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
Scale
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