These sweet little bites of rummy goodness make for a great impressive dessert recipe for the holidays. They are perfect for parties or to give as gifts. Any rum of your choice can be used and can also be perfectly substituted with half a cup of orange juice and a teaspoon of freshly grated orange peel. You can also substitute any finely crumbled cookie in place of the vanilla wafers.
1/4 cup dark rum
1 1/2 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 cup honey
2 cups finely ground walnuts
confectioners' sugar
Combine the rum, wafer crumbs, honey, and walnuts in a bowl. Mix well until it forms a dough-like consistency.
Place powdered sugar in a shallow dish. Form the rum mixture into balls and roll each in the powdered sugar to coat.
Store the rum balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
Use high-quality rum for the best flavor.
Let the rum balls sit for a day before serving as the flavors will meld and improve over time.
If desired, roll the rum balls in cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts instead of powdered sugar for a different finish.
Make sure your walnuts are finely ground for a smooth texture.
If making as gifts, package them in decorative boxes with a note detailing the ingredients.
Use clean, dry hands when rolling the mixture to prevent sticking.
Make a double batch since everyone will love them and they disappear quickly!
Rum balls are bite-sized sweet treats made with rum, crushed vanilla wafers, honey, and finely ground walnuts, coated in confectioners' sugar. They are often served as a festive dessert during the holidays.
You can use any rum of your choice, such as light, spiced, or coconut rum.
You can substitute the rum with half a cup of orange juice and a teaspoon of freshly grated orange peel for a flavorful, non-alcoholic version.
Yes, any finely crumbled cookie, such as chocolate wafers or gingersnaps, can be used to create different flavors for the rum balls.
They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them, which may extend their shelf life.
Yes, rum balls can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them separately, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
No, you do not need to refrigerate rum balls unless you prefer them chilled or want to extend their shelf life.
Bacardi Rum Balls can be served as a dessert platter, at parties, or given as gifts. They can be displayed in decorative boxes or jars.
You can vary the recipe by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for other flavors.
Yes, using a food processor can make combining the ingredients easier, especially when creating the dough-like consistency. Just make sure to pulse-process it so it doesn't end up gummy.
You can crush the wafers by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or by pulsing them in a food processor until they reach a fine crumb consistency.
Rolling the rum balls in powdered sugar adds sweetness and a nice visual contrast, as well as helps prevent them from sticking together.
If the mixture is too wet to form into balls, you can add more cookie crumbs or ground nuts to absorb the excess moisture.
You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Mixing Bowl: To combine the rum, vanilla wafer crumbs, honey, and walnuts into a dough-like consistency.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring out the dark rum, wafer crumbs, honey, and ground walnuts.
Shallow Dish: To hold the confectioners' sugar for rolling the formed rum balls.
Large Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the ingredients in the bowl.
Baking Sheet or Plate: A surface for placing the rum balls after they have been formed and rolled in powdered sugar.
Airtight Container: For storing the finished rum balls, helping to keep them fresh.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries nicely balances the sweetness of the rum balls and adds a refreshing contrast.
Coffee: Pairing these treats with a strong cup of coffee will provide a great flavor balance.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream brings a creamy texture that pairs well with the dense, chewy nature of the rum balls.
Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese. The savory and tangy profiles of these cheeses create an interesting counterpoint to the sweetness of the rum balls.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts can provide a crunchy contrast and the warm spices can echo the flavors of the rum.
Coconut Flakes: Rolling some of the rum balls in toasted coconut adds a tropical flair that complements the rum and provides extra texture.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the rum and walnut flavors, making it a perfect beverage pairing that rounds out the dessert experience.
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reviews & comments
December 17, 2018
I've made these for years and everyone always loves them. Originally printed in a free booklet (given away at the liquor store) called Bacardi Party Book. I wish I could find my copy, lots of other great recipe using rum in it as well.
January 4, 2017
Favorite holiday cookies. We use different flavored rums too sometimes. Good stuff!
December 13, 2013
Excellent recipe! I double the rum and use Barcardi 151 for an extra kick! Crazy thing is the fact that I'm not a rum drinker.
July 19, 2009
Thank goodness for this recipe!! I wanted to bring something to a dinner party that was fast and easy to make. This recipe was incredibly easy to follow, no baking necessary! Instead of rolling the balls in sugar, we used a sifter to sprinkle the rum balls in sugar. I also used a little bit more bacardi. Two thumbs up for this one!
December 20, 2008
I have tried alot of rum ball recipes over the years, but this one is the best. I'll be making this recipe for a very long time to come
December 20, 2008
These were great, but I changed the rum to Bailey's Irish Cream and the walnuts to pecans.
December 20, 2007
Accidentally found the tequila bottle when choosing what I thought was the rum......oh, well, another classic has been born. Did it again with the right stuff and yummy just like my mistakes, the tequila balls.
July 16, 2007
My old recipe has been found! This is the ABSOLUTE BEST rum ball recipe ever!