Tuesday, December 17, 2024 · 73 Comments

Port Wine Cocoa Bites

These port wine cocoa bites are a simple, no-bake treat that’s perfect for sharing and gifting with friends and family. Packed with rich flavors, they’re the easy dessert you’ll want to year after year.

Port Wine and Cocoa No-Bake Dessert Recipe

If you want a no-bake holiday treat that tastes like it took hours to make, these port wine cocoa bites are for you.. They come together quickly, but the flavors are anything but rushed. The port wine and cocoa blend into a smooth, warming bite that’s perfect for the season.

I love making these during the holidays (they’re great for Valentine’s Day too) because they’re easy to put together and look great in a gift box. Plus, there’s something about that combo of port wine and cocoa that makes them taste more decadent than they really are.

No baking, no hassle—just a handful of ingredients that come together into something you’ll be proud to share. These cocoa bites are rich, indulgent, and will get compliments every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

They’re ridiculously easy to make—no baking required.
The mix of port wine and cocoa gives them a smooth, rich flavor with no raw alcohol taste.
They make great gifts, and people always love them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these port wine cocoa bites:

Port Wine: Adds a rich, fruity depth to the bites without any raw alcohol taste.
Nilla Wafers: The perfect base for these bites, giving them a sweet, crunchy texture.
Cocoa Powder: Provides that smooth chocolate flavor we all love. Make sure it’s Dutch-process.
Pecans: A little crunch and nutty richness to balance out the sweetness.
Corn Syrup: Helps hold everything together and gives a nice, smooth texture.
Confectioners’ Sugar: For rolling the bites and adding that sweet finish

How to Make Port Wine Cocoa Bites

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Step One (Prepare the Dough):
Toss the Nilla wafers, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of whole pecans into a food processor. Pulse until you get fine crumbs.
Step Two (Mix it Up):
Add the Port and corn syrup to the crumbs and pulse again until everything’s mixed. The mixture will be pretty sticky, so scoop it into a bowl.
Step Three (Add Pecans):
Stir in 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped pecans with a spoon until they’re fully mixed in.
Step Four (Shape the Bites):
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on some parchment paper.
Step Five (Coat in Sugar):
Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar and set them on a tray. Ready to go.

Recipe Tips

A few tips to make these port wine cocoa bites even better:

Make them ahead: Feel free to prep them a day or two in advance.
Try different nuts: Swap the pecans for almonds or walnuts if you want a little variety in texture and flavor.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bite, reduce the confectioners’ sugar coating.
Chill before serving: Letting them chill for a bit helps them firm up and gives them the perfect texture, especially if it’s warm out.
Dusting Tip: If the confectioners’ sugar starts to soak into the balls, feel free to dust them again for a fresh, snowy look.
Gifting Idea: Place the Port Bites in a sturdy box and pair with a bottle of Port for a thoughtful gift basket.
Favorite Port: I always get asked what my favorite port is, and it’s Zinfandel Port from Prager Port Works. If you’re ever in the Napa Valley, make sure to stop by—it’s one of my favorite places to visit and buy Port.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Here are some storage and freezing tips for your wine bites:

Storage: Keep the port bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze these bites for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first, then transfer to a container or freezer bag.
Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge for a few hours or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup? Dark corn syrup gives these bites a richer flavor, but light corn syrup will work in a pinch. The main difference is the depth of flavor, so expect a slightly lighter taste with the light corn syrup.
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-process cocoa? Dutch-process cocoa is less acidic and gives a smoother, richer flavor, but you can substitute regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind it might be a bit more intense in flavor.

More Holiday Treat Recipes

Here are a few more holiday treat recipes to make at home this season.

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Print Recipe

5 from 20 votes

Port Wine Cocoa Bites

These Port Wine Cocoa Bites are a simple, no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of port wine and cocoa. They are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a thoughtful gift, and they’re quick and easy to make. The smooth, indulgent flavor comes without the raw alcohol taste, making them a hit at any gathering.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Port Wine Cocoa Bites

Servings: balls

Calories: 163kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

measuring cups and spoons To measure the ingredients.
mixing bowls For holding and mixing the dough.
food processor To crush and blend the ingredients.
parchment paper To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Ingredients

1 11-12 oz. package package Nilla wafers
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 cup pecans whole
1/2 cup Port wine
1/4 cup dark corn syrup or light
3/4 cup pecans coarsely chopped
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

In a food processor, pulse the Nilla wafers, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of whole pecans until fine crumbs form.
1 11-12 oz. package package Nilla wafers, 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder , 1 cup pecans
Add the Port and corn syrup to the crumb mixture and pulse again until blended. Scoop the sticky mixture into a bowl and stir in 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped pecans until fully incorporated.
1/2 cup Port wine, 1/4 cup dark corn syrup, 3/4 cup pecans
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment paper.
Roll each ball in confectioners' sugar and arrange them on a tray.
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Video

Notes

For optimal outcomes when preparing these port wine cocoa bites, it's recommended to refer to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Port Wine Cocoa Bites

Amount Per Serving (60 g)

Calories 163 Calories from Fat 51

% Daily Value*

Fat 5.7g9%

Saturated Fat 0.9g6%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.8g

Cholesterol 3.8mg1%

Sodium 88.6mg4%

Potassium 27.1mg1%

Carbohydrates 23.8g8%

Fiber 1.2g5%

Sugar 12.6g14%

Protein 1.5g3%

Calcium 0.2mg0%

Iron 7.3mg41%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

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Comments

5 from 20 votes