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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle.
- 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.
- Firm the balls: Return the rolled balls to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set firmly in preparation for coating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
