Bourbon Balls
Bourbon Balls are a classic no-bake Southern American confection, typically made from crushed vanilla wafers, chopped pecans, cocoa powder, and bourbon, all bound together with corn syrup or honey and rolled in powdered sugar. They are a staple holiday treat, especially popular in Kentucky and across the American South.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
These are energy-dense treats, high in carbohydrates from sugar and wafers, and containing fat from nuts and any added butter, with minimal protein. A single, average-sized bourbon ball can contain roughly 100-150 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 1.5 mg |
Per 4 balls (112 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, they are a beloved part of Southern hospitality and holiday traditions, often made in large batches for gifting. Nutritionally, while they provide quick energy from sugar, the pecans do offer some healthy fats and minerals.
