Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Dreamy Pecan Pie Balls Recipe: A Bite-Sized Holiday Treat

Whipping up some delectable pecan pie balls brings pure magic to your dessert lineup.

Sweet clusters of nutty goodness pack incredible flavor into bite-sized treats.

Crunchy pecans blend seamlessly with creamy ingredients, creating irresistible morsels.

Simple kitchen magic happens when you mix classic pie flavors into portable spheres.

No baking required means quick preparation for anyone wanting a delightful sweet snack.

Chocolate drizzles or coconut coatings can personalize these delightful little confections.

Let your taste buds dance with these incredible no-fuss pecan pie balls that promise to become your new favorite indulgence.

FAQs

  • Are pecan pie balls healthy?

While delicious, these balls are an indulgent treat with high sugar and fat content. They’re best enjoyed in moderation as a special dessert.

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and will provide a similar texture and flavor profile to the original recipe.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these balls?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and your hands to roll the balls. A baking sheet and parchment paper are helpful for chilling.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains gluten from graham crackers and dairy from butter. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers, and for vegan versions, substitute butter with coconut oil.

No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls That Are Sweet and Satisfying

  • Whip Up Effortlessly: No baking required, making these pecan pie balls a breeze to prepare with minimal kitchen skills needed.
  • Grab and Go Delight: Perfect portable treat for picnics, potlucks, or quick snacking without complicated preparation or messy serving.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Sweet Bites: Irresistible combination of rich pecans, chocolate, and powdered sugar creates a universally loved dessert that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored easily in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert planning.

Pecan Pie Balls (No-Bake) Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide the signature flavor and texture.

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a sweet, graham cracker base to the no-bake balls.

Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the mixture.

Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate depth to the treat.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the mixture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Helps hold the mixture together and adds richness.
  • Corn Syrup: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a sticky texture.

No Bake Pecan Pie Balls Preparation

Step 1: Blend Dry Ingredients

Mix together graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a uniform base for your delectable treats.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Components

Drizzle melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract over the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients transform into a sticky, cohesive dough that holds together easily.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Spheres

Using clean hands, gently roll small portions of the mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately one inch in diameter. Place each perfectly formed sphere onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and let the pecan pie balls cool and firm up for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps them maintain their shape and intensifies their rich flavor.

Step 5: Create Powdery Coating

Remove the chilled balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a complete and even covering that adds a delicate, sweet exterior.

Step 6: Serve and Store

Arrange the finished pecan pie balls on a serving plate. These irresistible treats can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Pecan Pie Ball Tips That Don’t Need an Oven

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every batch.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the balls longer if you prefer a firmer, more compact treat that holds its shape better.
  • Swap Nuts Carefully: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds, but adjust quantities to maintain the right moisture and binding.
  • Control Sweetness: Reduce powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet version or want to cut down on sugar content.
  • Prevent Sticking: Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray when rolling balls to prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms.

Preserve Pecan Pie Balls Sweetness

  • Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 7 days.
  • Pack balls in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Let balls sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Consume within 4 hours for best taste.
  • If balls become dry, sprinkle a tiny bit of corn syrup or melted butter before rolling in powdered sugar to restore moisture and freshness.

Pecan Pie Balls Sweet Companions

  • Pair with Creamy Bourbon Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, bourbon, and a splash of vanilla extract for a decadent drink that echoes the pie's rich flavors.
  • Complement with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, bold coffee that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the nutty pecan undertones.
  • Match with Cinnamon Spiced Chai: Steep a warm chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to create a spicy counterpoint to the sweet pecan balls.
  • Elevate with Caramel Drizzle Accompaniment: Serve a small dish of warm caramel sauce on the side for guests to dip their pecan balls, adding extra indulgence to the dessert.

Rice Crispy Cake Treat Variants

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Balls: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight Bites: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Pecan Clusters: Substitute powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol and increase nut content for a ketogenic diet option.
  • Chocolate-Drizzled Pecan Spheres: Melt dark chocolate and lightly drizzle over chilled balls for an extra decadent touch that enhances the original flavor profile.
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Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x

Description

Irresistible Pecan Pie Balls bring southern comfort to bite-sized dessert perfection. Sweet pecans and creamy bourbon create a delightful no-bake treat that melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.


Ingredients

Scale

Pecans:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) finely chopped pecans

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend chopped pecans, pulverized graham crackers, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  2. Introduce melted butter, corn syrup, and fragrant vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, slightly tacky dough.
  3. Gently manipulate small portions of the mixture, crafting compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter using clean palms.
  4. Carefully position the freshly shaped orbs onto a parchment-lined tray, ensuring minimal contact between them.
  5. Transfer the tray to the refrigerator, allowing the delicate morsels to solidify and develop a firmer texture for approximately half an hour.
  6. Extract the chilled confections and delicately enrobe each sphere in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, ensuring complete and elegant coverage.
  7. Serve these decadent treats immediately for optimal enjoyment, or preserve their integrity by storing in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to seven days.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar to suit your taste preferences.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing and more consistent texture.
  • Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor twist and to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 156
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 83 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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