Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
If you love the classic flavors of Southern pecan pie but crave a bite-sized, no-fuss version, these Pecan Pie Balls are about to become your new obsession. Think crunchy pecans, gooey dates, warm notes of cinnamon, and a coating of creamy chocolate—all rolled together into poppable treats that come together in under an hour. Whether you need a sweet snack, holiday dessert, or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, these little goodies deliver big on taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where the magic happens! Every ingredient in these Pecan Pie Balls builds flavorful layers and creates that perfect fudgy bite with a pleasant crunch. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll have everything you need to whip up this irresistible treat.
- Pecans (2 cups, finely chopped): The true star; they add rich, buttery crunch and build that signature pecan pie flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): Helps everything bind together, while adding a subtle caramel flavor.
- Medjool dates (1 cup, pitted and chopped): Naturally sweetens the mix and creates a chewy, luscious texture.
- Light corn syrup or maple syrup (1/2 cup): Acts as a sticky binder and brings that classic pie gooiness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Lends depth and warmth, rounding out the caramel notes.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds cozy spice that dances in every bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Finishes the filling with fragrant, mellow undertones.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For a smooth, glossy coating that’s just the right amount of indulgent.
- Coconut oil or shortening (1 tablespoon, optional): Makes the chocolate even silkier and easier to dip.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls
Step 1: Combine the Filling
Add the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, dates, corn syrup (or maple syrup), brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to your food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and the mixture becomes sticky enough to hold together when pressed between your fingers. This step is where the aroma really starts to fill your kitchen and the mixture takes on a homey, pie-like feel.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Take generous tablespoonfuls of the mixture and roll them between your palms into even, 1-inch balls. If things get a bit sticky, try lightly dampening your hands. Set the balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out a bit so they don’t stick together.
Step 3: Chill to Set
Pop your tray of Pecan Pie Balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up, making them easier to handle when it’s time for their chocolate bath. It’s also the perfect chance to tidy up or sneak a taste of the filling if you can’t resist!
Step 4: Coat in Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and silky smooth. Take the chilled balls one at a time and dip them into the melted chocolate, coating all sides. Return each one to the parchment-lined tray.
Step 5: Final Chill
Once all balls are dipped, place the tray back in the fridge. In about 15–20 minutes, the chocolate will harden into a shiny shell. Now you have a whole batch of decadent, bite-sized Pecan Pie Balls, ready to share (or secretly stash just for you)!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls
Garnishes
Elevate your Pecan Pie Balls with a sprinkling of chopped pecans, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a little dusting of powdered sugar right after the chocolate sets. These tiny extras add texture and make your treats look irresistibly festive.
Side Dishes
Serve these alongside a big mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with fruit platters or a spread of other tiny desserts if you’re planning a party tray. Their bite-size nature means they complement almost any sweet or savory snack board.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Pecan Pie Balls in mini cupcake liners for a polished touch. Stack them up in pretty tins or gift boxes during the holidays, or skewer them with toothpicks for chic party-ready bites. For fun, you can even build a “truffle tower” as a show-stopping centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a full week—if they last that long! The chocolate shell helps lock in moisture, so every bite stays fudgy and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, these freeze beautifully. Lay the Pecan Pie Balls out on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
These treats are at their best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t needed. But if you’re craving extra gooey chocolate, a quick five-second zap in the microwave softens the coating without melting the whole ball.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Pecans give this recipe its classic flavor, but walnuts or almonds can add their own unique twist. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture and binding.
Are Pecan Pie Balls gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses graham cracker crumbs, which often contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply swap for a gluten-free graham cracker or cookie alternative. Everything else is naturally gluten-free!
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No food processor? No problem! Finely chop all your ingredients by hand. It takes a little longer, but you’ll still end up with delicious results. Just be sure to combine everything really well in a big mixing bowl.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, choose vegan chocolate chips, and double-check your graham crackers are dairy-free. The dates help provide plenty of natural stickiness and sweetness, so no eggs or butter are needed.
Do I have to dip them in chocolate?
Not at all! If you’d like to skip the chocolate, you can simply roll your Pecan Pie Balls in finely chopped nuts or even toasted coconut for a fun, rustic finish. Or do half and half for variety!
Final Thoughts
Whipping up a batch of Pecan Pie Balls is one of those joyful kitchen projects that pays off with every scrumptious bite. They’re a breeze to make, perfect for sharing, and just the right level of indulgent. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this little taste of homemade joy!
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Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful no-bake treat that combines the flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a touch of nostalgia.
Ingredients
Pecan Pie Balls:
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup medjool dates (pitted and chopped)
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine pecans, graham cracker crumbs, chopped dates, corn syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place back on the parchment. Chill until the chocolate is set, about 15–20 minutes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- For added texture, roll balls in finely chopped pecans before the chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
