Easy Pecan Pie Balls Recipe: Bite-Sized Holiday Magic

Crafting decadent pecan pie balls brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet treats like these capture the essence of classic Southern comfort.

Nuts and chocolate blend seamlessly in these bite-sized delights.

Creamy textures meet crunchy pecans for an irresistible combination.

Each morsel promises a rich, indulgent experience that melts in you mouth.

Small yet powerful, these elegant confections will become your new favorite party snack.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these delectable spheres of deliciousness.

No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls That Pack A Sweet, Crunchy Bite

Whip Up Effortless Delights: Perfect Pecan Pie Balls

• Quick Prep Magic: These no-bake treats come together in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for holiday parties, potlucks, or casual family desserts, these bite-sized delights appeal to both kids and adults with their rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Stress-Free Entertaining: Prepare ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to focus on hosting without last-minute dessert stress. The make-ahead factor means less kitchen chaos and more enjoyment.
• Customizable Indulgence: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping bourbon for apple juice, adjusting chocolate coating, or adding extra spices to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Pecan Pie Balls Ingredient List

• Pecans: The star of the pie balls, toasted for deep, nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides structure and sweet, classic graham cracker taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel sweetness and helps bind ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that helps hold the mixture together.
• Bourbon or Apple Juice: Adds depth of flavor and moisture, bourbon for complexity or apple juice for non-alcoholic option.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic background flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, rich chocolate exterior that complements the pecan flavor, can be melted for full or partial coating.

Easy Instructions for Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Toast and Crumble Pecans

Grab a skillet and gently toast the pecans over medium heat until they become fragrant and golden brown.

Once cooled, crush them into small, delightful pieces using a food processor or chopping board.

Step 2: Blend Dry Goodness

• Toasted pecan pieces
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and looking deliciously inviting.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Magic

• Maple syrup
• Bourbon (or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together like a dream.

Step 4: Shape Tasty Morsels

Roll the mixture between your palms, creating bite-sized balls about an inch in diameter.

Place these little gems on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Chill and Firm

Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for roughly 30 minutes.

This helps the balls maintain their shape and makes the next step easier.

Step 6: Chocolate Dipping Delight

Melt chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave.

Dunk each pecan ball partially or completely in the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.

Step 7: Final Chocolate Set

Return the chocolate-coated balls to the parchment paper.

Allow them to rest until the chocolate hardens completely.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Transfer the pecan pie balls to an airtight container.

Refrigerate and enjoy within one week for maximum freshness and flavor.

No-Fail Tips for Shaping Pecan Pie Balls

• Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the recipe.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice for a kid-friendly version or use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Use a fork when dipping balls into melted chocolate to create a neat, even coating and allow excess chocolate to drip off easily.
• Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray before rolling the mixture into balls to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or add a pinch of cinnamon to give the pecan pie balls a unique twist.

Store Pecan Pie Balls

• Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container for up to 7 days, keeping them cool and fresh.
• Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months.
• Remove frozen balls from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Consume chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.

Treats to Enjoy with Pecan Pie Balls

• Pair with Smooth Bourbon: Complement the bourbon-infused balls with a neat pour of the same bourbon, enhancing the rich pecan and whiskey flavors.
• Match with Creamy Coffee: Serve alongside a velvety cappuccano or latte, letting the sweet chocolate and nutty notes dance together perfectly.
• Combine with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or muscadel wine that mirrors the caramel undertones and provides a luxurious tasting experience.
• Enjoy with Spiced Chai: A warm chai tea brings out the warming spices and creates a delightful contrast with the chocolate-covered pecan treat.

No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Vegan Option: Swap maple syrup with agave nectar, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace bourbon with almond extract for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar intake.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining a similar texture and crunch.

FAQs

• Are pecan pie balls hard to make?

No, they’re super easy! You just mix dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, roll into balls, chill, and dip in chocolate. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers.

• Can I skip the bourbon?

Absolutely! Replace bourbon with apple juice or orange juice. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious.

• Do I need special equipment to make these?

Not at all. You’ll only need a mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and your hands to roll the balls. Basic kitchen tools work perfectly.

• How long will these pecan pie balls stay good?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they’ll last up to a week. This makes them great for making ahead for parties or gifts.

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Indulgent pecan pie balls bring southern comfort to bite-sized bliss, melding rich nutty flavors with creamy sweetness. Delightful no-bake treats offer quick satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts craving classic pecan pie in a convenient, pop-able form you’ll adore.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar, packed

Sweet Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon or apple juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chocolate chips, melted (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the fragrant toasted pecans, finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, rich brown sugar, and a delicate pinch of salt, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
2. Introduce the luscious maple syrup, smooth bourbon (or crisp apple juice), and aromatic vanilla extract, stirring meticulously until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, moldable texture that holds together effortlessly.
3. Using clean hands, gently shape the pecan mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter, carefully positioning each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Transfer the formed balls to the freezer, allowing them to chill and solidify for approximately 25-35 minutes, which will enhance their structural integrity and make chocolate coating easier.
5. Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave, creating a smooth, glossy coating, then strategically dip each chilled pecan ball, ensuring partial or complete chocolate coverage according to personal preference.
6. Carefully place the chocolate-enrobed balls back onto the parchment paper, allowing the chocolate to set and harden at room temperature or expedite the process by briefly returning them to the refrigerator.
7. Once completely set, transfer the pecan pie balls to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator, where they will maintain their delectable quality for up to seven days.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the balls.
• Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizing and easier ball formation, ensuring uniform shape and cooking.
• Replace bourbon with apple juice for a kid-friendly version or non-alcoholic alternative that maintains delicious taste.
• Experiment with different chocolate coatings like dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize the flavor profile and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg