Kentucky Bourbon and Cherry Chocolate Truffles
Decadent dark chocolate truffles infused with Kentucky bourbon and dried cherries for a luscious, boozy treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers chopped bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, Kentucky bourbon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 20, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Kentucky bourbon
- 2 tbsp, room temperature unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup, chopped dried cherries
- 1/2 cup for dusting cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes to soften, then gently stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon, 2 tablespoons room temperature unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup chopped dried cherries until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
- Step 6: Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, form the chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls and roll them quickly between your palms.
- Step 7: Roll each truffle in 1/2 cup cocoa powder until fully coated, then place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the truffles for 30 minutes to set before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kentucky Bourbon and Cherry Chocolate Truffles take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Kentucky Bourbon and Cherry Chocolate Truffles?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Kentucky Bourbon and Cherry Chocolate Truffles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Kentucky Bourbon and Cherry Chocolate Truffles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 20 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 20). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Kentucky Bourbon and Cherry Chocolate Truffles?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
