Cherry Rum Balls: The Ultimate Boozy Chocolate Cherry Delights

Looking for a dessert that’s rich, chocolatey, and has a boozy kick? These Cherry Rum Balls will hit the spot! Perfect for the holidays, parties, or even as a weekend treat, these no-bake chocolate cherry rum balls are easy to make and sure to impress. The combination of semisweet chocolate, rum, and candied cherries makes these bite-sized treats absolutely irresistible. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, offer some tips, and discuss variations, health benefits, and more. Let’s get started!

What Are Cherry Rum Balls?

Cherry Rum Balls are a classic no-bake dessert made with a combination of melted chocolate, crushed vanilla wafers, rum, and candied cherries. They’re rolled into bite-sized balls and often coated in confectioners’ sugar. The result is a decadent, indulgent treat with the perfect blend of chocolate, rum, and cherry flavors. These are commonly made during the holidays but are perfect any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Rum Balls

1. No-bake dessert – Super easy to prepare with no oven required!
2. Boozy indulgence – The rum gives a wonderful kick, making them perfect for adult gatherings.
3. Customizable – Change the nuts, the rum, or even add different toppings to make them your own.
4. Perfect for sharing – These are great for parties, gifting, or just to have as a sweet treat on hand.

Now, let’s walk through the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for these delicious cherry rum balls:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  These give the Cherry Rum Balls their rich chocolatey flavor. You can use dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense taste.
• 1/2 cup rum
  The star of the show! Choose your favorite rum—whether it’s dark rum for a richer flavor or spiced rum for extra warmth.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  These form the base of the balls, adding flavor and texture. You can also use graham cracker crumbs for a different twist.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
  The pecans add a delicious crunch. Feel free to substitute with almonds or walnuts if preferred.
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (divided)
  Half will go into the mixture, and the other half is used to roll the rum balls for that classic snowy look.
• 24 red candied cherries, halved
  The final garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor. Candied cherries are perfect for this, but maraschino cherries can work too.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Start by melting 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. The easiest way to do this is by placing the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, or you can microwave it in 30-second bursts. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in 1/2 cup rum and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. This forms the delicious base for your cherry rum balls.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the pecans and sugar.

Step 3: Form the Mixture

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is fully combined. It should be slightly sticky and easy to roll into balls.

Step 4: Shape the Balls

Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Continue this process until you’ve shaped all of the mixture into balls. This recipe should yield around 24 balls.

Step 5: Coat with Sugar

Place the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each rum ball in the sugar to coat it completely.

Step 6: Garnish with Cherries

Press half of a candied cherry into the center of each ball. Gently press the cherry down so it sticks to the top of the ball.

Step 7: Store and Serve

Store the Cherry Rum Balls in an airtight container for a few days before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to fully develop, making the rum flavor even more pronounced. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Cherry Rum Balls

1. Choosing the Rum
   The rum you choose will have a significant impact on the flavor. For a sweeter profile, opt for spiced rum, while dark rum offers a richer, more intense taste. If you prefer a subtler flavor, light rum works well too.
2. Adjusting the Sweetness
   If you find the mixture too sweet, you can reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar used for coating. Alternatively, you can roll the balls in cocoa powder for a slightly bitter contrast.
3. Storing the Rum Balls
   The flavor of these cherry rum balls improves with time, so storing them for at least 2-3 days before serving is ideal. They’ll last for up to two weeks in the fridge, and you can even freeze them for longer storage.
4. Substitutions
   Feel free to experiment with the recipe! You can swap the pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even add a hint of spice by mixing in cinnamon or nutmeg.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While Cherry Rum Balls are a decadent treat, it’s good to know what you’re consuming. These bite-sized delights offer a mix of fats from the pecans, antioxidants from the chocolate, and a little bit of indulgence with the rum. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown:

Nutrition Details (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 14g
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 15mg
• Iron: 1mg

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

1. Dark Chocolate – Chocolate, especially when it’s dark, is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and boost heart health.
2. Pecans – These nuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They can support brain health, improve digestion, and provide a good dose of antioxidants.
3. Rum – While alcohol should always be consumed in moderation, rum contains iron and potassium. Dark rum also has potential antimicrobial properties.

FAQs About Cherry Rum Balls

Conclusion

These Cherry Rum Balls are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor! They’re perfect for any occasion, and with the added touch of rum, they make for an indulgent adult treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or to satisfy your sweet cravings, you won’t be disappointed. Try them today, and don’t forget to let them rest for a few days to fully develop that rich, boozy flavor! Happy baking!

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Rum Cake
• Delectable Cherry Cheesecake Fluff
• Easy Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
• Jamaican Purple Rain
• Cranberry & Turkey Stuffing Balls

Print