Cherry Rum Balls are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the zesty note of rum, topped off with a sweet cherry garnish. Perfect for any festive occasion or a simple family gathering, these bite-sized desserts are both easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging yourself, these Cherry Rum Balls are bound to impress everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Cherry Rum Balls:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup rum
0.25 cup light corn syrup
3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1.5 cups chopped pecans
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
24 red candied cherries, halved

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate

Begin by melting the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until completely melted.

2. Add the Liquid Ingredients

Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the rum and light corn syrup until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. Prepare the Dry Mixture

In a separate large bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped pecans, and half of the confectioners’ sugar. This mixture will provide a delightful crunch and rich flavor.

4. Combine Mixtures

Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the crumb mixture. Stir until everything is blended nicely. You should have a thick dough that holds together well.

5. Shape the Balls

Using your hands, shape the mixture into one-inch balls. Make sure they are compact enough to hold their shape.

6. Roll in Sugar

Take the remaining confectioners’ sugar and roll each ball in it until evenly coated. This adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful finish.

7. Add the Cherry on Top

Press a halved cherry lightly into the center of each ball. This not only adds to the appeal but also enhances the flavor profile.

8. Storage

Place your Cherry Rum Balls in an airtight container. Let them sit for a few days to develop their flavor. Enjoy them for up to a week!

Pro Tips and Variations

Use Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, consider using walnuts or almonds for a different texture and taste.
Add Flavor: For an extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the mixture.
Make Them Festive: During holidays, you may opt for colored sugar or sprinkles instead of plain confectioners’ sugar for a fun, festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Rum Balls can be served in a variety of settings:

Dessert Table: Featured as part of a dessert spread during holidays or parties.
Gift Giving: Place them in a decorative tin to give as homemade gifts to friends and family.
Coffee Breaks: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Conclusion

Cherry Rum Balls are not just a dessert; they are an experience of sweet indulgence. With their rich chocolate flavor and the unique twist of rum and cherry, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they are straightforward to make, ensuring that even novice bakers can enjoy creating these treats. Don’t hesitate any longer; gather your ingredients and whip up a batch today!

FAQs

1. How long do Cherry Rum Balls last?

Cherry Rum Balls can be stored in an airtight container for about a week. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to let them sit for a couple of days before enjoying.

2. Can I make these rum balls without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the rum with fruit juice or a flavored syrup to keep the taste delightful while omitting the alcohol.

3. What can I use instead of vanilla wafer crumbs?

Graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies of your choice can serve as excellent substitutes for vanilla wafer crumbs.

4. Can I freeze Cherry Rum Balls?

Yes, you can freeze them. Make sure they are placed in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for later enjoyment.

With these tips and instructions, you are well on your way to mastering the art of making Cherry Rum Balls. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!

Cherry Rum Balls

Cherry Rum Balls are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with rum and a cherry garnish, making them perfect for any festive occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings: 24 pieces

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Mixture

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
0.5 cup rum Substitute with fruit juice or flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
0.25 cup light corn syrup
3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs Can substitute with graham cracker crumbs.
1.5 cups chopped pecans Can use walnuts or almonds as alternatives.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar Divided in two portions for rolling and mixing.
24 pieces red candied cherries, halved These will be used as a garnish.

Method

Preparation

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
Stir in the rum and light corn syrup until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped pecans, and half of the confectioners’ sugar.
Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the crumb mixture and stir until everything is blended into a thick dough.
Shape the mixture into one-inch balls, ensuring they are compact enough to hold their shape.
Roll each ball in the remaining confectioners’ sugar until evenly coated.
Press a halved cherry into the center of each ball for garnish.
Store Cherry Rum Balls in an airtight container and let them sit for a few days to develop flavor.

Notes

For a festive touch, use colored sugar or sprinkles instead of plain confectioners’ sugar. Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.