Rich Gluten Free Vegan Rum Balls

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Here is my go-to recipe for gluten free vegan rum balls – they’re simple to make, packed with chocolate and nuts, and have just the right amount of rum to make them festive.

These treats have become my holiday party staple, and I always get asked for the recipe. I usually make a double batch because they disappear so quickly! Plus, it’s nice to have extras to share with friends who follow gluten-free or vegan diets.

Which Kind of Dates Should I Use?

Medjool dates are the perfect choice for these rum balls, but you’ve got options if you can’t find them. Medjool dates are larger and softer than other varieties, making them ideal for blending into desserts like this. If Medjool dates aren’t available, you can substitute Deglet Noor dates, though you might need to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes first since they’re typically firmer. When shopping for dates, look for ones that are shiny, plump, and feel soft when you give them a gentle squeeze. Just remember to remove the pits before using them in your recipe (some stores sell them already pitted, which is a nice time-saver).

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with these rum balls? Here are some handy substitutions you can try:

• Medjool dates: If you can’t find Medjool dates, you can use regular dried dates – just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first to soften. Dried figs or prunes can also work, though they’ll give a slightly different flavor.
• Almond meal: Other nut meals work great here – try hazelnut meal for a Nutella-like flavor, or cashew meal for a milder taste. If you need nut-free, sunflower seed meal is a good option.
• Dried coconut: Not a coconut fan? You can replace it with extra almond meal or even ground oats (make sure they’re certified gluten-free if needed).
• Rum: For an alcohol-free version, use rum extract (start with 1-2 teaspoons) mixed with water or coffee to make up the liquid volume. Apple juice also works for a kid-friendly version.
• Coconut oil: You can swap this with vegan butter or any neutral-flavored oil, though coconut oil helps them firm up better when chilled.
• Rolling coatings: Besides coconut or cocoa, try rolling them in crushed nuts, hemp seeds, or even freeze-dried fruit powder for different flavors and textures.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making vegan rum balls is getting the right texture – if your mixture is too wet, you’ll end up with sticky balls that won’t hold their shape, so start with less liquid and add more only if needed. A common mistake is using regular dates instead of Medjool dates, which are naturally softer and more moist, helping to bind the ingredients together without requiring extra liquid. To prevent your hands from becoming a chocolatey mess while rolling, try chilling the mixture for 30 minutes first, and keep a bowl of cold water nearby to dip your hands in between rolling – this makes the process much cleaner and easier. For the best flavor development, let these treats rest in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before serving, as this allows the rum to properly infuse throughout the mixture and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

What to Serve With Rum Balls?

These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday parties and dessert platters! Since rum balls pack quite a punch, I like to serve them alongside some milder sweets like sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies to give guests options. A hot cup of coffee or espresso makes an excellent pairing, as the bitter notes complement the sweet, boozy flavor of the rum balls. If you’re setting up a dessert table, try placing these next to some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries – the bright, fresh flavors provide a nice contrast to the rich, chocolatey rum balls.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These rum balls are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature helps them maintain their shape and keeps the flavors nice and rich. Plus, they actually taste better after a day or two when the rum has had time to mingle with the other ingredients!

Freeze: Want to make these ahead? You can freeze your rum balls in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. They’re perfect for making in advance for parties or when you want a quick sweet treat on hand.

Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen rum balls, just transfer them to the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’re actually pretty tasty straight from the freezer too – kind of like a chocolate truffle!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1300-1500
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 140-160 g

Ingredients

• 10 pitted medjool dates
• 1 cup almond meal, blanched
• 1/2 cup organic dried coconut
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup rum (4 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
• Extra dried coconut or cocoa powder for rolling

Step 1: Prepare Medjool Dates

Begin by removing the seeds from your Medjool dates.

Once the seeds are removed, place the pitted dates into a high-powered food processor.

Make sure the dates are evenly distributed in the processor for optimal blending.

Step 2: Combine and Blend Ingredients

Add all the remaining ingredients to the food processor with the dates.

Blend on high speed until all ingredients are very well combined.

Keep blending until the mixture starts to clump together and forms a ball as it moves inside the food processor drum.

This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed and the texture is cohesive.

Step 3: Form Date Balls

Scoop a spoonful of the blended mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball.

Once rolled, coat each ball by rolling it in desiccated coconut or cacao powder, depending on your preference.

Repeat this process until you’ve used all the mixture and rolled all the balls.

Step 4: Store and Preserve the Rum Balls

Place the rolled rum balls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks to maintain their freshness and flavor.

If you plan to make them in advance, you can also freeze them.

They store beautifully in the freezer for up to 6 months, allowing you to prepare in large batches and enjoy them over time.