Maple Balls: A Sweet and Nutty No-Bake Treat
If you’re looking for a decadent, bite-sized treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of maple and chocolate, these Maple Balls are the perfect indulgence. With a rich maple-flavored dough, crunchy walnuts, and a chocolate coating, these no-bake treats are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying as a special dessert anytime.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how simple and delicious these Maple Balls are!
Ingredients:
- 7 oz. sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
- ¼ cup softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tsp maple extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar (more or less as needed)
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts (divided)
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, maple extract, maple syrup, and salt using an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a smooth dough forms. You may need slightly more or less than 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar depending on the consistency of your dough. Stir in ½ cup of the chopped walnuts.
If the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes until it’s firm enough to roll into balls.
2. Shape the Balls: Once the dough is firm, roll it into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the dough is rolled, refrigerate or freeze the balls for 30 minutes, or until they are firm.
3. Melt the Chocolate: While the maple balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this by microwaving the chocolate chips on 50% power in 40-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate gently without burning.
4. Dip the Balls: Once the maple balls are firm, use a fork to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess chocolate drip off through the fork tines. Place the chocolate-coated balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Garnish and Let Harden: Before the chocolate hardens, top each ball with a piece of the remaining chopped walnuts for a decorative and flavorful garnish. Allow the maple balls to harden completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator to set faster.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is set, your Maple Balls are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Balls:
- Easy No-Bake Treat: No oven required! These maple balls come together with minimal effort, making them perfect for quick treats or last-minute party preparations.
- Rich Maple Flavor: The combination of maple extract and syrup gives these treats a warm, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and walnuts.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re gifting these to friends or serving them at a party, these bite-sized treats are ideal for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
These Maple Balls make a great addition to holiday cookie trays, dessert buffets, or as a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee or tea. You can even wrap them up in decorative boxes or bags to give as homemade gifts.
Recipe Notes:
- Chilling the Dough: If your dough is too sticky to roll, don’t hesitate to chill it for a bit longer. This will make the process easier and ensure perfectly shaped balls.
- Customizations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or by using dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Storage: These Maple Balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 30 balls
Calories per Serving: 150 kcal
These Maple Balls are a sweet, nutty, and chocolatey treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, they’re the perfect combination of indulgent flavors and easy preparation. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!
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Maple Balls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 30 1x
Description
These Chocolate-Dipped Maple Walnut Balls are the perfect sweet indulgence for any occasion. Made with a soft, maple-flavored dough that’s coated in rich, melted chocolate, each bite offers a delicious contrast between the creamy center and the crisp chocolate shell. The addition of walnuts brings a delightful crunch and adds a nutty depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the maple syrup.
Ingredients
7 oz. sweetened condensed milk (half a can)
1/4 cup softened butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 tsp maple extract
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp salt
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (more or less as needed)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (divided)
2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Make the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat together the sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, maple extract, maple syrup, and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until a dough forms. You may need slightly more or less than 3 1/2 cups. Stir in 1/2 cup of the chopped walnuts. If the dough is sticky, refrigerate it until it’s firm enough to roll.
Shape the balls:
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate or freeze the balls until they are firm.
Melt the chocolate:
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave on 50% power or in a double boiler. Stir every 40 seconds until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Dip the balls:
Using a fork, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off through the fork tines. Place the coated ball back on the parchment-lined sheet. Top each ball with a piece of the remaining walnuts for garnish.
Let them harden:
Allow the maple balls to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before handling or serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150