These easy rum balls are vegan, gluten-free, and make a fun little no-bake treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
This chocolate rum ball recipe took a bit of experimenting to get right. I first made them without the chocolate coating and nuts. They ended up kinda mushy and not so good. I actually was ready to scrap the recipe until my husband said I should add chopped nuts on the outside.
I then added the chocolate as a way to stick the nuts onto these rum truffles. I’m no candy maker here, so no, that idea didn’t occur to me for a while. 😛
I think that the crunchy chocolate and nut layer is the perfect outer coating for the soft filling and gives these tasty morsels the delicious finishing touch they needed.
Anyway, this gluten-free rum balls recipe is sorta reminiscent of Ferrero Rocher chocolates, but homemade… and boozy. The middle is soft, and since I used coconut flour, there’s a nice coconut taste.
The rum isn’t crazy strong, but it’s definitely there. Why not make them Christmas rum balls? What better occasion? 🙂
Pro tip: I like to keep these in the fridge in a sealed container. They stay fresher longer and the chocolate coating remains nice and crisp.
Will you be making this chocolate rum ball recipe?
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve made ’em.
Gluten-Free Rum Balls
These easy rum balls are vegan, gluten-free, and make a fun little no-bake treat that's perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 1-2 cups vegan chocolate chips
Filling:
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons (packed) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons dark rum
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Whisk together the dry filling ingredients in a medium bowl (the coconut flour, cocoa powder, and the sugar) then stir the wet ones (vanilla, maple syrup, rum, water) in. Stir until you've got a smooth mixture and pop the bowl in the fridge.
- The walnuts need to be in really small pieces. You can either chop them up in a food processor (but don't totally pulverize them) or put them in a Ziploc and smash them with a rolling pin.
- Form the filling into balls. I find smaller balls work a lot better for this recipe... I aimed for 3/4"-1" balls.
- Melt the chocolate. I do this in 15 second intervals in the microwave (note: it's really easy to burn dairy-free chocolate so do it very carefully or use a double boiler). I suggest starting with one cup and melting more if/when you run out so you don't waste it.
- Dip the balls in the chocolate and then gently roll them in the walnuts. This process can get a little messy, so just have fun with it. Add the finished balls to a plate or baking sheet. Once they're all done, pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes to set. Once they've set, I suggest keeping them in a sealed container in the fridge and taking them out just prior to serving.
Recipe Notes
- Please check to ensure the chocolate and rum you use are gluten-free as not all varieties are if you have a gluten sensitivity.
If you’re looking for more holiday treats, you may also like my vegan cranberry mini cheesecakes or my vegan gingerbread bars.
Lynn | The Road to Honey says
How fantastic that your hubby helped perfect this recipe Natasha. My hubby stays out of the kitchen. . .well at least when baking is involved. These truffles came out magnificently. . .definitely worth all the hard work you put into them.
Natasha says
He claims that he is the genius behind it… but I beg to differ! 😉
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
So perfectly popable!
Natasha says
Totally! Thanks, Jennifer!
Gina @Running to the Kitchen says
I bet these are addicting! They look SO good!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Gina!
Leigh Ann says
These sound so so yummy!
Natasha says
Thank you!!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Hands up for the hubs! These look perfect for holiday gifting Natasha!
Natasha says
Haha I’ll tell him you said that. Thanks, Mary Ann!!
Matt Robinson says
You make vegan and gluten-free look incredibly good!
Natasha says
Aw thanks!!
Jennifer Farley says
Sounds delicious!
Natasha says
Thanks!
Naomi says
These would last about .23457 seconds in my home. They look irrestible.
Natasha says
Haha thanks so much, Naomi!
Tieghan Gerard says
I would have never of guessed these are vegan and gluten free. WOW!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Tieghan! 🙂
Lindsay Cotter says
These rum truffles are calling my name! What a great holiday food gift idea too!
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Lindsay!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
LOVE these truffles!!! yum!
Natasha says
Thanks, Alice!!
Farjibadeere says
Can my children eat these cuz I really like them but I don’t know if they can eat them?
Natasha says
So glad you like them! They have uncooked rum in them, so there is a bit of an alcohol content. It really depends on what you’re comfortable doing as a parent… sorry I can’t advise haha.