Coconut Rum Balls

Prep: 20 min Serves: 72 Cuisine: American

Coconut Rum Balls are sweet, chewy treats with a rich coconut flavor, infused with rum, perfect for parties or as a decadent snack for coconut lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts
  • 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup rum
  • confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, flaked coconut, and chopped nuts in a bowl.
  2. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and rum, mixing well.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in confectioners' sugar to coat.
  4. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
  5. Just before serving, roll the candies again in confectioners' sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, try using almond extract instead of rum for a non-alcoholic version. If you don't have vanilla wafer crumbs, crushed graham crackers can work as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a drop of vanilla extract. Make sure to chill the mixture thoroughly to help shape the balls more easily.

Serving Suggestions

These coconut rum balls are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat after a meal. They pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. For an extra festive touch, serve alongside Linda'S Cheesy Potatoes or a cheese platter featuring a Cheddar-Pecan Cheese Ball. Garnish with additional flaked coconut or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store the coconut rum balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coconut Rum Balls contains roughly 1066 calories, with 8g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (14% of the Daily Value).

1066 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8g 16% DV
Total Fat 27.8g 36% DV
Carbs 164.9g 60% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 110.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 98.5mg 4% DV
Potassium 653mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 1.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 58.8mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 4.6mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 158.6mg 12% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these coconut rum balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These rum balls can be prepared a week in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, making them even more delicious closer to when you're ready to serve.

Is there a way to make these rum balls without alcohol?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe alcohol-free by substituting the rum with coconut milk or a coconut-flavored syrup. This will still provide the coconut flavor while keeping it suitable for all ages.

What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

You can use any finely chopped nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each will bring a different texture and flavor to the rum balls. If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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