Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (2024)

By Alisa Fleming on Dairy Free Desserts, Dairy-Free Recipes

This simple recipe for vegan gingersnap rum balls is from Vegan Unplugged, a pantry cuisine cookbook and survival guide written by John Robertson. This emergency collection includes dozens of delicious recipes that can be prepared in minutes, even when the refrigerator is bare. It’s a treasure for those days when your resources are limited or your motivation to cook is waning. We originally shared his recipe about a decade ago, but this seemed like a good time for a big update, and to move it into our recipe section.

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (1)

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls are Super Easy Unplugged Sweets

The following back story for this recipe was written by Jon and shared with us.

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (2)Desserts are the ultimate comfort food, in my estimation. They can be downright therapeutic, too, especially after a stressful day. As for myself, not having something sweet when I want it can actually be a source of stress.

I know what you’re thinking: since I’m married to Robin Robertson, surely my home must be filled with amazing desserts. But the terrible truth is my wife doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth. So when I want an impromptu dessert, I often have to make it myself.

That’s why the easy dessert recipes in Vegan Unplugged allow even a kitchen klutz like me to make quick-and-yummy desserts with on-hand pantry ingredients. These vegan gingersnap rum balls are a good example, and I particularly enjoy them in the fall and winter. Developed for emergencies when the power goes out, you can make them anytime at all.

The best thing about this recipe, next to sneaking tastes of the rum, is that they require no cooking and keep well at room temperature. In fact, they benefit from sitting out at room temperature as the flavors get richer. You can make them without rum, too. For a non-alcoholic and child-friendly version, substitute apple juice for the rum.

Jon does include an alcohol-free option for the recipe, but if you still want to add some rum flavor, you can add a little rum extract, to taste.

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (3)

Special Diet Notes: Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, optionally gluten-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (4)

Print

If you’re “unplugged” (or don’t have a food processor), you can crush the gingersnaps and walnuts by enclosing them in a plastic bag and gently rolling over them several times with a rolling pin or wine bottle. If you’re not a fan of gingersnaps, substitute vanilla wafers. (Please note that the Prep time s hands-on time only. This is a make-ahead recipe.)

Author: Jon Robertson

Recipe type: Dessert

Cuisine: Danish

Serves: 18 rum balls

Ingredients

  • 1 cup finely crushed vegan gingersnap crumbs (can sub gluten-free, if needed)
  • ¼ cup finely crushed walnuts
  • ½ cup plus ¼ cup powdered confectioners’ sugar, divided
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum (can sub apple juice for alcohol-free)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. If the power’s on: Use a food processor to process the gingersnaps and walnuts until finely ground. Then add the ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, rum, and maple syrup and process until well mixed.
  2. If you’re unplugged: Combine the crushed cookie crumbs and walnuts in a bowl with ½ cup of the confectioners' sugar, rum, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together.
  3. To assemble: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the remaining ¼ cup of confectioners' sugar and arrange them on a plate.
  4. Cover the gingersnap rum balls with plastic film wrap and let them sit for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop. If using an alcohol-free version, it’s best to refrigerate them.

Notes

This recipe is reprinted with permissions from Vegan Unplugged: A Pantry Cuisine Cookbook and Survival Guide by Jon Robertson.

More Easy Vegan Treats

Dairy-Free Peppermint Fudge Bites

Holiday Sandwich Cookies with Various Filling Flavors

Dairy-Free Cheesecake Dip

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (8)

Alisa Fleming

  • Website

Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls Recipe (Easy Pantry Treat) (2024)

FAQs

What are rum balls made of? ›

Rum balls are bite-size homemade treats made with vanilla cookie crumbs, pecans, cocoa, confectioners' sugar, and spiced rum. These do taste like spiced rum, so keep that in mind. Although if rum isn't your favorite, you could try making them with bourbon instead.

What is a substitute for Nilla wafers in rum balls? ›

While vanilla wafers are my favorite for their subtle sweetness and vanilla notes, graham crackers, butter cookies, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies are all excellent substitutes. For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free cookies.

Are rum balls alcoholic? ›

Do Rum Balls Contain Alcohol? Yes, these rum balls contain two types of alcohol: bourbon and rum. The recipe makes six dozen rum balls, using 2/3 cup of alcohol, so it may not be enough for a serious buzz, but it is still present.

Why are my rum balls dry? ›

You want the mixture to be wet enough that it holds together easily when rolled into a ball, but not so wet that it is soggy and doesn't hold it's shape. If you think it's a little on the dry side, add a splash more rum and give it another good mix.

How long do rum balls last in the fridge? ›

Store rum balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and allow to come to room temperature before eating.

Will rum balls get you drunk? ›

Can rum balls make you drunk? This is a no bake recipe, which means any alcohol we use in the process won't be cooked away or made less effective. However, we're not using that much of it, so getting drunk isn't something to worry about! After all, there's only ¼ cup of rum divided among 24 individual bites.

Can toddler eat rum balls? ›

Can Kids Eat Rum Balls? Yes, kids can eat rum balls but the rum in them may not be suitable for kids.

Does baking with alcohol remove the alcohol? ›

Alcohol does partially evaporate during cooking, but not as much as you might think. Depending on the cooking method and how much alcohol is used, anywhere from 4 to 85 percent of the alcohol may remain.

Can babies eat rum balls? ›

Toddlers and kids shouldn't eat Rum Balls since they contain alcohol. However, our toddler loves chocolate balls, so we simply substitute the rum with water or milk.

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