The Best No-Bake Cherry Ripe Balls Recipe (So Easy!)

A Taste of Pure Nostalgia

Have you ever had a craving for a specific candy bar from your childhood? A flavour so tied to memory that just thinking about it can transport you back in time. For me, it was always the unique combination of cherry, dark chocolate, and coconut. Living far from the places where I grew up, I found that particular treat was impossible to find. That craving for a taste of home led me on a mission, not just to recreate it, but to transform it into something even better. This Cherry Ripe balls recipe is the delicious result. It’s an incredibly easy, no-bake tribute to that classic flavour combination, perfect for when you need a quick and comforting dose of sweet nostalgia.

The Simple Ingredients for a No-Bake Treat

This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s the perfect pantry-friendly treat for a last-minute get-together or a fun kitchen project with the kids.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Sweetened Condensed Milk	1 can (390g)	The sweet, sticky binder that holds everything together.
Marie Biscuits (or other plain sweet biscuits)	1 packet (250g)	A simple, crisp biscuit that provides the perfect base texture.
Cherry Ripe Bars	3 bars (52g each)	The star of the show! Roughly chopped to provide bursts of cherry-coconut flavour.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder	2 tablespoons	Adds a rich, chocolatey depth to the base.
Desiccated Coconut	41​ cup (45g)	For mixing into the balls, enhancing the coconut flavour.
Desiccated Coconut, extra	21​ cup	For rolling the finished balls in, providing a beautiful look and texture.

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing Breakdown

This is the ultimate quick and easy recipe. With no baking required, you can have these delicious treats chilling in the fridge in minutes.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Data Insight: This no-bake recipe is ready for the fridge in just 10 minutes. According to family lifestyle blogs, no-bake recipes like this see a 60% higher engagement rate for kid-friendly kitchen projects due to their simplicity and lack of hot ovens.

Step-by-Step Instructions

We’ve included instructions for both conventional methods and for Thermomix users.

Standard Method

Step 1: Crush the Biscuits

Place the Marie biscuits in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them until they form a fine, sandy crumb. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor. Pour the fine crumbs into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

To the biscuit crumbs, add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, 41​ cup of desiccated coconut, and the roughly chopped Cherry Ripe bars. Use a strong metal spoon or a spatula to stir everything together until it is thoroughly combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky.

Step 3: Roll the Balls

Take a tablespoon of the mixture and, using clean hands, roll it into a neat, round ball. Pro Tip: If the mixture is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or lightly wetting your hands with water.

Step 4: Coat and Chill

Spread the extra 21​ cup of desiccated coconut on a small plate or in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the coconut until it is evenly coated. Place the finished balls on a plate or a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Thermomix Method

Step 1: Crush the Biscuits

Place the Marie biscuits into your Thermomix bowl. Use the Turbo function for 2 seconds, twice, to crush them into a fine crumb.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, 41​ cup of desiccated coconut, and the chopped Cherry Ripe bars to the bowl. Mix for 10 seconds / Speed 4.5 / Reverse Function.

Step 3: Final Mix

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with your spatula to ensure everything is incorporated. Mix for a final 10 seconds / Speed 5 / Reverse Function. The mixture should be well combined.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

Proceed with Step 3 and Step 4 from the standard method above, rolling the mixture into balls, coating them in coconut, and chilling them in the fridge to set.

Nutritional Information

This is an indulgent, sweet treat. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per ball, assuming the recipe makes about 24 balls.

• Calories: Approx. 140 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Disclaimer: Nutrition is estimated and can vary based on the specific brands and sizes of your ingredients.

Variations and Healthier Alternatives

While a true treat, you can make a few swaps to suit your needs.

• Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite plain, sweet gluten-free biscuits instead of Marie biscuits.
• “Deconstructed” Version: If you can’t find Cherry Ripe bars, you can mimic the flavour! Omit the candy bars and add 1 cup of glacé (candied) cherries (chopped) and an extra 21​ cup of desiccated coconut to the mixture.
• Reduced Sugar: Look for light or low-sugar sweetened condensed milk alternatives, often made with coconut milk.
• Add a Kick: For an adults-only version, add a tablespoon or two of dark rum or cherry liqueur to the mixture for a flavour profile similar to a rum ball.

Serving Suggestions

These little bites of deliciousness are perfect for almost any occasion.

• Holiday Treat Platter: They are a fantastic and easy addition to a Christmas or holiday dessert platter.
• Bake Sales & Fetes: This recipe is a classic for a reason! It’s always a crowd-pleaser and is incredibly easy to make in large batches.
• Simple Dessert: Serve a few alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a simple and satisfying after-dinner sweet.
• Personalized Tip: These make a wonderful homemade gift. I love to pack them in a small, decorative box or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon to give to friends and neighbors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Biscuits Are Too Chunky: For the best texture and easiest rolling, ensure your biscuits are crushed to a very fine, almost sandy crumb. Large chunks will make the balls fall apart.
2. A Sticky Situation: The mixture is meant to be sticky. If it’s truly unmanageable, chilling the bowl of mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes will make it much easier to roll. Keeping your hands slightly damp also works wonders.
3. Chopping the Candy Bars Too Large: While you want chunks of the Cherry Ripe for texture, pieces that are too large will make it difficult for the balls to hold their shape. Aim for pieces about the size of a small pea or a chocolate chip.
4. Skipping the Chilling Time: Don’t skip the final refrigeration step! This is essential for the balls to firm up and set properly. They will be too soft to eat otherwise.

Storing Your No-Bake Treats

These Cherry Ripe balls store wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead treat.

• Refrigeration: Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: These are fantastic for freezing! Place the set balls in a single layer in a freezer-safe, airtight container, with parchment paper between layers if needed. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. They are delicious eaten straight from the freezer!

The Ultimate No-Bake Indulgence

This Cherry Ripe balls recipe is the perfect answer when you need a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious treat. With no baking required, these little bites of chocolate, cherry, and coconut goodness come together in minutes. They are the perfect way to capture the nostalgic flavour of a classic candy bar in a fun, homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends at any occasion.

We can’t wait for you to try this simple and delicious recipe! Let us know what you think by leaving a comment and a rating below. Be sure to subscribe for more easy, no-bake dessert ideas!

FAQs

Q1: What is a Cherry Ripe bar, and what can I substitute if I can’t find it?

A Cherry Ripe is a popular Australian candy bar made of a cherry and coconut filling coated in dark chocolate. If you can’t find them, you can create a similar flavour by adding 1 cup of chopped glacé (candied) cherries and an extra 21​ cup of desiccated coconut to the recipe.

Q2: What are Marie biscuits? What’s a good substitute?

Marie biscuits are a type of simple, lightly sweet vanilla biscuit, similar to a Rich Tea biscuit in the UK or basic animal crackers or social tea biscuits in the US. Any plain, sweet, crispy biscuit will work well as a substitute.

Q3: My mixture seems too dry or too sticky. How can I fix it?

If the mixture seems too dry and isn’t coming together, add another tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk. If it’s far too sticky to roll, it might be a warm day. Just pop the entire bowl in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before rolling.

Q4: Can I add alcohol to make these more like a rum ball?

Yes, absolutely! A tablespoon or two of dark rum, coconut rum (like Malibu), or a cherry liqueur would be a delicious addition for an adults-only version. Stir it in with the condensed milk.

Q5: How long do the balls need to set in the fridge?

They need a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator to firm up enough to hold their shape and develop the perfect chewy texture. You can leave them in for longer, and they will become even firmer.

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