Description
These Cherry Caramel Balls offer a delightful blend of sweet caramel, tart cherries, and a creamy vanilla center, coated in pistachios and drizzled with dark chocolate. They’re perfect for gifting or a special treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure to the caramel.
- 60ml (1/4 cup) Water: Dissolves sugar and creates the initial syrup base.
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: Introduces subtle richness and a silky-smooth texture.
- 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Creates a creamy vanilla core with a warm aroma.
- 100g (3.5oz) Dried Tart Cherries: Provides a burst of fruity flavor.
- 1 Tbsp Cherry Juice (Optional): Enhances the cherry flavor.
- ½ tsp Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 tsp Agar-Agar Powder: Sets the caramel as a vegetarian gelatin substitute.
- 100g (3.5oz) Dark Chocolate (70% Cocoa): Adds elegance and a contrasting flavor.
- 50g (1/3 cup) Toasted Pistachio Crumbs: Provides crunch and a beautiful green hue.
Instructions
- Caramelize Sugar: Combine sugar and water, cook until amber.
- Emulsify with Cream: Remove from heat, whisk in cream, butter, and salt. Simmer to dissolve agar-agar.
- Infuse with Cherry: Stir in cherries and optional juice; cool slightly.
- Prepare Vanilla Core: Whisk vanilla extract with cream until smooth.
- Spread and Chill: Spread caramel on parchment, chill until set.
- Assemble Balls: Spoon vanilla cream onto caramel, top with caramel.
- Firm and Portion: Refrigerate, cut into portions, roll into balls.
- Coat in Pistachio: Roll balls in pistachio crumbs.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt chocolate and drizzle over balls.
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. Toasting pistachios enhances their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: caramel,cherries,chocolate,pistachio,vanilla,candy,dessert,treat,halal