Can I make Cherry Rum Balls without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute the rum with an equal amount of fruit juice, such as cherry or orange juice. While you’ll miss out on the boozy element, the flavor will still be rich and delicious.

How long do Cherry Rum Balls need to sit before serving?

It’s best to let them sit for at least 2-3 days in an airtight container. This allows the rum to fully infuse into the mixture and enhances the overall flavor.

Can I freeze Cherry Rum Balls?

Yes! These cherry rum balls freeze exceptionally well. Store them in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.

What’s a good rum to use for this recipe?

Dark rum or spiced rum works best for a deep, rich flavor. However, you can use whatever rum you prefer or have on hand. Light rum gives a subtler flavor, while dark rum makes the taste more pronounced.

How long do Cherry Rum Balls last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, Cherry Rum Balls will last up to 2 weeks. If frozen, they can last for up to 3 months.

Cherry Rum Balls: The Ultimate Boozy Chocolate Cherry Delights

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips.
1/2 cup rum.
1/4 cup light corn syrup.
3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs.
1 1/2 cups chopped pecan.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, divided.
24 red candied cherries, halved.

Instructions

Melt the Chocolate: Start by melting 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. You could also pop it in the microwave and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Once melted, stir in the 1/2 cup rum and 1/4 cup light corn syrup until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Form the Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined and the texture is cohesive. You should be able to roll the mixture into small balls without it crumbling.
Shape the Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. This should give you around 24 delicious treats. Once rolled, coat each ball by rolling them in the remaining 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar.
Add the Cherry Garnish: Take your halved candied cherries and press one into the center of each rum ball, gently pressing it down.
Store and Develop Flavors: Pop these little delights into an airtight container and store them for a few days before serving. This allows the rum to fully infuse and the flavors to develop.

Notes

Choose your rum wisely: You can opt for a light rum for a milder flavor, or go bold with dark rum for a deeper, richer taste. Some even love using spiced rum for an extra kick of flavor!
Let the flavors meld: While it might be tempting to dive right in, these cherry rum balls taste even better after a few days of sitting. The rum and chocolate meld together beautifully, resulting in a more intense flavor.
Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with the recipe! You can swap out pecans for almonds, or even dip the rum balls in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
Storage tip: These can last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, so feel free to make them ahead of time.

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 180kcal
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Chocolate Rum Balls, No-Bake Rum Balls, Holiday Rum Balls