Mediterranean Rum Balls (No-Bake)

🕒 Prep Time

20 minutes + chilling

🍽 Yield

About 20–24 rum balls

🧾 Ingredients

Base

• 200 g (7 oz) plain tea biscuits or digestive biscuits

• 100 g (3.5 oz) ground almonds (or almond flour)

Mediterranean Flavorings

• 6–8 dried figs, finely chopped

• Zest of 1 orange (or lemon for a sharper note)

• 2 tbsp honey (preferably orange blossom or wildflower)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground cloves or nutmeg (optional)

Liquids

• 3–4 tbsp dark rum (adjust to taste)

• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice

Coating (choose one or mix)

• Desiccated coconut

• Cocoa powder

• Finely chopped almonds or pistachios

• Sesame seeds (very Mediterranean-style)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Crush the biscuits
   Place biscuits in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
   (Or place in a bag and crush with a rolling pin.)

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine biscuit crumbs, ground almonds, chopped figs, cinnamon, and cloves.

3. Add wet ingredients
   Stir in honey, orange zest, orange juice, and rum. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

4. Adjust texture

   • Too dry? Add 1 tsp orange juice or rum at a time.

   • Too wet? Add a little more ground almonds.

5. Shape the balls
   Roll mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each).

6. Coat
   Roll each ball in your chosen coating.

7. Chill
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Turkish coffee, espresso, or mint tea

• Add to holiday dessert platters

• Pair with sweet dessert wine or aged rum

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make these without alcohol?

Yes. Replace rum with:

• Orange juice + a few drops of rum essence

• Pomegranate juice for a Mediterranean twist

Q: How long do Mediterranean rum balls last?

• Refrigerator: Up to 7 days in an airtight container

• Freezer: Up to 2 months (thaw in fridge before serving)

Q: Can I use other nuts?

Absolutely. Good substitutes:

• Walnuts

• Hazelnuts

• Pistachios (very Mediterranean and elegant)

Q: Are these very strong in alcohol?

No, they’re mild. For stronger flavor:

• Add 1 extra tablespoon rum

• Chill overnight (flavor deepens over time)

Q: Can I make them vegan?

They already are vegan, as long as:

• Honey is replaced with date syrup or maple syrup

Q: Why are my rum balls crumbly?

Most common reasons:

• Not enough liquid

• Biscuits too coarsely crushed
  Fix by adding a little juice, honey, or rum.

Q: Can I make them sugar-free?

Yes:

• Use sugar-free biscuits

• Replace honey with sugar-free syrup

• Use unsweetened cocoa coating