Chocolate Rum Balls are a rich, indulgent no-bake treat made from moist chocolate cake, dark rum, and sweetened condensed milk—then rolled in chocolate sprinkles for a delightful finish. Unlike traditional versions that rely on nuts or dry cookie crumbs, this recipe yields soft, truffle-like rum balls with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re the perfect make-ahead treat for holidays, parties, or gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rum balls are intensely chocolatey, perfectly boozy, and completely nut-free, making them accessible to more people. Their soft, fudgy texture comes from real chocolate cake instead of crushed cookies, and the combination of dark rum and sweetened condensed milk enhances the flavor without making them overly sweet. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and ideal for storing or freezing, so you can make them ahead and enjoy whenever you like.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- One 9×13-inch baked chocolate cake (homemade or from a mix)
- ½ cup dark or spiced rum (or substitute bourbon)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup chocolate sprinkles (for rolling)
Directions
1. Crumble the Cake:
Using your hands or a fork, break the baked chocolate cake into fine crumbs and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the rum and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until the ingredients come together into a moist, pliable dough.
3. Shape the Rum Balls:
Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
4. Coat in Sprinkles:
Roll each ball in chocolate sprinkles, ensuring an even coating.
5. Freeze and Store:
Place the coated rum balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for long-term storage or refrigerate if consuming within a few days.
6. Let Them Rest (Optional but Recommended):
For best flavor and texture, allow the rum balls to rest in the refrigerator for 2–3 days before serving. This allows the flavors to fully meld and intensify.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 rum balls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 2–3 days for optimal flavor
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Variations
- Booze-Free Version: Replace the rum with coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic treat.
- Coating Options: Roll in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, crushed cookies, or holiday-themed sprinkles instead of chocolate sprinkles.
- Extra Chocolatey: Mix in mini chocolate chips or coat the rum balls in melted chocolate for a shell-like finish.
- Flavored Rum: Try coconut, vanilla, or coffee-flavored rum for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature. No reheating required.
FAQs
What type of cake should I use?
Use any baked 9×13-inch chocolate cake—boxed or homemade. A moist cake works best to help bind the mixture together.
Can I use bourbon instead of rum?
Yes, bourbon is a great alternative and provides a slightly different but equally rich flavor.
Do I have to let them rest for a few days?
It’s not required, but highly recommended. Resting allows the alcohol to mellow and the flavors to blend, improving the overall taste and texture.
Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is already nut-free and perfect for those with nut allergies.
Can I roll them in something other than chocolate sprinkles?
Absolutely. Try rolling them in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or crushed cookies for different flavors and textures.
Will the alcohol cook off?
No, since these are no-bake treats, the alcohol does not evaporate. These are not suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, they’re ideal for make-ahead entertaining. Store in the fridge or freezer and bring out just before serving.
What if my mixture is too dry or too wet?
If too dry, add a bit more condensed milk or a splash of rum. If too wet, mix in a few tablespoons of cake crumbs or cocoa powder until the texture is firm enough to roll.
Can I use a gluten-free cake?
Yes, just substitute a gluten-free chocolate cake. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Are these similar to chocolate truffles?
Yes, they have a rich, smooth texture similar to chocolate truffles but are easier to make and don’t require melting chocolate or tempering.
Conclusion
Chocolate Rum Balls are a decadent, fuss-free dessert that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Made from rich chocolate cake and a splash of dark rum, these truffle-like treats are indulgent, versatile, and ideal for gifting, parties, or enjoying with a coffee or nightcap. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, they’re a go-to recipe when you need a quick and impressive sweet treat.
PrintChocolate Rum Balls Recipe
These rich and fudgy Chocolate Rum Balls are like bite-sized chocolate truffles made from chocolate cake, dark rum, and sweetened condensed milk—rolled in chocolate sprinkles for a deliciously indulgent, nut-free treat.
- Prep Time: 00:30
- Cook Time: 00:00
- Total Time: 00:30
- Yield: 24 rum balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- One 9×13 baked chocolate cake (from a mix or homemade)
- 1/2 cup dark or spiced rum (or bourbon)
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Crumble the baked chocolate cake into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the rum and sweetened condensed milk to the crumbled cake.
- Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and a dough forms that holds together when rolled.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Coat each ball completely in chocolate sprinkles.
- Place the rum balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls individually first, then transfer them to a sealed container for storage.
- For best flavor, let rum balls rest in the refrigerator for a few days before serving. Otherwise, keep frozen until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use your favorite chocolate cake recipe or a boxed mix for the base.
- Flavor improves after resting for a few days in the fridge.
- Store frozen for longer shelf life and thaw before serving.
- Great for holidays, parties, or edible gifts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rum ball
- Calories: 147
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg