Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Vegan and Gluten-Free
(Discloser: This is a sponsored post; However, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep Inspiration Apron running!)
JUMP TO RECIPE
These delicious Kentucky bourbon balls will have everyone begging for the recipe at your next party!
These no-bake Kentucky Bourbon Balls would be the perfect Kentucky derby party dessert. They are dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free which makes them friendly for pretty much any guest. The taste is so amazing you can’t tell that these are a much healthier version made with pecans, vanilla protein powder, milled flax seeds, plant butter and sweetened with pure maple syrup. You can make them two ways, with real bourbon or for an alcohol-free version, use Nature’s Flavors Organic Bourbon Flavor Powder. It adds a wonderful bourbon flavor and is vegan, kosher, and gluten-free for peace of mind when serving to guests. This is a very easy-to-make recipe ready in under 40 minutes. Makes 26 1 1/2-inch diameter balls.
For an alcohol-free recipe, use this Organic Bourbon Flavor Powder, click HERE to find and also check out all their other amazing products such as essential oils, extracts, syrups, fragrances and more!
Let’s begin!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pecan halves or pieces (plus extra for garnish)
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup plant butter, melted
2 tbsp real bourbon (or you can substitute for 1 tsp Nature’s Flavors Organic Bourbon Flavor Powder )
10oz semi-sweet allergy friendly chocolate
Optional garnish: Pecan pieces and flake salt (the flake salt really adds to the flavor experience, so I highly recommend it)
How to make vegan and gluten free bourbon balls
Instructions:
Except for chocolate and garnish, add all other ingredients to a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times, then process/puree until mixture is like fine crumbs, about one minute.
Place waxed paper onto a baking sheet, then scoop 1/2 tbsp size of mixture out and roll into a ball. Place balls onto waxed paper, then freeze for 15 minutes.
While mixture is freezing, start preparing workstation for covering in chocolate and garnishing. place waxed paper onto counter or a large baking sheet.
Place at least 26 pecan pieces into a small bowl, then add about 1 tsp flaked salt to a small dish. In a medium bowl, melt chocolate according to package directions. HINT: I always add a very small dab of coconut oil to chocolate for a smooth melt (about 1/4 tsp for 10 oz.)
Remove balls from freezer and immediately start dunking them one-by-one into the chocolate mixture, retrieving with a fork and letting chocolate drip off as much as possible before placing onto waxed paper.
Because they are very cold, the chocolate will set quickly, so I recommend dunking 2 or 3, then placing a pecan piece on top and sprinkling with flaked salt before starting the process over with more. Repeat until all are covered.
How to store bourbon balls
As soon as chocolate sets, you can enjoy immediately or place on a platter for serving.
How long will Kentucky Bourbon Balls keep? If made with the flavor powder they can be safely stored at room temperature for 3-4 days, 2 weeks in fridge, and 6 months in freezer.
If made with real bourbon, they can last at least 2 weeks at room temperature, 4 weeks in fridge and at least 6 months in freezer (probably longer.) Also take note that the intensity of the bourbon can strengthen over time but is a natural preserver.
It’s amazing how wonderful all the flavors blend together to create a little bite of Kentucky. Enjoy this truffle-like sweet and salty combination that is sure to be a big hit at your next party.
Everyone will be begging for the recipe!
Find more fun and delicious Kentucky derby party ideas like finger foods and dessert and mint julep recipes by clicking HERE. (Also, how to make your own derby hat super cheap and quick, like the one I’m wearing in the photo!)
Kentucky bourbon balls recipe vegan and gluten free, perfect for derby party food ideas.
Enjoy!
💜Julie
Kentucky Bourbon Balls, gluten-free and vegan
Ingredients
Instructions
- Except for chocolate and garnish, add all other ingredients to a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times, then process/puree until mixture is like fine crumbs, about one minute.
- Place waxed paper onto a baking sheet, then scoop 1/2 tbsp size of mixture out and roll into a ball. Place balls onto waxed paper, then freeze for 15 minutes.
- While mixture is freezing, start preparing workstation for covering in chocolate and garnishing. place waxed paper onto counter or a large baking sheet.
- Place at least 26 pecan pieces into a small bowl, then add about 1 tsp flaked salt to a small dish. In a medium bowl, melt chocolate according to package directions. HINT: I always add a very small dab of coconut oil to chocolate for a smooth melt (about 1/4 tsp for 10 oz.)
- Remove balls from freezer and immediately start dunking them one-by-one into the chocolate mixture, retrieving with a fork and letting chocolate drip off as much as possible before placing onto waxed paper.
- Because they are very cold, the chocolate will set quickly, so I recommend dunking 2 or 3, then placing a pecan piece on top and sprinkling with flaked salt before starting the process over with more. Repeat until all are covered.
- As soon as chocolate sets, you can enjoy immediately or place on a platter for serving.
Notes
How long will Kentucky Bourbon Balls keep? If made with the flavor powder they can be safely stored at room temperature for 3-4 days, 2 weeks in fridge, and 6 months in freezer.
If made with real bourbon, they can last at least 2 weeks at room temperature, 4 weeks in fridge and at least 6 months in freezer (probably longer.) Also take note that the intensity of the bourbon can strengthen over time but is a natural preserver.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
109Fat (grams)
2.5Carbs (grams)
8.19Fiber (grams)
1.3Sugar (grams)
6.5Protein (grams)
1.41Sodium (milligrams)
20NOTE: Nutritional values are based on one bourbon ball and may vary with brands of products.
