This no bake dessert is easy, quick and packed with coconut rum decadence. Rum balls make the perfect holiday treat or DIY Christmas gift!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).
If you are looking for one of the most delicious and easy holiday desserts, you have come to the right place! These rum balls are delicious, decadent and sure to be a hit at your next holiday party.
And don’t forget, if you need any ideas for amazing gifts for the foodie or home cook in your life, be sure to check out my Holiday Gift Guide!
I absolutely love giving these coconut rum balls as gifts to friends and family. And if you need other fun no bake dessert ideas, you will love my Oreo Cheesecake Bites and Healthy Cake Pops!
Why this recipe works
- Quick and Easy: This rum ball recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make! Pop everything in your food processor and your off to the races.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need 6 ingredients for this recipe! Plus, one of them is coconut rum so I’m pretty sure that’s an additional bonus! And if you are a rum lover, be sure to check out my Bacardi Coquito (a delicious Puerto Rican rum eggnog!).
- Ridiculously Delicious: These rum balls are rich and luxurious. The perfect dessert for your holiday party or a great holiday gift! If you need some other delicious dessert ideas, be sure to check out these Soft Gingerbread Cookies, Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp or a Gingerbread Martini for an adult dessert!
Ingredients to make rum balls
- Vanilla Wafers: I recommend your run of the mill vanilla wafer. In fact, I have even bought them at the dollar store and they work just fine! If you can’t find vanilla wafers, I have also used animal crackers or graham crackers.
- Almonds: I recommend using raw almonds. However, roasted almonds are fine too. In fact, this recipe is pretty flexible so if you need to substitute a different nut, that’s cool! I have used walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened baking cocoa.
- Honey: You can also use agave, maple syrup or corn syrup.
- Coconut Rum: I enjoy Malibu rum in this recipe. It is a sweeter rum so it adds both the rum and coconut flavor, as well as a sweet element to this recipe. If you only have regular rum on hand, you will need to add more sweet, as well as coconut flavor (unless you just want regular rum balls). You could try sweetened coconut flakes for the coconut and additional honey or sugar as needed.
- Sugar (for rolling)
How to make this recipe
- Using a food processor, combine vanilla wafers, almonds and cocoa powder. Blend until desired texture (course ground meal). It may still be a little chunky because of the almonds but this will chop more after wet ingredients are added.
- Add honey and coconut rum to mixture in food processor. Process until blended.
- Shape into balls about the size of a quarter. If you have a melon baller that works well or you can just use your hands.
- Roll in granulated sugar until coated on all sides. You can also roll them in cocoa powder or confectioners’ sugar if you prefer.
- Store coconut rum balls in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Consume within 2-3 days.
Can I make rum balls without vanilla wafers?
You sure can! Vanilla wafers is your “cookie” element for this recipe. Think crunchy and sweet. If you don’t want to use vanilla wafers you can use animal crackers, graham crackers or any type of similar cookie.
FAQ and expert tips
You can make rum balls without rum by substituting sweetened condensed milk for the rum. You should start off with ½ the amount and increase until you reach your desired consistency to roll the balls.
The best rum to use in rum balls is a high quality rum that you would want to drink. The rum balls will have more rum flavor if you allow them to rest for 24 hours after making.
Looking for other delicious holiday desserts?
These Chewy Gingerbread Cookies are perfect to enjoy this holiday season!
Gluten Free Key Lime Pie is super easy to make and will wow your whole family!
Looking for a healthy dessert option without sacrificing flavor? You will love this Healthy Pumpkin Pie!
You can’t go wrong with a delicious Gingerbread Martini!
These delicious Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for your cookie exchange!
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my EMAIL NEWSLETTER and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest delicious food!
You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!
Coconut Rum Balls – No Bake Dessert
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cup Vanilla Wafers
- 2 cup Raw Almonds
- 4 tablespoon Cocoa Powder
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ½ cup Coconut Rum Malibu Coconut Rum
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar For Rolling Formed Balls
Instructions
- Using a food processor, combine vanilla wafers, almonds and cocoa powder. Blend until desired texture (course ground meal). It may still be a little chunky because of the almonds but this will chop more after wet ingredients are added.
- Add honey and coconut rum to mixture in food processor. Process until blended.
- Shape into balls about the size of a quarter. If you have a melon baller that works well or you can just use your hands.
- Roll in granulated sugar until coated on all sides. You can also roll them in cocoa powder or confectioners’ sugar if you prefer.
- Store coconut rum balls in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Consume within 2-3 days.
Donna
Hi Aubrey – I made these but didn’t have any rum so I used Bailey’s and they were absolutely YUMMY. I was just wondering if you can freeze these?? I just need them in 7 days time and am trying to save time??
Regards Donna 😀
Aubrey
Thanks Donna! So happy you enjoyed and thank you for your kind words! I have not personally frozen these so I cannot say for sure but I do believe they would freeze well. Let me know! 🙂