Rum Balls Recipe

Introduction

Rum balls are a delightful no-bake treat perfect for parties and holidays. These sweet, boozy bites combine toasted pecans, vanilla wafers, and spiced rum for a rich and satisfying flavor. Easy to make and fun to share, rum balls are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup toasted pecans
• 1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers (about 2 ¾ cups crumbs)
• 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (10g) cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) corn syrup
• ⅓ cup (79ml) spiced or white rum
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place toasted pecans in a food processor and process until finely chopped, being careful not to over-process into pecan butter. Remove and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add the vanilla wafers to the food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs.
3. Step 3: Return the chopped pecans to the food processor along with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and rum. Process until the mixture is thick and well combined.
4. Step 4: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball between your hands to smooth, then roll in cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar to coat.
5. Step 5: Place the rum balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks before serving.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have a food processor, crush the vanilla wafers in a large plastic bag using a rolling pin before mixing by hand.
• A cookie scoop helps keep the balls uniform in size and makes shaping easier.
• For a truffle-like treat, roll the rum balls in melted chocolate or shredded coconut instead of cocoa powder.
• Try swapping rum for bourbon to make bourbon balls with a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, they freeze well for up to one month—thaw in the refrigerator before serving. No reheating is needed; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make rum balls without a food processor?

Yes, you can crush the vanilla wafers in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin and finely chop the pecans by hand. Then mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.

Do rum balls contain alcohol?

Yes, rum balls contain rum, which provides their distinctive flavor. The alcohol content is mild, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the rum with rum extract or another flavoring.

Rum Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 55 reviews

These classic Rum Balls are a delicious, no-bake treat combining toasted pecans, vanilla wafers, cocoa, and spiced rum for a rich and flavorful dessert perfect for holidays or anytime you want a sweet bite.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 rum balls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nut Mixture

• 1 cup toasted pecans

Dry Ingredients

• 1 (11 ounce box) vanilla wafers (2 ¾ cups crumbs)
• 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (10g) cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) corn syrup
• ⅓ cup (79ml) spiced or white rum
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating

• Cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Process Pecans: Place toasted pecans in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, being careful not to turn them into pecan butter. Remove and set aside.
2. Grind Vanilla Wafers: Add vanilla wafers to the food processor and grind until they become fine crumbs.
3. Combine Ingredients: Return the chopped pecans to the food processor. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and rum. Process everything until the mixture is thick, well combined, and holds together when pressed.
4. Form Balls: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out the mixture and roll between your hands to form balls.
5. Coat: Roll each rum ball in cocoa powder and/or powdered sugar to coat.
6. Store: Place rum balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Optionally, they can be frozen for up to one month.

Notes

• A food processor makes this recipe easier by doing all the chopping and mixing. If unavailable, crush vanilla wafers in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure consistent size for the rum balls; 1 tablespoon size works well.
• For a truffle-like variation, roll the balls in melted chocolate or coconut instead of cocoa or powdered sugar.
• Swap rum for bourbon to make bourbon balls for a different flavor twist.
• Always store rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh up to 2 weeks; freezing is also an option for longer storage.

Keywords: rum balls, no bake dessert, holiday treats, pecan rum balls, easy rum balls, holiday sweets