3-ingredient rum balls

The easiest-ever chocolate and coconut balls

For a fun and easy Christmas dessert, try your hand at these simple but delicious chocolate balls. Made from store-bought chocolate cake, a dash of rum and rolled in desiccated coconut, this adults-only treat is the perfect bite-sized sweet. 

This rum balls made with chocolate cake recipe is a great way to use both fresh or leftover cake and either store-bought or homemade. Ready in 10 minutes, these 3-ingredient rum balls are fantastic as last-minute edible gifts or when you need to whip up something fast when entertaining or asked to bring a plate. 

Invented by Danish bakers as a way to use up day-old cookies and biscuits during the festive holidays, the name ‘rum balls’ is translated from the original Danish word of ‘rumkugler’. The choc balls recipe was then introduced to England and, over time, made its way to our southern shores.

Sometimes the best gift is something delicious you've made yourself. These thoughtful ideas for the best edible gift recipes will be so appreciated by the ones you love. There are sweet treats and more.

Tips and tricks for perfect chocolate rum balls

The simplicity of making your rum balls using leftover chocolate cake means you’re free to experiment with different pairings and flavour profiles. Choose from dark rum and chocolate for a rich flavour, spiced rum for carrot cake balls, or even coconut-flavoured rum for vanilla cake balls. You can also replace the rum and use bourbon or Bailey’s Irish cream. If you’re making an alcohol-free or child-friendly option, you can omit the rum and use sweetened condensed milk.

Our chocolate cake balls are rolled in desiccated coconut, however, you can also choose cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles, icing sugar or a drizzling of white chocolate. 

The best way to serve coconut rum balls

This chocolate rum ball recipe is best enjoyed over the Christmas period, however, they can be eaten all year round. Pile your coconut chocolate balls high on a serving platter on a dessert table surrounded by other sweet treats including our festive chocolate crackle puddings, sweet and crunchy spiced pear tarts and these cute reindeer pretzels. You can also arrange them in a wreath shape for added Christmas flair, or served in individual paper patty pans for fuss-free enjoyment. 

If you’re preparing these easy chocolate balls as edible gifts, drop a few balls into plastic food bags tied with a ribbon, or place them into a gift box lined with baking paper. 

The inspiration is endless with our easy Christmas dessert recipe ideas. 

How to store cake balls the right way

You can make these rum balls using chocolate cake up to 2 weeks ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, which will help the flavours develop. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe sealable bag, with the excess air removed for optimum freshness. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator until soft.