls! You’ll need to substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a dairy-free condensed milk (like coconut or oat-based), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The rest of the process for making these delicious chocolate cherry coconut bites remains the same.
Are these gluten-free chocolate coconut cherry balls?
Typically, these are not gluten-free chocolate coconut cherry balls due to the use of standard shredded coconut and pecans. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by ensuring your shredded coconut is certified gluten-free and by using certified gluten-free nuts. This simple adjustment allows everyone to enjoy these fantastic coconut cherry chocolate truffles.
What are the best chocolate coconut cherry ball ingredients for a festive occasion?
For festive chocolate coconut cherry confections, I recommend using high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for dipping. You can also elevate the look by drizzling white chocolate over the finished balls or by adding edible glitter or sprinkles to the melted chocolate before dipping. These are truly some of the best chocolate coconut cherry balls for any celebration.
Variations of Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls You Can Try
While these classic chocolate coconut cherry balls are absolutely divine as is, I love experimenting with variations to suit different needs and tastes! It’s fun to see how simple tweaks can create entirely new flavor profiles.
- Vegan Delight: For a completely plant-based treat, swap the butter for vegan butter, use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative (coconut or oat milk condensed versions work wonderfully), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. These vegan chocolate coconut cherry balls are just as delicious!
- Gluten-Free Goodness: To make these gluten-free chocolate coconut cherry balls, simply double-check that your shredded coconut and chopped pecans are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap that makes them safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the main mixture for a little extra warmth and complexity. You could even swirl a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter into the chocolate coating before dipping for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
- Energy Ball Makeover: If you’re looking for more of a boost, consider these chocolate coconut cherry energy balls. You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds to the mixture for extra fiber and omega-3s, making them a more substantial snack.
Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls: 1 Amazing Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These no-bake Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls feature a rich chocolate exterior filled with sweet coconut, tart cherries, and crunchy pecans. They are a decadent, easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
- 6 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Blend in the vanilla extract and sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, about 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions. The mixture will thicken considerably.
- Fold in the shredded coconut, drained chopped cherries, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to form smooth, compact balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until completely smooth.
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, allowing excess to drip off before returning to the parchment paper.
- Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is completely set. For the best flavor experience, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prep your cherries thoroughly: Drain maraschino cherries overnight in a strainer, then pat with paper towels. Excess moisture can make your mixture too soft to hold shape.
- Chill between steps: If your butter mixture becomes too soft while working, refrigerate it for 10 minutes. Cold balls dip more cleanly in melted chocolate.
- Perfect dipping technique: Use a fork to dip each ball, then tap the handle gently against the bowl edge to remove excess chocolate without creating bare spots.
- Prevent chocolate seizure: Keep all water away from your melting chocolate.
- Create texture variations: Roll half the batch in chopped pecans immediately after dipping for a contrast to the smooth chocolate-covered ones.
- Room temperature serving: For the perfect balance of flavors and textures, let these Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg