Rum Balls are a perfect truffle-like confection. Rich and decadent, you won’t be able to resist these no-bake chocolate rum balls! Whether you make them yearly as part of your holiday baking tradition or just have a chocolate craving, you can’t go wrong with this traditional sweet.
Holiday baking was always a favorite family activity growing up. While cookies were fun, we always rounded out the holiday dessert tray with some no-bake recipes like fudge and dipped pretzels. Cookies are a bit time consuming and having one or two things to choose from just isn’t our style. My mom is that person who needs to offer everyone their favorites plus make a few new recipes so that we had a dozen different sweet treats. No-bake chocolate rum balls are the perfect way to add some chocolate goodness to your holidays without investing a bunch of time.
I wish I could take credit for these beautiful rum balls but this recipe is actually from Sian Cox. She said they taste just like the ones her British grandmother used to make. (Yeah for finding recipe that reminds us of Grandma!) These chocolate rum balls have a definite rum flavor but it’s not over powering.
Ingredients to Make Chocolate Rum Balls
To make these no-bake rum balls you’ll need the following ingredients:
- graham cracker crumbs
- ground almonds
- powdered sugar
- cocoa powder
- bittersweet chocolate
- dark rum
- agave syrup
- vanilla
- chocolate sprinkles
- shredded coconut
How to Make Rum Balls
Some rum balls are made with cookie crumbs but this one has a graham cracker base. You’ll want to have very finely ground crumbs so you’ll want to use a food processor to break down your graham crackers and almonds or you can save time and buy them already ground.
Using a whisk to gently combine your dry ingredients is a good way to make sure your mixture is evenly incorporated.
Next you’ll want to stir in your wet ingredients, including vanilla, agave syrup and 1/3 cup of rum. Shape your mixture into round balls by rolling it over your palms. A cookie scoop works great for size and creating evenly sized balls.
Place them on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. Once you are done shaping your balls you’ll want to place your remaining rum and anything you’d like to coat your rum balls into small dishes.
Chocolate sprinkles (jimmies) and shredded coconut are common but you can also use powdered sugar, cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts or more colorful sprinkles if preferred.
Roll each ball in the rum and then in the sprinkles or coconut.
Place back on the lined tray and allow to dry. Chill for an hour.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, although I prefer chilled. To make them more festive you can place your rum balls in holiday mini baking cups before serving.
These aren’t gooey like some rum balls but they aren’t dry either. These rum balls can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for a couple of weeks and are super easy to transport.
Rum Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup bittersweet chocolate grated
- 1/3 cup dark rum2 tablespoons dark rum
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup chocolate sprinkles
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
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Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In large bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, ground almonds, and chocolate shavings.
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Stir in the vanilla, agave syrup and 1/3 cup of rum.
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Chill for 15 minutes.
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Scoop out about a level tablespoon amount of dough for each ball. Roll the dough into even size balls using the palms of your hands. Place on the lined tray.
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Pour the additional rum into a shallow bowl and pour sprinkles and coconut onto separate small bowls or plates.
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Roll each ball in the rum and then in the sprinkles or coconut.
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Put back on tray and allow to dry.
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Chill for an hour. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Recipe Notes
You can substitute colorful sprinkles, cocoa powder, powdered sugar or finely chopped nuts in place of the coconut or chocolate sprinkles.
Looking for more no-bake holiday desserts? Check these out:
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Homemade Turtles
- Peanut Butter Fudge
- Hot Chocolate Truffles
- No-Bake Yule Log
- Potato Chip Candy
- Peppermint Dream Dessert
- Peppermint Marshmallow No-Bake Dessert
Happy Holidays!
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