The Island Spirit Kitchen

The Island Spirit Kitchen

Cacao Rum Balls

Rich, No-Bake Bites with a Chocolate Twist

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The Island Spirit Kitchen
Aug 06, 2025
∙ Paid

If there’s one treat that checks all the boxes… easy, elegant, deeply flavorful, and just boozy enough to feel like a celebration, it’s the humble rum ball. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These little bites are rich, fudgy, and infused with enough island magic to transport you from your kitchen straight to a shady spot under a palm tree.

Or a twinkling Christmas tree. I won’t judge.

This version takes everything you love about the classic holiday rum ball and gives it a tropical upgrade with Kōloa Cacao Rum. It’s dark, smooth, and laced with real roasted cacao, so every bite feels like a grown-up truffle with a touch of aloha.

There’s no baking, no corn syrup, and no waiting by the oven. Just mix, roll, and chill and the flavor only gets better as they rest. Which means this recipe isn’t just delicious… it’s smart. The perfect make-ahead treat for gifting, hosting, or sneaking one whenever the mood strikes.

Ready to roll?


Why This Recipe Works

• No-Bake Simplicity: A one-bowl mix, roll, and chill process makes this incredibly approachable, even for beginners.
• Naturally Sweetened Option: Use honey or maple syrup, no need for corn syrup or refined sugar glazes.
• Flavor Grows Over Time: These taste even better after a day or two as the rum and cocoa deepen and mellow.
• Custom Coatings: Roll them in anything from cocoa powder to toasted coconut or powdered sugar for a variety of textures and looks.

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