Orange Blossom Delight Balls – Experience the pleasure of savoring our Orange Blossom Delight Balls, a recipe that beautifully captures the essence of tangy and sweet citrus flavors. This delightful treat brings together the crispiness of vanilla wafers and the zingy freshness of orange juice creating a blend of taste sensations. The infusion of vanilla extract imparts a touch of elegance while the addition of coconut flakes adds a twist. Whether it’s for gatherings, special occasions or to indulge after a tiring day these delight balls will undoubtedly leave your taste buds yearning for more. With 15 minutes for preparation and 8 to 10 minutes in the oven, you can effortlessly whip up four dozen of these mouthwatering morsels.
The first time I attempted to make Orange Blossom Delight Balls I was in search of something delightful to surprise my family with. The tantalizing aroma emanating, from the orange juice and fragrant vanilla filled our kitchen creating an ambiance. Enough even my husband – who isn’t typically fond of sweets – was intrigued by the scent and decided to give them a go. To my satisfaction he absolutely adored them! He marveled at how they weren’t overly sugary and how the addition of coconut lent a texture to each bite. My child, with eyes wide open, eagerly reached for more food and in that moment I realized that this recipe was truly wonderful.
What makes these Orange Blossom Delight Balls truly special?
What makes our Orange Blossom Delight Balls special is the combination of flavors and textures. The crushed vanilla wafers add a crunch while the orange juice concentrate brings a tang. By using vanilla extract we ensure an authentic taste that is enhanced by the nutty hints from finely chopped walnuts or pecans. The sweetened coconut flakes not only add a touch but also create a delightful contrast, with the citrusy center. Whether you have a sweet tooth or crave something citrusy these delightful balls are guaranteed to hit the spot.
What You Need To Make This Orange Blossom Delight Balls Recipe?
Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Opt for the finest vanilla wafers you can find or get adventurous and make your own with our bespoke recipe. This is the backbone of our delight balls, creating a splendidly crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts with the creamy filling.
Powdered Sugar: This is not just any sugar; it’s the fairy dust that binds our ingredients together, creating a smooth and irresistible blend. Its fine texture ensures that every bite is as heavenly as the last.
Orange Juice Concentrate: This is where the magic happens. The concentrate provides a burst of vibrant citrus flavor, transporting you straight to an orange grove with every bite. Ensure it’s fully thawed and undiluted to capture the essence of pure, unadulterated orange bliss.
Pure or Mexican Vanilla Extract: Choose your fighter — both bring a unique flair to the table. Pure vanilla adds a classic, elegant aroma, while the Mexican variety introduces a darker, more complex profile. Either way, you’re in for a treat.
Softened Butter: This is the secret to the delightful balls’ creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a seamless blend.
Finely Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: These aren’t just any nuts; they’re the crunchy heroes of this saga, bringing a nutty symphony to every bite. Make sure they’re finely chopped for a subtle crunch that complements the smoothness of the other ingredients.
Sweetened Coconut Flakes: This is where we bring the exotic twist. The coconut flakes are not just a coating; they’re a journey to tropical paradise. Though the recipe calls for one cup, having an extra stash is always a good idea—you never know when you’ll crave that extra coconut goodness.
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Steps To Make Orange Blossom Delight Balls:
Step 1: Start by crushing the vanilla wafers until they turn into fine crumbs. You can use a blender. Go old school with a rolling pin. In a mixing bowl combine the wafer crumbs, with sugar, orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract, softened butter, and your choice of nuts. Give it a mix until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Now comes the fun part! Take portions of the mixture. Roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Roll these balls in coconut flakes (finely crushed nuts if you prefer nuttiness). Once they are all rolled and coated place them in the fridge to chill until they become firm to touch.
Step 3: Here’s a tip, for you; these balls taste better if you let them sit for a while. If you’re feeling adventurous try using lemonade instead of orange juice for a twist!
Tip:
To give a boost of fragrance and intensify the taste of orange incorporate a tablespoon of grated orange peel into the softened butter prior, to blending it with the remaining ingredients. This straightforward technique infuses the spheres with a burst of vibrancy elevating every mouthful to a more irresistible level!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Of course! These Orange Blossom Delight Balls can definitely be prepared in advance. In fact, they tend to taste better as they sit making them an ideal treat, for making ahead.
Can I use store-bought vanilla wafers instead of making them from scratch?
Certainly! Instead of making the vanilla wafers from scratch, you can use a 12 oz. Box of store-bought ones. However, if you have the time I highly recommend trying out the homemade version for a special touch.
What can I use instead of coconut flakes for rolling?
If you don’t have coconut flakes on hand for rolling finely crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans are an alternative. They not only provide a texture but also add an extra layer of crunch, to these delightful balls.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Orange Blossom Delight Balls
Ingredients
- 12 ounces vanilla wafers crushed (or, make your own with our easy recipe)
- 2 c powdered sugar
- 6 ounces orange juice concentrate thawed, undiluted (equals 3/4 c if you are working from a bigger can)
- 1/2 teaspoon PURE VANILLA EXTRACT or MEXICAN VANILLA EXTRACT
- 1/2 c butter 1 stick, softened
- 1 c walnuts or pecans finely chopped
- 1-2 c sweetened coconut flakes recipe called for 1 c., but we ran out and needed 2
For the Homemade Vanilla Wafers:
- 1/3 c butter
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1 teaspoon PURE VANILLA EXTRACT or MEXICAN VANILLA EXTRACT
- 1 c flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Orange Blossom Delight Balls:
- To make Orange Blossom Delight Balls you have two options, for crushing the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs; either use a blender or a rolling pin.
- In a bowl combine the crushed wafers, powdered sugar, orange juice concentrate, vanilla extract, softened butter and finely chopped nuts. Stir everything together until it is well mixed.
- Take portions of the mixture. Shape them into 1-inch balls.
- Next, roll each ball in sweetened coconut flakes to ensure an even coating.
- Place the formed balls on a tray or in a container. Refrigerate them until they become firm.
- Once chilled and firm serve the Orange Blossom Delight Balls. You'll find that their taste improves more after they've been sitting for a while.
If you'd like to add a touch to your recipe by making Vanilla Wafers from scratch:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg, milk and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour and baking powder until thoroughly incorporated.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden, in color.
- Allow the wafers to cool completely before using them in the Orange Blossom Delight Balls recipe.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
I have made these treats for years. One friend declared them “Dangerous “. They are delicious.