These boozy candies are a traditional Kentucky confection and they are really easy to make. Luckily this keto and sugar-free version doesn't miss a beat!
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Bourbon balls are a Kentucky delicacy and this time of year they are plentiful. I have to admit that even though I grew up in Kentucky, I've never been a fan of bourbon. But I make an exception for these candies! Something about the combination of bourbon and chocolate is seriously heavenly.
Tips for making bourbon balls:
- You can modify these to suit your desired level of booziness by adding more or less bourbon. The coconut flour helps to absorb the excess liquid, so just add more or less of it as well.
- It's important that you use confectioners swerve or powdered Lakanto. Usually, you can make your own powdered sweetener, but for this recipe - the real deal works best.
- These bourbon balls can be made ahead of time. They will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for at least a week and can even be frozen for several months. For a real treat, enjoy one from the freezer as soon as it's soft enough to bite into!
- My favorite bourbon brand is Evan Williams. Besides that we are practically neighbors, I also love that is it reasonably priced and easy to find in stores. I also find that it has the best flavor for cooking.
Evan Williams has a flavor that is smooth and neutral enough to go with a wide variety of dishes, but bold enough to stand up to other strong flavors.
Be sure to check out these other great recipes:
- Bacon and Bourbon Lamb Chops
- Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole | Keto, Gluten Free
- Kentucky Burgoo | Crockpot, Keto
- Mint Juleps | Keto, Sugar Free
- Kentucky Derby Pie | Keto, Sugar Free
📖 Recipe
Bourbon Balls | Keto, No Added Sugar
Ingredients
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 cup confectioners swerve *must be confectioners
- 8 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 ½ tablespoon coconut flour
- ¾ cup sugar free chocolate (I use Lily's)
- 2 teaspoon coconut oil
- 20 Pecan Halves
Instructions
- Combine bourbon and chopped pecans in sealable container and allow to soak for up to 24 hours.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the swerve, butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until well incorporated and slightly fluffy.
- Add in the bourbon and pecan mixture, as well as the coconut flour. mix again until smooth, then place in the fridge to chill for at least 10 minutes
- Once the mixture has chilled, scoop by the tablespoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Try to smooth the scoops out into balls, but be careful not to handle them too much. You should have about 20 balls. once you are finished, place the baking sheet into the freezer.
- While they are chilling, place the chocolate and coconut oil into the top bowl of a double boiler over medium heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Remove bourbon balls from the freezer and one by one, Dip into the chocolate, working very quickly, coat all sides. Return to the parchment and top with one pecan half. Repeat with remaining bourbon balls.
- Place them in the fridge or freezer to set and until ready to serve.
Notes
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
Nutrition
pcjae says
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t care for it. I don’t think I’ve ever had bourbon before, and maybe I just don’t like bourbon. It was way too strong. I doubled the cream cheese hoping to lessen the bourbon flavor. I also did not care for the texture. It wasn’t the pecan texture but the creaminess that I didn’t like. I’m not sure why. Thanks again for sharing the recipe.
Sabra says
Sorry to hear that you didn't care for them. The bourbon is quite strong as is typical in most bourbon balls. If you don't care for bourbon then these are definitely not the candy for you. I hope that you try some of my other recipes and find some that you enjoy 🙂
Anna says
I'm soooo glad I found this recipe!!! I'm missing bourbon balls and hot browns since going on Keto last fall. BTW, Woodford Reserve is the best bourbon in my opinion but I'll fall back on Buffalo Trace if need be. I'm going to try your recipe ASAP!