Holiday Rum Balls
Holiday Rum Balls are a no-bake, bite-sized confection traditionally made during the festive season. They typically consist of crushed vanilla wafers, nuts, cocoa powder, and rum, all bound together with sweetened condensed milk or corn syrup. This classic treat is widely popular in the United States and Canada as a staple of holiday cookie exchanges and dessert platters.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These are a calorie-dense treat, high in both fat and carbohydrates, with a modest amount of protein coming from the nuts. A single ball provides a quick burst of energy from sugar and fat, with a rough calorie estimate of 100-120 kcal per piece.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 14 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 30 mg |
| Potassium | 60 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.02 mg |
Per 1 ball (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, they are a beloved 'make-ahead' holiday tradition, as their flavor and texture often improve after a few days of resting. Nutritionally, the nuts provide some healthy fats and minerals, but the primary ingredients make them a high-sugar, high-fat indulgence.
