Margarita Balls: No-Bake Citrus and Tequila Dessert Bites Recipe
Margarita Balls are a festive no-bake treat that capture the essence of a classic margarita cocktail in a bite-sized dessert. Combining tangy lime, smooth tequila, and sweet vanilla wafer crumbs with cream cheese, these flavorful balls offer a refreshing and indulgent snack perfect for parties and gatherings. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and refrigerate until firm, Margarita Balls provide a unique and fun way to enjoy margarita flavors without the glass.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec)
- 3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
Coating
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- Lime zest (for coating)
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, lime juice, powdered sugar, tequila, and orange liqueur until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a tangy and creamy base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla wafer crumbs until the mixture comes together and forms a sticky dough-like consistency perfect for rolling.
- Shape Balls: Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter using your hands to form uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Coat Balls: Prepare a coating mixture by combining the white sugar and lime zest, then roll each ball in this mixture to cover the surface, adding extra sweetness and citrus flavor.
- Chill to Set: Place the coated balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
- Serve: Serve the Margarita Balls chilled for a refreshing, flavorful treat perfect for parties or gifting.
Notes
- Margarita Balls are best served cold directly from the refrigerator.
- You can substitute the tequila and orange liqueur with fruit juices or flavored extracts for a non-alcoholic version.
- Feel free to experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or orange for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These treats can be prepared ahead of time, making them convenient for parties and gatherings.
Keywords: Margarita Balls, no-bake dessert, cocktail-inspired treats, lime dessert, tequila dessert, party snacks, holiday treats, bite-sized desserts
