So remember the raw coconut snowballs? I think they've met their soul mate. Sort of. Maybe you can call these their long lost chocolate cousin :) . Anyhow, I’ve felt like trying out a new gluten-free vegan chocolate rum balls recipe, and I’m happy to report that these came out delicious! Perfectly chewy, fudgey, and flavorful, and free from gluten, dairy, refined sugars, soy, and many other allergens.
Note: If you want to keep this recipe raw, paleo, free from alcohol sugars, or just kid-friendly, omit the rum and just use rum essence. You can also skip this ingredient altogether and just use a bit more vanilla. They'll taste delicious either way!
Also, note the figs need to be softened for blending, so remove any hard stems and soak them in some water prior to blending. You can either soak them for a few hours (or overnight in the fridge), or for a quick soak, pour some boiling water over them and let them sit for 15 mins or so (though they won't be truly raw this way).
Last note: if using real rum, you should know that while rum is naturally gluten-free, flavored rums may contain some form of gluten, so if you use a flavored rum check up on whether that brand is gluten-free or not.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Rum Balls
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 balls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almonds
- 1 cup dried figs (presoaked and strained)
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (I used raw cacao powder)
- juice of ¼ lemon
- 2 tbsp liquid sweetener of your choice (I used maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp rum (OR 2 tsp rum essence)
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- pinch of salt
- Optional: more cocoa powder for dusting (or can use icing sugar or shredded coconut)
Instructions
- Place the almonds into a food processor and process until they are finely crumbled (just a bit less fine than almond flour).
- Add in all remaining ingredients and process until everything is combined and the mixture begins to form into a ball.
- Take small bits of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
- Optional: Roll in some extra cocoa powder for a dusted finish. I personally like them better without, but they do look nicer dusted — so up to you :)
- Enjoy right away or refrigerate for an hour or more for a firmer consistency (that’s how I like them best).
Karen says
Do these freeze well?
Ian says
I'm familiar with dried figs, but what do you mean by presoaked and strained? Also, how much does a cup of figs weigh?
Audrey says
Hi Ian. Soaking the figs softens them up to get the right texture with the balls. You can soak them 2 ways:
method 1: cover with boiled water and let sit for 15 mins, then strain off the water and discard it.
method 2: cover with lightly warm water and let sit a few hours, then strain off the water and discard it.
As for their weight, I've never weighed mine, but google says 1 cup of figs = 160gr.
Sarat says
I'm about to make this recipe for the 3rd time. I like to double the amount of rum that goes in (about 6-7 tbs). Thanks the very nice and pretty healthy rum balls. :)
★★★★★
Audrey says
Hi Sarat. Thanks so much for the lovely feedback and for sharing what worked for you -- I'm glad you're enjoying the recipe :)
Paul Otto says
I assume this calls for raw almonds. Do roasted work as well?
Audrey says
Yes, absolutely. It would give it a nice flavor too.
Andrea Wyckoff says
Figs and Chocolate is one of my most favorite food pairings!
These look phenomenal.
Cheers!
Andrea
Audrey says
Thanks Andrea -- the figs and chocolate worked so well here. Have you seen this Figs and Chocolate Flourless Cake yet? Might be your cup of tea ;)
Stephanie says
These look great! If I'm unable to find dried figs at the grocery store would dates be an acceptable substitution for the figs? Thanks!
Audrey says
Hi Stephanie. Absolutely! Dates would work just fine. Enjoy them :)
Abi says
This sound amazing! I'm going to have to give these a try.
Audrey says
Thanks Abi -- enjoy them! :)