• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Boulder Locavore®

Easy Flavorful Recipes for Everyday

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts (No Bake) » Easy No-Bake Pecan Rum Balls

    LAST UPDATED: August 14, 2020 • FIRST PUBLISHED: November 26, 2017 By Toni Dash 32 Comments

    Easy No-Bake Pecan Rum Balls

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Love holiday baked goods but aren’t into actually baking? Boozy Pecan Rum Balls are a no bake treat that is perfect adult treat or a homemade gift! Make them regular or gluten-free too.
    Pecan Rum Balls a no bake holiday treat (in a vintage enamel pie tin, with pine cones, powdered sugar

    Holiday foods always bring on the cheers and Pecan Rum Balls do just that!

    They are right at home with the boozy Eggnog, Wassail and  Glogg.

    These classic no-bake treats are easy to make.

    Their flavor continues to develop so they are perfect to make ahead for a special occasion or for gifts.

    I won’t lie, they taste like eating a sweet cocktail. The rum is distinct, and that’s their charm.

    No Bake Pecan Rum Balls with powdered sugar on a black plate with gray kitchen towel

    You will have tried Rum Balls somewhere before.

    They have been on the mixed Christmas cookie tray at company parties. And your Grandmother probably made them too.

    They are a classic that never goes out of style.

    What are Rum Balls made of?

    These no bake beauties are packed with flavor.

    Melted chocolate, vanilla wafer and graham cracker crumbs (I used gluten-free for both), sweetened and rolled into balls coated with diced pecans. 

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Light Corn Syrup
    • Rum
    • Vanilla Wafers crumbs – crumbs can be made by processing vanilla wafers in a food processor or mini chopper. Regular or gluten-free wafers may be used.
    • Graham Cracker crumbs – store bought cracker crumbs or homemade may be used. See notes in vanilla wafers crumbs above.
    • diced Pecans

    What is the Best Type of Rum to Use?

    Any rum works though Dark Rum is most commonly used.

    Try other types of rum (even Coconut Rum) or alcohol like whisky or bourbon!

    Can Kids eat Rum Balls?

    Because they have alcohol in them these rum balls are not recommended for children.

    Pecan Rum Balls a no bake holiday treat in a vintage enamel pie tin, with pine cones, powdered sugar

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    There are two main steps for making these treats: making the mixture and chilling and creating the actual balls. 

    STEP 1: Melt the chocolate chips stirring until smooth.

    STEP 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted chocolate with the sugar and corn syrup; stir to combine. Stir in the rum and mix until fully incorporated.

    STEP 3: Add the vanilla wafer crumbs and graham cracker crumbs; stir to fully combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until firm (at least 1 hour).

    STEP 4: Scoop out 1-inch diameter balls. TIP: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to make this go faster. Roll balls between palms to smooth them.

    STEP 5: Roll the balls in the diced pecans.

    Store in a sealed container. The flavor will continue to intensify for up to a week.

    Other Coating Options

    The rum balls can be rolled in powdered sugar, cocoa powder or even diced shredded coconut.

    Pro Tips

    Using a tablespoon cookie scoop is the quickest way to create balls and then roll them between your palms.

    The secret to getting a full coating of pecans is to put them in the palms of your hands and roll them into the balls! Your hands will get chocolately but this method is worth the end result.

    To dust the finished balls with confectioner’s sugar using a confectioner’s sugar shaker. It allows a light dusting while filtering out any lumps.

    Make your own crumbs. You can use your favorite brands of graham crackers and vanilla wafers (regular OR gluten-free). I use a mini chopper to make crumbs since it manages a smaller batch than a food processor does (though a food processor can also be used).

    Just add the cookies into the chopper/processor and pulverize until fine crumbs are produced. I also use the mini chopper for all my recipe prep that calls for chopping or dicing!

    No Bake Pecan Rum Balls lightly powdered with confectioner\'s sugar on a black plate

    Storing Them

    They can be made a week prior to serving to allow the flavors to blend.

