### **White Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls
#### **Introduction**
These heavenly dessert balls are a bite-sized explosion of flavor and texture — a crunchy exterior, a creamy middle, and a sweet, tangy cherry surprise in the center. Perfect for festive occasions, gifts, or just a cozy indulgence, these little delights resemble snowballs with a cherry heart inside. They are simple to make yet look incredibly elegant.
### **Ingredients**
**For the filling:**
* ½ cup cherry jam or cherry pie filling (you can substitute raspberry or strawberry jam)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening if your jam is too runny)
**For the cream layer:**
* 200 g (about 7 oz) cream cheese, softened
* 100 g (3.5 oz) white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
* 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the coating:**
* 200 g (7 oz) white chocolate, melted
* 1 cup desiccated coconut or shredded coconut
**Optional additions:**
* 1 tablespoon butter for the coating (to make it smoother)
* Chopped almonds or hazelnuts for extra crunch inside
### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Cherry Filling:**
If your cherry jam is too soft, place it in a small saucepan with cornstarch and cook over low heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Let it cool completely.
Once cooled, spoon small portions (about ½ teaspoon each) onto parchment paper and freeze for 15–20 minutes until firm. This step makes them easier to handle when shaping the balls.
2. **Make the Cream Mixture:**
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted white chocolate, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes until it’s firm enough to shape.
3. **Assemble the Balls:**
Take a spoonful of the chilled cream mixture (about 1 tablespoon). Flatten it in your palm, place a small frozen cherry filling portion in the center, and carefully wrap the cream around it to form a ball.
Roll the ball gently between your palms until smooth. Repeat for the remaining mixture.
4. **Coat with White Chocolate and Coconut:**
Melt white chocolate (with a little butter if desired) until smooth. Dip each filled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Immediately roll it in shredded or desiccated coconut while still wet. Place the coated balls on parchment paper.
5. **Chill and Set:**
Once all the balls are coated, refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Serve chilled or slightly softened for a creamy bite.
### **Methods**
* **Mixing Method:** Cream cheese and white chocolate blend gives the perfect creamy interior.
* **Freezing Method:** Helps seal the cherry filling without leaking.
* **Dipping Method:** Ensures a uniform coating that holds coconut beautifully.
* **Chilling Method:** Firms up the layers and enhances the texture contrast.
### **History**
The concept of cream-filled chocolate truffles dates back to 19th-century France, where chocolate ganache was first used to create bite-sized confections. Over time, variations appeared across Europe, especially in Eastern Europe and Russia, where coconut and fruit fillings became popular. This version takes inspiration from classic Raffaello candies, but adds a cherry heart and a white chocolate cheesecake twist.
### **Benefits**
* **Rich in Antioxidants:** Thanks to the cherry filling, which contains vitamin C and anthocyanins.
* **Mood Boosting:** White chocolate and cherries are known to elevate serotonin levels.
* **Perfect Energy Snack:** The healthy fats from coconut and cream cheese give sustained energy.
* **No-Bake Dessert:** Easy to prepare without using an oven.
### **Formation**
Each ball is layered with a frozen cherry core, a creamy white chocolate and cheese shell, then coated in silky chocolate and crunchy coconut. The combination delivers three distinct textures in every bite — soft, creamy, and crisp.
### **Nutrition (per ball, approx.)**
* Calories: 150–180 kcal
* Fat: 9 g
* Carbohydrates: 16 g
* Protein: 2 g
* Sugar: 13 g
### **Conclusion**
These White Chocolate Coconut Cherry Balls are a dreamy dessert — rich, smooth, fruity, and delicately sweet. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Each bite feels like a mini cheesecake with a burst of cherry bliss inside. Store them refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer.
### **Lovers’ Note**
Dessert lovers adore these for their creamy interior and elegant appearance. They melt in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness balanced by the tart cherry filling. Whether shared with family or served at celebrations, they always steal the show.
