Cherry Holiday Balls
Sweet cherry holiday balls combine candied cherries, nuts, dates, and coconut for a festive treat. Perfect for holidays and gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix eggs, sugar, nuts and dates, coconut, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture around each candied cherry to form balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Cool the balls completely.
- Roll the cooled balls in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the mixture. If you want to substitute the candied cherries, dried cranberries or raisins can work as alternatives. To enhance the coconut flavor, use toasted coconut. Make sure to chop the nuts and dates finely for even distribution. You can also browse more vegetarian recipes for similar holiday treats.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Holiday Balls are delightful as a festive dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast in textures. For a holiday spread, they complement other treats like Jamaican Bunn or Tansy Cakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Holiday Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, or warm them gently in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Holiday Balls contains roughly 2490 calories, with 35g protein, 488g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (89% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 candied ones?
While fresh cherries can be used, they will change the texture and moisture of the balls. If you choose to use them, make sure to pit and chop them, and consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe since fresh cherries are less sweet.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If nut allergies are a concern, you can substitute seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether and add more dates or coconut to maintain the texture.
How do I know when the holiday balls are done baking?
The Cherry Holiday Balls should be lightly golden on the outside when done. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let them cool completely for the best texture before rolling in powdered sugar.
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).