Gluten-Free Rum Balls Recipe: Rich No-Bake Holiday Treat

Gluten Free Rum Balls — known as Rumkugeln in Austria — are a beloved holiday treat. These no-bake chocolate rum balls are rich, gently boozy, and simple to prepare. Made with dark chocolate, almond flour, and a splash of rum, then rolled in cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chocolate sprinkles, they make an ideal Christmas dessert for chocolate lovers.

They also make excellent edible gifts. Packaged in small bags with a festive ribbon, Gluten Free Rumkugeln are a thoughtful homemade present. They’re so tempting that they rarely last long — a testimony my stepdad can confirm, who eagerly awaits the first batch each year.

How to make Gluten Free Rum Balls

You can prepare these rum balls in a food processor or mix them by hand. Here is a clear, hands-on approach:

1. Grate the dark chocolate using the coarse side of a box grater onto a sheet of parchment paper. This makes it easy to transfer the grated chocolate to a bowl. Wearing gloves can help keep the chocolate and your hands tidy.
2. In a mixing bowl combine the grated chocolate, almond flour, powdered (confectioners’) sugar, and kosher salt. Stir until evenly combined.
3. In a separate small bowl whisk together the aquafaba, rum, water, and vanilla extract. Make a small well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it.
4. Using a spatula or clean hands, mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes. Chilling helps the dough absorb the liquids and makes it easier to shape.

How to roll and shape Gluten Free Rum Kugeln

After chilling, portion and shape the dough:

I recommend using a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture into roughly 20-gram portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, compact balls. Roll each ball in your chosen coating — cocoa powder, shredded coconut, or chocolate sprinkles — until evenly covered.

Place the coated rum balls on parchment in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to three weeks and develop deeper flavor after a few days in the fridge.

Storage & Freezing

Gluten Free Rum Balls are ideal for making ahead of holiday gatherings. Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they remain good for three weeks or more. Because this recipe is egg-free and dairy-free, they can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigeration is recommended for longer storage. You can also freeze them for extended storage; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Do rum balls contain egg?

Traditional recipes use raw egg whites. This version replaces them with aquafaba to avoid raw egg safety concerns. If you prefer, you can use pasteurized egg whites instead.

Yes. You can replace the rum with water, sweetened condensed milk, or cold coffee. Keep in mind the overall flavor will be different without alcohol.

Good substitutes include Baileys, Grand Marnier, bourbon, or brandy. Vodka is not recommended as it can taste too sharp.

The alcohol content per ball is low; you would need to consume a very large quantity to feel intoxicated, and you would likely feel unwell before that point.

Note about Salt in my Recipes

I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt in my recipes unless otherwise noted. Different salts vary in granule size and salinity — for example, Morton’s kosher salt is denser and saltier, so adjust quantities if using a different brand.

Baking in grams

I publish recipes by weight because weighing ingredients yields the most consistent results. Digital kitchen scales are affordable and more accurate than measuring cups, especially when working with gluten-free flours that vary in density. For very small amounts, a precision pocket scale can be helpful.

Note about Ovens and Oven Temperatures

All baked recipes are tested in a conventional oven with racks placed in the middle. Convection ovens may require adjustments because they can dry out baked goods and cook faster. An oven thermometer is a useful tool to ensure accurate oven temperatures.

Substitutions and Modifications

Substituting ingredients or altering the recipe can change the finished texture and flavor. Recipes have been tested as published; results may vary if you make modifications.