A classic flavour combo, these Rum & Raisin balls are a delicious treat for the grown ups from years gone by.
I had to make space for this recipe on my website as I honestly have not heard about them for a while.
But they definitely were around in the 80’s when I remember them being enjoyed by the adults at parties and I know many people make a rum ball every Christmas for family.
I realize this recipe will be an acquired taste for some, but classic recipes like this need to be shared and I hope you love this version. It has actual rum in it and since this is a no bake treat the alcohol does not burn off, so they are not for the kids or those avoiding alcohol.
You can use any rum you like, a dark rum is traditional but you could use a spiced rum or even a vanilla one for a lovely flavour.
Rum balls originally were made with cake, to save waste at the end of the day for Danish bakeries, then over time and through different countries they became many different things.
My version uses biscuits, others Weetbix, some are mashed chocolate cake and others are just a rum version of a dark chocolate and cream truffle.
Adding raisins is optional but that is how I like to make them. Soaking the raisins in the rum for a few days makes them plump and delicious and adds a fresh juicy burst.
You do not need to add raisins, you can leave them out altogether and just add the rum and vanilla when mixing the ingredients.
If you are looking for a non alcoholic version of these rum balls simply add a little rum essence along with a little orange juice to soak the raisins.
If you are after another boozy ball to delight your friends, then check out these delicious Baileys Tim Tam Truffles.
For the full printable recipe card, including quantities and method please scroll down further.
The ingredients you will need are:
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Vanilla Biscuits, such as Super Wine, Arrowroot, Marie, Rich tea, Krispies or Malt.
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Desiccated Coconut, fine
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Cocoa Powder
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Sweetened Condensed Milk
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Raisins or Sultanas
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Rum, Dark, Spiced or Vanilla
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Vanilla Essence
The method for this is lovely and simple but I recommend if you have time, soak the raisins for at least 24-48 hours for maximum flavour.
I place the raisins in a small jar or bowl and pour over the rum and vanilla essence, cover and stir once or twice a day.
When you are ready to prepare the balls, blitz the biscuits in a food processor or a blender until they are a fine crumb and pour into a bowl.
Then add to that the coconut, cocoa powder, condensed milk and the soaked raisins along with any leftover rum. See my recipe notes if your mixture is too wet or too dry.
Using a strong spoon fold it all together to create a sticky mixture or get in there with your hands. If it is quite sticky pop it in the fridge for up to an hour to firm up a little or see the recipe notes.
Roll into tablespoon sized, or smaller, balls and coat in coconut or coating of your choice. Refrigerate the balls for 24 hours to fully set, then store in an airtight container or they will freeze well.
You can use coconut, chocolate hail, sprinkles, icing sugar or more for the coating.
If your mixture is a little too sticky feel free to add more coconut or crushed biscuits. I find that depending on the humidity these turn out a little different each time.
If you are looking for other quick Christmas treats check out some of my other truffles and bliss balls
Baileys Tim Tam Truffles
Cranberry Date & Cashew Bliss Balls
Raw Lemon & Cashew Bliss Balls
Lolly Truffles
Mint Chocolate Truffles
Onto the recipe for my version of Rum & Raisin Balls
Rum & Raisin Balls
Delicious retro recipe of Rum & Raisin Balls, one just for the adults, or see a non alcoholic version in the recipe notes
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Raisins or Sultanas, 130 grams
- 1/4 Cup Dark Rum, 60mls*
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence
- 250 grams Plain Vanilla Biscuit, eg Arrowroot, Superwine, Marie etc
- 1 Cup Desiccated Coconut, fine, 90 grams
- 3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk, 395 g
Coating
- 1/3 Cup Desiccated Coconut, 45 grams
Instructions
- Soak the raisins for as long as possible, at least 4 hours or ideally 24-48 hours for maximum flavour.
- Add the raisins to a small bowl or jar, add the rum and vanilla essence, cover and refrigerate, stir a few times each day.
- When ready to assemble, crush the biscuits in a food processor or blender, and pour the crumbs into a medium bowl
- Add to this the coconut, cocoa and mix to combine
- Pour into this the condensed milk and the raisins along with any remaining rum syrup. *Feel free to add a tablespoon or 2 more rum if the mixture looks like it's a little dry to add flavour to the crumb.
- Mix this well with a strong spoon or clean hands to combine everything well.
- Prepare a small ramekin with the desiccated coconut, a small bowl of water for your hands, and a tray for the finished balls.
- Dampen one hand slightly, then take level tablespoon sized amounts (or smaller) of the mixture and roll into a smooth ball.
- Then roll the ball in the coconut and coat well. I use a teaspoon to help do this so I do not leave indents with my fingers, scooping under and gently turning the ball to coat well, then place on the prepared tray.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture, then refrigerate the balls for at least 12 hours to allow them to set firm and infuse with flavour.
- Once firm, pop them in an airtight container, they will keep well in the fridge for some time (if made with alcohol), or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Enjoy!
Notes
How can I make rum balls non alcoholic?
To the raisins add 1/4 Cup of orange or apple juice and a teaspoon of rum essence. Soak as above.
My rum ball mixture is too sticky and soft?
If the mixture is too sticky and soft to stay in a ball shape, pop them in the fridge for 2 hours to see if it firms up, or add a little extra crushed biscuits (50 grams?) to the mixture and stir through.
My rum ball mixture is too dry to stay in a ball shape?
Add a little more rum a tablespoon at a time until you can roll into balls that hold their shape.
Can I make Rum balls with Brandy?
Yes, just replace rum with brandy!
Are these Rum Balls suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol?
No, the alcohol is fresh and will retain its levels of alcohol through the making and chilling process. Use the non alcoholic version above if concerned.
What coatings can I use for these Rum Balls?
You can used desiccated coconut, chocolate hail, icing sugar, crushed nuts, sprinkles, crushed biscuits and more!
Can I coat the balls after they have all been rolled?
The reason I coat balls, truffles and bliss balls as I go is that they retain a little moisture from my hands and are fresh, so they pick up the coating better. If you wait until all the balls are rolled they may have set and dried out a little. But you are welcome to do it all at once if you prefer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 35 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 113Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 38mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 2g
JustAMumNZ.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although justamumnz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Happy Baking!
Anna
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