Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! Recipe
If you love the classic flavors of Southern pecan pie but want a treat that’s easy, bite-sized, and completely oven-free, you have to try Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! These indulgent little morsels wrap up everything we adore about pecan pie—crunchy pecans, buttery sweetness, a hint of vanilla, and a decadent chocolate shell—into the most irresistible poppable bites. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, looking for a quick homemade gift, or simply craving a sweet treat without heating up the kitchen, Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! will absolutely hit the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! is in their simplicity: every ingredient has a purpose, from the rich pecans for crunch to the smooth chocolate for that perfect shell. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:
- Finely chopped pecans (1 1/2 cups): These are the star of the show, adding that signature nutty flavor and texture in every bite.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): They help bind everything together and add a subtle, toasty undertone to the mix.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): This brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness that echoes classic pecan pie filling.
- Maple syrup or corn syrup (1/4 cup): Either option provides the sticky-sweet binder and authentic pie flavor—maple for warmth, corn syrup for tradition.
- Melted unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Butter makes the mixture rich, moist, and utterly irresistible.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash elevates all the flavors and adds that classic dessert aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness of the pecans.
- Melting chocolate, any type Dessert.
- Crushed pecans or sea salt (optional, for topping): Sprinkle these on top for flair, crunch, or a bit of salty contrast.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake!
Step 1: Mix Up the Sticky Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, packed brown sugar, maple syrup (or corn syrup), melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until you get a thick, sticky dough. It might look crumbly at first, but keep mixing—it will come together beautifully and smell just like the holidays!
Step 2: Chill for Easy Rolling
Cover your bowl and pop the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This quick chill firms up the dough, making it much easier to handle and shape into perfect little balls.
Step 3: Shape Into Bite-Sized Balls
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough, then roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the mixture gets sticky, a quick spritz of non-stick spray on your hands does wonders!
Step 4: Freeze for Dipping
Freeze the balls for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key for making sure they hold together when you dip them in chocolate. Chilling also helps the chocolate set up quickly and evenly.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
While your pecan pie balls are chilling, melt your chosen chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Go in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is silky smooth. This keeps it from burning and ensures the perfect coating consistency.
Step 6: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or dipping tool, gently lower each ball into the melted chocolate, roll to coat, then lift out and let any excess drip off. Place each dipped ball back on the parchment-lined sheet and, while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with extra crushed pecans or flaky sea salt if you like. This not only looks gorgeous but adds a lovely crunch or salty pop.
Step 7: Final Chill and Enjoy
Let your Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! chill in the refrigerator for about 15 more minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. Now they’re ready to serve, gift, or devour straight from the fridge!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake!
Garnishes
For a really special finish, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of contrasting chocolate (like white chocolate over dark), or a gentle sprinkle of cinnamon. Garnishing not only makes your Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! look bakery-worthy, it adds even more layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
These sweet treats shine on any dessert table, but they’re especially delightful paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a hot mug of coffee or spiced tea. Their richness is perfectly balanced by something creamy or a simple cup of tea to sip alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! in festive mini cupcake liners, stack them on a tiered dessert tray, or box them up in pretty tins for a homemade gift. For parties, you can even skewer them on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking. The possibilities for presentation are as fun as the treats themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, chewy, and delicious for up to a week—if you can resist eating them all before then!
Freezing
These treats freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to three months, making them a brilliant option for advance holiday prep or last-minute dessert emergencies.
Reheating
No need to reheat! In fact, Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, just let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham crackers in place of the regular kind, and your Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! will be just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends to enjoy.
Is there a way to make them dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and choose a dairy-free chocolate for dipping. They’ll still be rich, nutty, and completely irresistible.
Can I use honey instead of maple or corn syrup?
You can substitute honey, but keep in mind it will add its own floral sweetness and may make the mixture a little stickier. If you love honey, go for it—it gives a lovely twist to the classic flavor.
What’s the best way to chop the pecans?
A food processor makes quick work of chopping pecans finely, but a sharp knife and a bit of patience work too. Just aim for small, even pieces so the balls hold together well and you get a nice crunch in every bite.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth and shiny?
Use good-quality melting chocolate and melt it gently in short intervals, stirring often. Don’t overheat it! If you want a pro finish, you can add a tiny bit of coconut oil to the chocolate before melting for extra glossiness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to whip up these Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! as I am to share them. They’re simple, festive, and guaranteed to make you the hit of any gathering. Give them a try, and let these little bites of pecan pie perfection become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Pecan Pie Balls! No Bake! Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Balls are delicious no-bake treats that combine the rich flavors of pecan pie in bite-sized truffles. These chocolate-dipped balls feature a sticky, nutty center made of pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar, covered in smooth melted chocolate. Perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or anytime you want an easy yet indulgent dessert without needing to turn on the oven.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or corn syrup
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 8 oz melting chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
- Crushed pecans or sea salt, optional for topping
Instructions
- Make the filling mixture: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients form a well-mixed sticky dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the mixture and makes it easier to handle when shaping into balls.
- Shape into balls: Once chilled, scoop out the mixture and gently roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze them for 15 to 20 minutes to set the shape.
- Melt the chocolate: While the balls chill, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth and fully melted without any lumps.
- Dip the balls in chocolate: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate before placing the ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle crushed pecans or sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.
- Set the chocolate coating: Refrigerate the coated balls for about 15 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Store and serve: Keep the pecan pie balls stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Swap maple syrup with bourbon for a festive, boozy twist.
- These pecan pie balls freeze well; store frozen and thaw before serving.
- Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.
- For variations, try using white or dark chocolate coatings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
