Are you a fan of pie? How about pecan pie? These Bourbon-Salted Pecan Protein Balls are a healthier version of a boozy, chocolate-laced pecan pie!
I’ve actually had this post ready to go for almost two weeks. The problem was the pictures sucked and I wanted to reshoot the recipe. I did reshoot it… but the pics still suck. At this point, I’ve decided I don’t care. These balls are tasty and I don’t even like photography.
Last weekend I got to taste-test them with some visitors! Meghan and Lucie came to ATL for a fun-fill weekend. I took them all over my city on foot (we did 23K steps one day!), which included booze, balls, and tattoos. Typical.
Lucie and Meghan eating my balls. 😉
I’ll recap those shenanigans later. Right now, let’s talk about my balls.
Bourbon-Salted Pecan Protein Balls
These are kind of derby themed, as their inspiration is Kentucky Derby Pie. Granted, I’m 3 days late for the actual Kentucky Derby. It surprises me how few people know what Kentucky Derby Pie is. It’s my favorite version of pecan pie because it incorporates two of my favorite things – bourbon and chocolate!
My mom used to make that pie every single Thanksgiving. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons, but mom always added more bourbon. In fact, she put so much in it that my dad told her she couldn’t serve it to my (teetotaler) grandfather. HA!
So. Why am I talking about a Thanksgiving pie in May? I just love the damn pie and I want to eat it all year round. As with the Thin Mint Protein Balls and the Cookie Chip Cookie Dough Balls, I decided to make a healthier version of my favorite pie! One I can eat any time.
Here’s the biggest shock. I didn’t add real bourbon! These are non-alcoholic balls, y’all. I use bourbon extract. Of course, you could add straight up bourbon. I eat one before a workout when I need something small… and I’m certain a little bourbon would enhance any run!*
*I’m just kidding. Don’t drink and run.
Protein powders and nut butters will vary in consistency. If you find the batter to be too dry, just add a bit of almond milk. Your balls shouldn’t be too wet, but you need enough moisture to mold them into balls.
To summarize: make sure your balls are the right amount of moist. (Yes, I crack myself up.)
Linking up to Meatless Monday with Deborah & Sarah!
[tasty-recipe id=”18142″]
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You have no idea how many times I snickered like a 12-year-old while writing this post.
What’s your favorite pie? How about a favorite bourbon?
Do you like photography?
OMG these look amazing! Pinning for later
Thanks! I’d love to hear what you think!
MMMMMM, I might need help checking my balls for proper moistness ? Haha, I snickered the whole time I read this? I have never had derby pie and until now had no idea what it was. So your balls were not only funny but educational as well. I can’t wait for the update on your visitors shenanigans!
HAAAAAAA! Mission = accomplished.
Try the Kentucky Derby Pie. It won’t disappoint!
Throw a couple of those bad boys over my way please!!
Trade you for pop tarts?
My mom also made derby pie every Thanksgiving!
Great minds! I want to make one NOW…
Great minds think alike! I just made some boozy energy balls as well using Batiste Rhum. So good! I’ll have to try yours. 🙂
I was dying reading this! I kind of want some good Bourbon and another tattoo… I said I would stop at 2….
Pinned for later! I have been looking for another snack to add to my rotation because I eat all of the damn time.
I recommend the bourbon before the tattoos… 😉
Oooh bourbon extract?! I’ll have to look out for that. These sound like the perfect little pre-workout snack or post-workout I’m-hangry-and-need-something-ASAP-while-I’m-making-dinner balls!
I linked ot it in the post – totally worth an order. I also find it in ATL at a local cookware shop. I’m sure there’s something like it in SoCal! They’re the perfect hangry snack. 😉
The first pie I ever made was a bourbon pecan pie for our first Thanksgiving. You are SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE
Bourbon is my spirit language.
I’m always happy to put your balls in my mouth.