    More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Rum
    • Candied Pecans with Cinnamon Sugar
    • Cranberry White Chocolate Pecan cookies

     

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    Pecan Rum Balls a no bake holiday treat (in a vintage enamel pie tin, with pine cones, powdered sugar

    Pecan Rum Balls (a no bake recipe)

    These boozy holiday Pecan Rum Balls are a sophisticated no bake treat great to serve for adults all through the holidays.   
    NOTE: 1 hour chilling time has been included in the recipe.  Depending on your chilling conditions, this time may be longer.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Chilling Time (approximate): 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 21 2 balls (makes aproximately 42 balls)
    Calories: 179kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
    • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
    • 3 tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
    • 1/2 cup Rum
    • 2 cups Vanilla Wafers crumbs regular or gluten-free
    • 1/2 cup Graham Cracker crumbs regular or gluten-free
    • 1 cup finely diced Pecans

    Instructions

    • In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips using the Melt function or cooking at 50% power for 1 minutes, then in 20 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.
    • Stir the sugar and corn syrup into the melted chocolate to combine. Stir in the rum and mix until it is fully incorporated.
    • Stir in the vanilla wafers crumbs and graham crackers. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until firm (at least 1 hour).
    • Scoop out bite-size balls approximately 1-inch diameter (note: using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop for this is highly recommended) and roll between your palms to make them into smooth balls.
    • Roll them in the diced pecans. Store in a sealed container. The flavor deepens after making so may be made a week before planning to eat them or giving them as gifts.

    Notes

    Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers: Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers (aproximately 1-6.3 ounce package of Kinnickinnick Vanilla Wafers)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Chocolate Mint Truffle Cookies
    7 Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie Recipes I’ll Be Making in December »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Joyce says

      December 27, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      I made a batch as per the recipe to take to a New Years Eve get together.
      I thought I might make a second batch using bourbon.
      Would appreciate your thoughts about this.
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 28, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        Sounds delicious to me!

        Reply
    2. Lisette Reynolds says

      December 21, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      If I serve/gift these sooner than one week will they be less delicious? I’m wondering if I should patiently wait to dig into these. It’s gonna be difficult… I can’t wait to try these.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 21, 2020 at 1:29 pm

        They will still be great! They just get better with time. The flavors meld the longer they sit.

        Reply
    3. Martin Huang says

      December 11, 2017 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      Easily done and spectacular taste. Love it to every single bite.

      Reply
    4. AnnMarie John says

      November 28, 2017 at 5:49 pm

      That looks really lovely! I think it would be lovely to have on your dessert table. It’s nice to pack it in little bags as well and share it with family and friends.

      Reply
    5. Myrah Duque says

      November 28, 2017 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      I’m not much of a baker so these are favorites indeed.I also like that they are Gluten free and very healthy.

      Reply
    6. Rosey says

      November 28, 2017 at 2:43 am

      I love that they can be made so far ahead of time. Prep time can actually be done when you’re able to do it, instead of having to rush!

      Reply
    7. Sara Welch says

      November 27, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never had these before. Boy, do they look delish!

      Reply
    8. Crystal says

      November 27, 2017 at 10:26 pm

      Got to love the flavors of the season! These sound like a yummy way to celebrate with family and friends. Bonus points for the no-bake recipe.

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    Search Boulder Locavore

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Mother's Day

    • Milk bath rose petals, cornmeal, cucumber slices DIY Home Spa Treatments for Mother’s Day {that kids can do!}
    • 10 Rose-Flavored Dessert Recipes title image 10 Rose-Flavored Dessert Recipes
    • BAKED DOUGHNUTS TITLE IMAGE Easy Baked Donuts with fresh Raspberries
    • DIY Sparkling Flower-scented Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub pink with pink sugar DIY Gift Idea: Sparkling Flower-Scented Coconut Oil Sugar Scrubs
    • Edible Flower Springtime Tea Party Edible Flower Springtime Tea Party
    • a silver bowl full of rose-flavored dark chocolate truffles Rose-Flavored Dark Chocolate Truffles

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Peruvian Pisco Sour {Latin Twist - Hippocrene Books}. BoulderLocavore.com Peruvian Pisco Sour Recipe
    • Glasses of punch with dry ice on tray (title image) Dry Ice: Everything You Need To Know (Buying It, Using It, Storing It)

    Footer

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2022 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.