Rum Balls Recipe
These Rum Balls are a delightful treat that my sister-in-law generously shared with me. She often makes them for special occasions, and they never fail to impress. Rich, sweet, and with just the right amount of warmth from the rum, these little bite-sized treats are a favorite during the holidays, but they can also be enjoyed at any time of the year. The best part? They come together quickly and are no-bake, making them perfect for those times when you’re looking for a sweet treat without turning on the oven. To make these rum balls extra special, be sure to use good-quality dark rum—it’s the key to making these bites truly unforgettable.
Rum Balls
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Candy
Servings: 3-4 dozen
Calories per Serving: 1355.2 (for the full batch)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Dark Rum | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving, full batch makes about 3-4 dozen)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1355.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 67.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 466.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 162.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 7.1 g |
| Sugar Content | 47.9 g |
| Protein Content | 15.6 g |
Instructions
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Crush the Vanilla Wafers: Begin by crushing the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor, or if you don’t have one, simply place the wafers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they reach a fine, sandy texture.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafer crumbs with the honey, dark rum, and chopped walnuts. Stir everything together until it forms a stiff, sticky dough. Make sure the mixture is evenly combined—if it feels too dry, add a little more honey or rum to reach the desired consistency.
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Shape the Balls: With clean hands, take small amounts of the dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect spheres—just aim for a consistent size so they look uniform.
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Coat in Powdered Sugar: Roll each rum ball in powdered sugar to give them a smooth, snowy coating. This is the finishing touch that adds a nice sweetness and contrast to the rum flavor.
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Store the Rum Balls: Once all the balls are coated, place them in an airtight container. Let them sit for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the rum to infuse into the balls. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will develop.
Tips for the Best Rum Balls
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Use high-quality dark rum: The rum is the star ingredient in this recipe, so choose a good-quality dark rum that you enjoy sipping. A smoother rum will enhance the flavor of the rum balls.
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Customize the nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely for easy rolling.
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Roll in cocoa powder: If you’re not a fan of powdered sugar, you can roll these rum balls in unsweetened cocoa powder for a more decadent and rich flavor. It adds a subtle depth and extra chocolatey goodness.
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Storage: These rum balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. They actually improve in flavor after a day or two, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for parties or gifting.
Serving Suggestions
Rum Balls are a perfect addition to any holiday treat platter. They also make a wonderful homemade gift. Simply package them in a festive tin or jar, tie it with a ribbon, and you’ve got a charming and delicious present. These little bites are the perfect way to bring cheer to any occasion, from Christmas gatherings to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Enjoy making these delightful Rum Balls and savor the flavors of the season. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday party, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
