These keto bourbon balls offer a delightful twist on a classic Southern holiday confection, allowing you to indulge in the rich flavors of bourbon and chocolate without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. With less than one net carb per ball, these treats are surprisingly easy to make and require no baking.
A Southern Tradition, Reimagined
Bourbon balls are a cherished Christmas tradition, particularly in the South. Traditionally, these sweet, chocolatey treats pack a punch of bourbon flavor in every bite. Many traditional recipes include vanilla wafers or graham crackers, ingredients not suitable for a keto diet. This low-carb version substitutes these ingredients with pecan and almond flour, allowing you to enjoy this classic treat guilt-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Balls
- Do bourbon balls have alcohol? Absolutely! These are an adults-only treat, as the bourbon is not cooked and retains its full alcoholic content.
- How long can bourbon balls be stored? When stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator with waxed paper between layers, bourbon balls can last for approximately two weeks.
- Can bourbon balls be frozen? Yes, you can freeze bourbon balls for up to three months. Prepare them for storage as you would for refrigeration, ensuring they are well-sealed.
- Can bourbon balls make you drunk? While they contain alcohol, you would need to consume a significant amount to become intoxicated. The sweetness of the treat would likely become overwhelming before you reached that point.
- Can you substitute rum for the bourbon in bourbon balls? Yes, substituting rum will result in rum balls, a similar variation of the treat.
- Can you make these without alcohol? For an alcohol-free version, you can try using sugar-free ginger ale in place of the bourbon, although the flavor will be different.
Tips for Making the Perfect Keto Bourbon Balls
- For easier chocolate coating, freeze the bourbon balls beforehand. This will make them firm enough to insert a toothpick for dipping.
- Allowing the bourbon balls to sit in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more harmonious taste.
- Ensure the bourbon ball mixture is well-chilled before forming the balls, as it can be quite soft.
- If using powdered erythritol, reroll the bourbon balls in it just before serving, as it tends to dissolve over time.
- Melting the chocolate in a small coffee mug can make the dipping process easier.
- For the best flavor, use a quality bourbon that you enjoy sipping. A smooth, neutral bourbon like Evan Williams complements the other flavors well.
Recipe: Low Carb Bourbon Balls
This recipe delivers all the great flavor of traditional bourbon balls with less than one net carb per serving.
Yields: 24 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
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Chill time: 6 hours
Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Bourbon Balls Filling:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup ground pecans
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or your favorite whiskey or rum)
- 1/4 cup powdered Swerve (or other sugar-free confectioners sweetener), or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating:
- 3 ounces Lilly’s Milk Chocolate (or sugar-free dark chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup powdered Swerve (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
Bourbon Balls Filling:
- Blend all filling ingredients in food processor until smooth.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Form into balls using about 1/2 tablespoon of filling.
- Chill overnight or freeze for 30 minutes or until very firm.
Chocolate Coating:
- Melt chocolate and butter in a cup placed in a pan of simmering water, being careful not to get any water into the chocolate. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth.
- Carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork or toothpick to hold the bourbon ball while dipping, tapping off any excess chocolate.
- Place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and chill.
- If desired, roll the chilled bourbon balls in powdered sweetener just before serving.
Store the finished bourbon balls in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a boozier flavor, soak the pecans in bourbon for up to 24 hours before using.
- You can adjust the amount of bourbon to suit your taste.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more almond flour or coconut flour.
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Variations and Additions
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed flour for almond flour and omit the pecan topping.
- Coconut-Free: Replace the shredded coconut with more nut or seed flour of your choice.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, festive flavor.
- Espresso: Incorporate a teaspoon of espresso powder into the chocolate coating for a mocha twist.
- Pecan Topping: Press a pecan half into the top of each chocolate-covered ball for added crunch and visual appeal.
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