Craving something sweet and zesty? These Orange Blossom Delight Balls mix crushed vanilla wafers, powdered sugar, orange juice, and coconut for a no-bake treat that’s as easy as it is irresistible!
Alright, I’m going to get a little nostalgic here. Picture this: a sunny Saturday, my grandma’s floral apron (that’s somehow been around longer than I have), and a kitchen filled with the smell of oranges. That’s where I first discovered these Orange Blossom Delight Balls.
She made them every spring when the orange trees in her backyard were practically groaning under the weight of fruit. And no matter what—whether it was Easter brunch or just another Sunday—there was always a tray of these little citrusy gems on the table.
The thing is, they’re not fussy. No oven. No fancy tools. Just pure, simple goodness that somehow tastes like a hug from grandma.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Blossom Delight Balls Recipe?
- No-Bake Magic: Because who wants to turn on the oven when it’s already 80 degrees out?
- Citrus Heaven: That pop of orange juice concentrate makes every bite bright and zingy.
- Buttery & Crunchy: Soft, rich texture with a little crunch from chopped nuts—pure bliss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Picnics, potlucks, baby showers, or Tuesday night Netflix binges.
- Kid-Approved: They’re fun to roll, dip, and eat—just beware, they’ll disappear fast.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Orange Blossom Delight Balls:
- Vanilla Wafers: The crunchy base. Store-bought is fine, but if you’re feeling extra, homemade takes these over the top.
- Powdered Sugar: Gives the balls that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Orange Juice Concentrate: Not fresh OJ—concentrate brings that intense citrus kick.
- Butter: Because butter makes everything better. It’s the glue holding all the goodness together.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a little crunch (but hey, skip ’em if you’re nut-free).
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds chewiness and a subtle tropical vibe.
For the Homemade Vanilla Wafers (if you’re into that kind of thing):
- Butter & Sugar: Obviously.
- Egg, Milk & Vanilla: The trifecta for soft, flavorful cookies.
- Flour & Baking Powder: To hold it all together with a slight crisp.
How To Make Orange Blossom Delight Balls?
Step 1. Smash Those Wafers:
Food processor? Awesome. Rolling pin and a Ziploc bag? Equally valid (and a great stress reliever). The goal: fine, crumbly goodness.
Step 2. Mix It All Up:
In a big ol’ bowl, combine your crushed wafers, powdered sugar, orange juice concentrate, softened butter, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract. Stir it until it looks like something you want to dive into.
Pro Tip: If it’s too sticky, toss in more wafers. Too dry? Splash in a bit more OJ concentrate.
Step 3. Roll Into Balls:
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Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Bonus points if you can do it without eating half the batter.
Step 4. Coconut Coat:
Roll each ball in sweetened coconut flakes until they’re perfectly coated. It’s messy—but hey, that’s half the fun.
Step 5. Chill, Baby:
Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour so they firm up. But honestly? They’re even better the next day. Patience = flavor payoff.
(Optional) Homemade Vanilla Wafers:
Because sometimes store-bought just won’t cut it.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour and baking powder.
- Roll into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before using in the Orange Blossom Delight Balls.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Honestly, they taste better the longer they sit (if they last that long).
- Freezer: Yep, these freeze like a dream. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before munching.
- Party-Ready: Making them for a get-together? Chill and transport in a cooler—they’ll hold their shape beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts and add extra coconut or crushed graham crackers.
- Flavor Swap: Lemon juice concentrate for a zingier twist, or even raspberry for something totally unexpected.
- Add Some Booze: Adults-only? Stir in a tablespoon of orange liqueur (hello, fancy).
- Holiday Vibes: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy, spiced version.
What to Serve with Orange Blossom Delight Balls?
- Hot Tea or Iced Coffee: The perfect midday snack.
- Champagne or Mimosas: Because citrus + bubbles = chef’s kiss.
- Fruit Platters: These make a great sweet bite next to fresh berries and melon.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crush a couple and sprinkle them over vanilla or coconut ice cream. Trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
I wouldn’t. The concentrate is thicker and packs way more citrusy punch.
Not a coconut fan—what’s a good swap?
Totally get it. Try rolling them in powdered sugar, crushed graham crackers, or even finely chopped nuts.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
100%! In fact, I recommend it. They taste even better after a day in the fridge. Just hide a few for yourself—they go fast.
So, what do you think? Ready to whip up some Orange Blossom Delight Balls? They’re the perfect mix of sweet, zesty, and crunchy—and they’re way easier than they look. Give ’em a try, and let me know how they turn out!
<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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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.