Rum Balls are a classic holiday treat and a perfect edible gift. Not only are they delicious, but they also last for months when stored properly in the refrigerator. Here are three variations to try, each with its unique twist.
1. Weet-Bix Rum Balls
This version is packed with texture and includes dried fruit.
Ingredients:
10 Weet-Bix, crushed
340 g dried fruit (e.g., sultanas and cranberries)
3 tbsp cocoa powder
3 tbsp rum
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to soften the Weet-Bix.
Prepare a rolling station with desiccated coconut and a small bowl of water to wet your hands.
Roll the mixture into balls, coat them in coconut, and refrigerate until firm.
Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months in the fridge.
2. Classic Cookie Rum Balls
A timeless recipe that’s easy to make and lasts the longest.
Ingredients:
300 g plain biscuits (e.g., Arrowroot), finely crushed
2 tbsp icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
½ cup desiccated coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp rum
Instructions:
Mix the crushed biscuits, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and coconut in a bowl.
Add the condensed milk and rum, and mix until the texture is sticky but firm. If too runny, add more coconut or biscuits.
Roll the mixture into balls and coat them with coconut.
Refrigerate until firm and store in an airtight container for up to 12 months.
3. Decadent Cake Rum Balls
This version has a soft, rich texture and a chocolatey flavor.
Ingredients:
500 g chocolate cake crumbs
½ cup ground nuts (e.g., hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts)
2 tbsp rum
2 tbsp golden syrup
160 g butter
2 tbsp dark jam (e.g., blackberry or raspberry)
100 g dark chocolate, finely grated
150 g chocolate sprinkles
Instructions:
Melt the butter and jam in a saucepan over low heat, then set aside to cool.
Combine the cake crumbs, ground nuts, rum, and golden syrup in a bowl.
Add the melted butter and jam mixture, and mix well.
Stir in the grated dark chocolate. Adjust the rum to taste if needed.
Roll the mixture into balls and coat them with chocolate sprinkles.
Refrigerate until firm and store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
Gift Presentation Idea
For gifting, arrange the Rum Balls in a decorative tin using patty pans or muffin cases. Pinch them together to fit snugly in the tin for a polished and thoughtful presentation.
Taste Test Results
After testing these Rum Balls with friends and colleagues, the Classic Cookie version was the crowd favorite, followed by the Cake and Weet-Bix variations. Try them all to see which one you love the most!
