Cherry Cherry Balls
Sweet cherry flavors combined with oats and a buttery crust create a delightful treat perfect for dessert or snack times, appealing to fruit lovers and oat enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat butter and brown sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy.
- Combine flour, oats, and baking soda.
- Add to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until crumbly.
- Spread two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Press down to make a firm layer.
- Puree cherry pie filling in a blender, food processor, or mixer.
- Pour the cherry filling over the oat crust.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using almond extract instead of almond flavoring for a stronger flavor. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a little molasses. Ensure the butter is softened to make beating easier. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the oat mixture, which pairs beautifully with the cherry filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Cherry Balls as a delightful dessert, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting finish. They also make a great snack for gatherings or potlucks. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or serve them at a picnic with Strawberry Sodas for a refreshing combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Cherry Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. You can also enjoy them cold as a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cherry Balls contains roughly 969 calories, with 13g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency as the pie filling. This will enhance the flavor and provide a fresher taste in your Cherry Cherry Balls.
What can I substitute for the oats?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can replace the oats with gluten-free oats or use crushed nuts as a substitute. This will alter the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious. You can also experiment with granola for a unique twist.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Cherry Cherry Balls can be made a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste, making them perfect for upcoming gatherings or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).