If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s quick to whip up, irresistibly chewy, and guaranteed to vanish in no time, look no further than these No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast. They capture that perfect festive cherry flavor wrapped in a coconutty, graham cracker crumb coating. Perfectly portable and charmingly bite-sized, these little balls are just what your taste buds have been dreaming of—ideal for holiday celebrations or anytime you want a scrumptious, fuss-free snack that feels like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few simple ingredients is all it takes to create these delightful cherry balls. Each item plays a crucial role in the final taste and texture, balancing sweet, chewy, and crunchy notes with vibrant color that pops.
- Maraschino cherries (1 jar): Make sure they are well drained and dried to prevent sogginess and keep your balls perfectly textured.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups): These provide a subtly sweet, buttery crunch that forms the base of the balls.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Adds a chewy, tropical layer that complements the cherry’s tartness beautifully.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup): Acts as the sticky binder that holds everything together while adding creamy sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small splash amps up the overall flavor profile and brings warmth to the cherries and coconut.
- Extra coconut for rolling: This final touch adds a snow-dusted look and a lovely texture contrast on the outside.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): Toss these in if you want a bit of nutty crunch and extra richness.
How to Make No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast
Step 1: Prep Your Cherries
Begin by draining your maraschino cherries thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is key because excess juice can make your mixture too wet, affecting the shape and consistency of the balls.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and nuts if using. Give it a good stir so all the textures blend nicely—this creates the flavorful and sturdy base that makes each bite satisfyingly chewy yet firm.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the bowl along with the vanilla extract, then mix everything together until the crumbs and coconut are evenly coated. This step is where the magic happens—the condensed milk binds the ingredients into a delightful, moldable dough.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries
Gently stir in the dried cherries, ensuring they’re distributed evenly without breaking them apart. The cherries are the centerpiece of these balls, delivering juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Chill and Shape
Cover the mixture and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This firming up stage makes rolling easier and less sticky. After chilling, scoop about a tablespoon-sized amount and roll it into neat little balls with your hands.
Step 6: Roll in Coconut
Finally, roll each ball in the extra shredded coconut to coat them generously. This not only enhances their appearance with a snowy finish but also adds a pleasant texture to each bite.
How to Serve No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast
Garnishes
While the coconut coating is classic and perfect, consider lightly dusting the balls with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted dark chocolate for a little extra flair. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios adds a splash of color and crunch that will make these treats look even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast shine on their own, but pairing them with a simple cup of hot cocoa or tea elevates the entire experience. Their sweet richness balances beautifully with warm beverages, making them a charming finish for holiday meals or friendly get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party, arrange the cherry balls in a decorative bowl nestled on a bed of fresh mint leaves, or serve them on a platter lined with parchment paper and sprinkled coconut. You can even skewer a few onto decorative toothpicks for a playful finger food twist that guests will love to nibble on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll maintain their freshness and chewiness for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy your No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
These treats freeze beautifully! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight to preserve their texture.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake and best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let them sit out for a few minutes if they come straight from the fridge to soften slightly before indulging in their full, chewy glory.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries won’t provide the same sweetness or color as maraschino cherries, and their higher moisture content can make the mixture too wet. However, you can try using dried cherries for a similar chewy texture and tartness.
What if I don’t like coconut?
If coconut isn’t your favorite, you could substitute with finely chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers for the outer coating. Just keep in mind this will change the texture and flavor profile slightly, but the balls will still be delicious.
Are these cherry balls gluten-free?
Traditional graham cracker crumbs contain gluten. To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies, and you’re good to go!
Can I add other flavors to these balls?
Absolutely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon, almond extract in place of vanilla, or even a touch of orange zest can add wonderful new flavor dimensions to your No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast.
How long do these balls last at room temperature?
They are best kept refrigerated for freshness but can safely sit out at room temperature for a few hours, perfect for parties or gatherings where you want them front and center for snacking.
Final Thoughts
If you want a truly delightful treat that’s as easy as it is delicious, these No-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast are a must-make. They bring a burst of cherry cheer wrapped in chewy coconut and crumbly graham goodness that will have everyone asking for more. Whether for holidays, a quick snack, or a casual get-together, these little delights are sure to brighten any day. Dig in and enjoy every chewy, sweet bite with joy!
PrintNo-Bake Cherry Balls That Disappear Fast
These No-Bake Cherry Balls are chewy, festive treats perfect for the holidays. Made with maraschino cherries, graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, they come together in minutes without any baking. Rolled in extra coconut and optionally coated with nuts, these bite-sized delights are sure to disappear fast at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 20–24 cherry balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained and dried
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling
- Extra shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Drain and thoroughly dry the maraschino cherries using paper towels to remove any excess liquid, ensuring the balls won’t be too wet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sweetened shredded coconut evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, blending until a sticky and cohesive dough forms.
- Form Balls: Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place one dried maraschino cherry in the center, then carefully fold the mixture around it and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each cherry ball in extra shredded coconut, and if desired, in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Chill: Place the coated cherry balls on a lined tray or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once chilled and firm, serve these festive cherry balls as a quick and delightful holiday treat.
Notes
- Ensure cherries are well dried to prevent excess moisture affecting the texture.
- Optionally, substitute nuts or omit for a nut-free version.
- Store leftover cherry balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- These treats can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Use sweetened shredded coconut for best flavor and texture.