If you love pecan pie but want a quicker, bite-sized treat, these Pecan Pie Balls are just what you need! These delightful no-bake dessert bites have all the flavors of classic pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized—but in a convenient, poppable form. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time. Perfect for the holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in, these pecan pie balls are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake & effortless – No need to turn on the oven, making it a perfect treat for any season.
- Rich, nutty, and sweet – The flavor profile mimics traditional pecan pie without all the fuss.
- Easy to customize – You can tweak ingredients to fit dietary needs and preferences.
- Perfect for gifting – These bite-sized treats are great for holiday gifts, potlucks, and parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups pecans – Finely chopped, toasted pecans provide the signature flavor.
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers – Adds texture and slight sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the mixture and helps bind ingredients.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Deepens the caramel-like flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Brings out warm, aromatic notes.
- ¼ cup maple syrup or light corn syrup – Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional for coating) – Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for a decadent finish.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (if coating with chocolate) – Helps create a smooth chocolate shell.
Optional Additions:
- 1 tablespoon bourbon – Adds a warm, slightly smoky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Gives a hint of spice.
- Crushed pretzels – Adds a salty crunch.
- Shredded coconut – Introduces a tropical touch.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls
Toast the Pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let them cool completely.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, maple syrup (or corn syrup), and melted butter. Mix until everything comes together into a dough-like consistency. If adding bourbon, mix it in at this stage.
Shape the Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour to firm up before coating them in chocolate (if using)
Coat in Chocolate (Optional): Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Dip each chilled pecan ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coverage. Place them back on the parchment paper and allow them to set.
Toast the Pecans: Let the chocolate harden completely before serving. Enjoy your pecan pie balls with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Balls
- Toast the pecans for maximum flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized balls.
- Refrigerate before dipping to help the chocolate set properly.
- Work quickly with melted chocolate so it doesn’t harden before coating all the balls.
- Store properly to keep them fresh (see below for storage tips).
What to Serve with Pecan Pie Balls
- Coffee or espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream – A perfect contrast in temperature and texture.
- Whipped cream – Adds a light and fluffy element.
- Cheese platter – A fun contrast with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut? Yes! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can work too.
How do I make these without graham crackers? You can use crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even almond flour as a substitute.
Can I freeze pecan pie balls? Yes, they freeze well! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: No need to reheat! Just let frozen pecan pie balls thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap powdered sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener and use almond flour instead of graham crackers.
- Boozy Twist: Add bourbon or rum for a fun adult version.
- Holiday Theme: Roll in crushed peppermint for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate bite-sized treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of baking. They’re easy, delicious, and versatile—great for the holidays, gifting, or just indulging in a little treat at home. Whether you enjoy them plain, coated in chocolate, or with a twist, these pecan pie balls will become a new favorite in your dessert lineup!
Pecan Pie Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans toasted for extra flavor
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup maple syrup or corn syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups dark or milk chocolate chips for coating
- 1 tbsp coconut oil optional, for smoother melted chocolate
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let them cool completely.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, maple syrup (or corn syrup), and melted butter. Mix until everything comes together into a dough-like consistency. If adding bourbon, mix it in at this stage.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour to firm up before coating them in chocolate (if using)
- Coat in Chocolate (Optional): Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Dip each chilled pecan ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coverage. Place them back on the parchment paper and allow them to set.
- Toast the Pecans: Let the chocolate harden completely before serving. Enjoy your pecan pie balls with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk
Notes
- Texture Boost: Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.
- Sweetness Swap: Use maple syrup for a more natural sweetness or corn syrup for classic pecan pie flavor.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer-lasting treats.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle with white chocolate for a festive touch!