If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s easy to make and irresistible to eat, look no further than these Easy Chocolate Balls. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, from parties to casual get-togethers, or even as a simple snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation, these chocolate balls are a great way to satisfy your chocolate cravings in no time.
Ingredients:
- 200g (about 7 oz) of crushed biscuits (digestive biscuits or graham crackers work well)
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) of cocoa powder
- 200g (about 7 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) of melted chocolate (dark or milk chocolate)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- Sprinkles, desiccated coconut, or crushed nuts for coating
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by crushing the biscuits into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor, or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The finer the crumbs, the smoother your chocolate balls will be.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed biscuits and cocoa powder. Stir them together until they are evenly mixed. If you like a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness, add a pinch of salt to the mix.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the sweetened condensed milk, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until a thick, sticky dough forms. The sweetened condensed milk binds the ingredients together, while the melted chocolate adds richness and depth to the flavor.
4. Form the Chocolate Balls
Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape your chocolate balls. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. You can make them as big or small as you like, but about 1-inch balls are ideal for bite-sized treats.
5. Coat the Chocolate Balls
To make the chocolate balls even more exciting, roll them in your choice of coating. Sprinkles, desiccated coconut, or crushed nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts all work wonderfully to add texture and flavor. Simply place your chosen coating in a shallow bowl and roll the balls in it until fully covered.
6. Chill and Set
Once coated, place the chocolate balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. This helps the chocolate balls hold their shape and enhances their flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your easy chocolate balls are ready to serve! These treats are perfect for sharing at parties, as an afternoon snack, or as a gift for friends and family. Their smooth, chocolatey center paired with a crunchy coating makes every bite absolutely delightful.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Balls:
- Flavor variations: Try adding other ingredients like chopped dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), mini marshmallows, or a dash of cinnamon to customize the flavor.
- Texture: For a slightly firmer texture, use more biscuit crumbs. For a smoother texture, use a little less. You can also add some finely ground almonds or hazelnuts for a nutty finish.
- Storage: Store your chocolate balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just allow them to thaw before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No-Bake: This recipe doesn’t require any baking, making it incredibly easy and quick to prepare.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavors, coatings, and ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat, a birthday party, or a simple family snack, chocolate balls are always a crowd-pleaser.
These Easy Chocolate Balls are the ultimate sweet treat for anyone who loves chocolate. Quick to make and packed with rich, indulgent flavor, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and decadence of these homemade chocolate delights!
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate work well in this recipe. Each will give the chocolate balls a slightly different flavor, so choose the one you like best!
2. Can I make these chocolate balls without sweetened condensed milk? Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free or lower-sugar version, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with alternatives like maple syrup or coconut milk mixed with a little powdered sugar. The texture might vary slightly, but it should still work well!
3. How can I make the chocolate balls more festive for holidays or special occasions? You can easily customize the chocolate balls by rolling them in colorful sprinkles, crushed candy canes for Christmas, or even edible glitter for a party. You could also add festive flavorings, such as orange zest for a citrusy touch or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy feel.
4. Can I freeze the chocolate balls for later use? Absolutely! After making and coating the chocolate balls, you can freeze them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until firm, and then transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Frozen chocolate balls can be stored for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving!
PrintEasy Chocolate Balls
These Easy Chocolate Balls are rich, fudgy, and perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re a quick no-bake dessert ideal for holidays, parties, or gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Coating:
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts
- Sprinkles or cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Shape the balls:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Coat the balls:
- Roll each ball in shredded coconut, crushed nuts, sprinkles, or cocoa powder to coat.
- Chill:
- Place the chocolate balls on a tray lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Serve:
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or Nutella to the mixture for extra flavor.
- For a festive twist, mix in mini chocolate chips or dried fruit.