Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Introduction

Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, nutty flavors in a bite-sized treat. These no-bake sweets combine crunchy pecans, sweet caramel-like maple syrup, and chocolate for an irresistible holiday treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
• Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.
3. Step 3: Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and fold together with a spatula until the mixture is thick and slightly sticky. Add more maple syrup, one teaspoon at a time, if the mixture feels too dry.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the mixture firm up.
5. Step 5: Once chilled, scoop about a tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the rolled balls for another 30 minutes to firm up before coating.
7. Step 7: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Add a teaspoon of oil if the chocolate is too thick.
8. Step 8: Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick, coating completely. Let excess chocolate drip off and return to the baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of the chocolate while it is still wet, if desired.
10. Step 10: Repeat until all balls are coated. Reheat chocolate if it begins to harden during dipping.
11. Step 11: Chill the coated pecan pie balls until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes, before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a small cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls that bake and chill evenly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
• Substitute maple syrup with honey or corn syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a richer coating.
• Store the balls in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or briefly warm in your hand—avoid microwave reheating to keep the chocolate coating intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes, offering a slightly different flavor and texture but still complementing the sweet, chocolate coating nicely.

Do I have to use maple syrup?

No, while maple syrup adds a signature flavor reminiscent of traditional pecan pie, you can substitute with honey or corn syrup without affecting the texture much.

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 20–25 pecan pie balls 1x

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Description

Pecan Pie Balls are a bite-sized, no-bake dessert that captures the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie in a convenient and portable form. Made with a mixture of finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and sweetened with maple syrup, these balls are chilled and then coated in melted semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack, they combine creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty textures in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating and Garnish

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating)
• Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dry mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure uniform flavor dispersion.
2. Cream the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract together with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and fold together with a spatula until a thick, slightly sticky mixture forms. Adjust consistency with additional maple syrup if needed, one teaspoon at a time.
4. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle.
5. Roll into balls: Remove the chilled mixture from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop and roll the mixture into uniform balls. Place them spaced out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Firm the balls: Return the rolled balls to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set firmly in preparation for coating.
7. Prepare the chocolate coating: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Add a teaspoon of coconut or vegetable oil to thin if necessary.
8. Coat the balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled pecan pie ball into the melted chocolate coating it completely. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top while the chocolate is still wet for garnish.
9. Repeat coating: Continue dipping and garnishing all balls. Reheat the chocolate in the microwave briefly if it begins to harden before all balls are coated.
10. Chill and serve: Place coated balls in the refrigerator to fully set the chocolate before serving. Enjoy these rich, nutty, chocolaty no-bake treats chilled for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform size of pecan pie balls for consistent cooking and presentation.
• If the mixture feels too dry when combining, add maple syrup gradually to achieve desired sticky consistency suitable for rolling.
• Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting to prevent seizing and ensure smooth coating.
• Adding chopped pecans as a garnish enhances texture and visual appeal.
• Store the finished balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a thinner chocolate coating, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be added to melted chocolate.
• These are no-bake treats, making preparation quick and convenient compared to traditional pecan pie baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: pecan pie balls, no bake desserts, holiday treats, bite-sized pecan pie, chocolate coated snacks, pecan recipe