Is it really even Christmas if there are no rum balls? I mean, really? They have always been a Christmas Day essential in our family. Although, in recent years we haven't made them as much because my aunty makes these insanely good ginger balls. Anyways, back to the rum balls. Look, if you're happy to eat your weight in condensed milk and arrowroot biscuits then by all means, eat the regular old rum balls. But if you would rather an alternative that still tastes like the real deal but are gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free, dairy free AND vegan, then read on my dear friend.
I've used coconut flour in these rum balls to give a deliciously cakey, smooth texture. Actually, it's hard to describe so you'll just have to try them, wink wink. I think coconut flour is an underused ingredient in raw treats, it really does something special for them. Anywho, they also contain almond meal (blanched for a more smooth texture) and cacao. Always with the cacao. Just a small amount of extra virgin coconut oil and water helps to bind the balls and make them, gah, I hate this word... moist.
The Whole Paleo Thing
I suppose given the ingredients in this recipe that they would be classed as paleo. Even though I highly doubt in Palaeolithic times they had high powered blenders that they used to make bliss balls. Can you tell I'm not really on the paleo bandwagon? Fad diets annoy me because you see all sorts of products coming out that claim to be "paleo" or "Keto". But in actual fact are nothing like what the Palaeolithic race would have eaten. Grumbling aside though, I do love a raw treat (obviously, because I am slightly obsessed with making recipes for them).
Essentially, the point that I am trying to make is don't buy into fad diets because they're not the be all and end all. In fact, I wouldn't recommend them. There's nothing worse then going out for dinner and feeling like you can't eat anything on the menu because it's not paleo, keto, whole30, Atkins etc. Sure, some of these diets have their place and can yield fantastic results. But always consult with a nutritionist for support because there may be other changes you can make to improve your health without having to go on a diet per-say.
Learning the art of balance is key. The art of being able to eat something that you wouldn't normally eat on a day-to-day basis without crucifying yourself for it for the next two days. Or feeling like you better get straight to the gym in the morning to work off the exact amount of calories that you just took in. That kind of eating behaviour is just not cricket. It's not fun or enjoyable. And let's be honest, eating brings us a lot of joy. Following strict and restrictive diets zap the joy out of eating, which is just kind of shit actually.
Eat for health and not to be skinny. Putting health first over the desire to be skinny will ultimately result in a sustained, long term healthy weight.
The Joy of a Healthy Christmas
Christmas is one day in a year. If you want to eat all of the treats and can't fathom eating the healthy Christmas treats, then have at it girl! Don't hold back and don't feel guilty for it. Enjoy your day of indulging without beating yourself up. If you're like me, though and your gut health needs a bit of tender loving care and you would rather stick with the sugar free, gluten free desserts so you don't end up in a ball of wind and pain at the end of the day, then these treats are for you.
Leading up to Christmas I will be posting gluten free, refined sugar free and dairy free alternatives to some festive favourites. Last week I posted my Gluten Free Christmas Layer Cake with Brandy Cream Cheese Frosting and it was a real hit! It ticks a lot of boxes if you have food intolerances so go and check it out if you fancy.
If you would like to receive new recipes straight to your inbox then join the community here (you'll also receive a bunch of free stuff, hoorah).
Next up I will be posting my Chocolate Covered Ginger truffles so keep your eyes peeled for that one.
Enjoy!
Pin Me For Later
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Airtight container
- Dessert spoon
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates pits removed
- 1 cup blanched almond meal
- ½ cup desiccated coconut organic
- ½ cup cacao powder
- 4 tablespoon rum
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil
- desiccated coconut or cacao powder for rolling
Instructions
- Remove seeds from medjool dates and place in a high powered food processor.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the food processor and blend on high until very well combined. Continue to blend until mixture clumps together into a ball as it goes around the drum of the food processor.
- Take a spoonful of mixture, roll into a ball and then roll ball in desiccated coconut or cacao powder. Continue until all of the mixture has been rolled into balls.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. These rum balls freeze well if wanting to make in advance. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Jen
Great recipe Sarah - I love cacao balls! However, due to nut allergies we can't have the almond meal. Do you have any allergy friendly substitute suggestions for the almond meal please? Many thanks 🙂
SarahB
Hi Jen, thank you! And yes, absolutely. I love using sunflower seed meal as a replacement to almond meal. I just buy whole sunflower seeds and blitz them in the food processor (a bullet blender works really well for this) until it's a fine meal. I'd love to hear how they go!
Macarla
Hello, these look amazing and I want to try. It says in the description that you use coconut flour but I can't see it in the ingredients.
Sarah Bell
Hi Macarla, I updated the recipe just recently to not include coconut flour but I must’ve forgotten to remove it from the description. The recipe card shows the correct ingredients. Enjoy, they are delicious!