Rich, chocolatey, and infused with the warmth of dark rum, Holiday Keto Rum Balls are a festive, no-bake treat perfect for the holiday season. Made with almond flour, cocoa, and sugar-free sweetener, these indulgent bites are completely keto-friendly while delivering all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These keto rum balls are everything you want in a holiday dessert—decadent, quick to make, and ideal for sharing. They’re perfect for party trays, dessert buffets, or homemade edible gifts. Because they’re no-bake and made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in minutes. With a soft truffle-like texture and a rich chocolate-rum flavor, they satisfy holiday cravings without derailing your low-carb goals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (plus more for rolling)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (or rum extract for alcohol-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra cocoa powder for rolling
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, powdered erythritol, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Add the melted butter, dark rum (or rum extract), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, uniform dough.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands.
- Roll each ball in powdered erythritol or unsweetened cocoa powder to coat.
- Place the rum balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Servings: 20 rum balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 90 kcal per ball
Variations
- Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute dark rum with 1 teaspoon of rum extract and add 1–2 tablespoons of almond milk to maintain texture.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, holiday twist.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Dip the chilled rum balls in melted sugar-free chocolate for an extra-decadent treat.
- Coconut Coating: Roll in extra shredded coconut instead of cocoa or sweetener.
- Mocha Rum Balls: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Orange Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract or orange zest for a citrusy variation.
- Peppermint Flavor: Swap the vanilla for peppermint extract for a minty holiday version.
- Protein Boost: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of unflavored or chocolate-flavored protein powder.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
storage/reheating
Store the rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before serving. These are best served chilled or at room temperature and do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, keto rum balls can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
Are these safe for kids?
If using alcohol, they are not recommended for children. Use rum extract for a kid-friendly version.
What’s the best rum to use?
Dark rum provides the richest flavor, but spiced rum or even bourbon can also be used for variation.
Can I skip the shredded coconut?
Yes, you can omit it and add more almond flour if you prefer a smoother texture.
Do I need a food processor?
No, the dough comes together easily by hand in a mixing bowl.
Can I use granulated sweetener?
Powdered sweetener is preferred for a smoother texture. If using granulated, pulse it in a blender first.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly greasing your hands with a bit of oil or butter can help prevent sticking when rolling the balls.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Just maintain the same ingredient ratios.
What type of cocoa powder is best?
Use unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder, depending on your preference for richness.
How long do they stay fresh?
They keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to a month when stored properly.
Conclusion
Holiday Keto Rum Balls are the perfect addition to any festive gathering—rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, putting together a keto dessert tray, or simply indulging in a seasonal treat, these chocolatey bites deliver big flavor with none of the sugar. Enjoy the warmth of dark rum and the decadence of chocolate all season long—without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.
PrintHoliday Keto Rum Balls
These Holiday Keto Rum Balls are rich, chocolatey, and infused with a warm hint of dark rum—perfectly festive and sugar-free! Made with almond flour and shredded coconut, they’re a quick, no-bake keto dessert ideal for Christmas platters, party trays, or holiday gifting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 rum balls
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Holiday-Inspired, Keto
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups almond flour
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1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1/2 cup powdered erythritol (plus more for rolling)
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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2 tablespoons dark rum (or rum extract for alcohol-free version)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
-
Optional: extra cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, powdered erythritol, and salt.
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Stir in melted butter, rum (or extract), and vanilla until a thick dough forms.
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Scoop and roll mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
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Roll each ball in additional powdered erythritol or cocoa powder for a festive finish.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up.
Notes
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
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Freeze for longer storage—just thaw slightly before serving.
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For nut-free version, sub sunflower seed flour for almond flour.