Chocolate Balls Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect nostalgic blend of rich chocolatey goodness and a hint of crunch from the biscuits, creating these little bites of pure joy. Plus, making these reminds me of the simple joys of childhood while indulging my adult sweet tooth in the most satisfying way.

These delectable chocolate balls are a perfect blend of crushed digestive biscuits and dark chocolate. The taste comes from sweetened condensed milk and cocoa powder with an irresistible richness.

Many times, I coat them with desiccated coconut. All in all, these are no-bake energy bites that contain chocolate, and I’m calling that a win!

Ingredients

Digestive biscuits:
Supplies abundant carbohydrates; pulverize for consistency.

Dark chocolate:
Imparts nutrients and taste.

Delivers antioxidants and enhances flavor.

Unsalted butter:
Improves creaminess; delivers critical fats.

Sweetened condensed milk:
Imparts richness; binds ingredients; sweetens.

Cocoa powder:
Strengthens chocolate taste; delivers antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 50g unsalted butter
• 100g sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Desiccated coconut or sprinkles, for coating

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, place the crushed digestive biscuits.

2. In a bowl that can withstand heat, mix the dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt them together using a method that requires you to work over a pot of water that is just simmering, and stir until the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, use a microwave. For this method, melt in short bursts and stir in between melting intervals.

3. After melting, take the chocolate blend off the heat and mix in the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt until it is thoroughly mixed and well integrated.

4. Over the crushed biscuits, pour the chocolate mixture, and mix very well until all the biscuit crumbs are coated evenly in chocolate.

5. Let the blend cool a little but not entirely, so it stays soft enough to manage.

6. Take tiny amounts of the mixture and form them into balls that are roughly the size of a walnut.

7. Put the desiccated coconut or sprinkles in a shallow dish.

8. Each chocolate ball should be rolled in coconut or sprinkles to give it an even coating.

9. Place the chocolate-covered spheres on a tray or plate. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours, or until set.

10. As a delightful treat, serve the chocolate balls chilled. Otherwise, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Heatproof bowl
3. Pot (for simmering water)
4. Microwave (optional)
5. Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
6. Shallow dish (for coating)
7. Tray or plate
8. Refrigerator
9. Airtight container (for storage)

FAQ

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?Certainly, if you like a sweeter taste, you can use milk chocolate. However, if you want something that has more depth of flavor, dark chocolate is the way to go.
• Can these chocolate balls be made ahead of time?Certainly! You can prepare these in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for as long as a week.
• What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?A mixture of evaporated milk and sugar can be used in place of sweetened condensed milk, or you could use an alternative non-dairy sweetened condensed milk.
• Are there any gluten-free alternatives for digestive biscuits?Certainly! Gluten-free graham crackers or any gluten-free biscuit of your choice can be used.
• Is it necessary to coat the chocolate balls?You can choose to coat your treats, but it is not required. It is, however, a great way to add texture and visual appeal. Use what you have on hand or what you prefer. Some good options: desiccated coconut, sprinkles, or even crushed nuts.
• How can I ensure the mixture binds properly?Ensure that the butter is melted and combine all elements of the recipe thoroughly. Should the batter seem on the dry side, add more of the sweetened condensed milk until the desired consistency is reached.
• Can I add additional flavors or ingredients?Of course! You can always add a splash of your favorite liqueur or mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit to give these bars a delightful twist.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute oat biscuits or vanilla wafers for the digestive biscuits (or graham crackers).
You can substitute milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate.
When a recipe calls for unsalted butter, replace it with equal amounts of coconut oil or margarine.
Evaporated milk plus sugar is a suitable substitute for sweetened condensed milk.
Substitute regular cocoa powder with either cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize Biscuit Texture For an extra smooth texture, consider sifting the crushed biscuits before mixing them with the chocolate mixture. This will ensure no large pieces disturb the uniformity of the balls.

2. Flavor Enhancement Toast the desiccated coconut lightly in a dry pan until golden brown to add a nutty flavor and enhanced aroma to the coating of the chocolate balls.

3. Chocolate Quality Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a richer taste. This can deeply influence the flavor of the final product.

4. Mixing Tip To improve the blending process of the chocolate mixture, ensure the sweetened condensed milk is at room temperature. This helps it incorporate more smoothly without seizing the chocolate.

5. Chill Time Allow the mixture to cool slightly longer before forming balls if it’s too sticky to handle. However, avoid letting it harden completely, as this would make shaping difficult.