Irresistibly Sweet Pecan Pie Balls Recipe: Holiday Magic in Bites

Southern bakers have long adored these delectable pecan pie balls that melt in your mouth.

Compact and irresistible, these bite-sized treats capture classic dessert flavors in a single pop.

Sweet, nutty sensations dance across the palate with each delightful morsel.

No complicated baking skills needed for this simple confection that comes together quickly.

Chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs add delightful texture to the mix.

A no-bake wonder that feels indulgent yet takes minimal effort to create.

Chill these little spheres of bliss and watch guests devour them in seconds.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Blend Delicious Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Chopped pecans
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until a sticky dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Step 2: Roll Tasty Morsels

Use clean hands to roll the mixture into small, bite-sized spheres. Gently press and shape each ball, ensuring they’re compact and uniform in size. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Chill and Firm

Place the rolled balls in the freezer for approximately one hour. This helps them maintain their shape and makes chocolate coating easier.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Coating

Select chocolate wafers and melt them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning. Continue until the chocolate reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 5: Chocolate Dunk

Using a fork, carefully dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate. Tap the fork on the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate. Return the coated balls to the parchment-lined sheet.

Step 6: Set and Enjoy

Refrigerate the chocolate-covered balls until the coating hardens completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful treat that captures the essence of pecan pie.

Handy Tips for Shaping and Chilling Pecan Pie Balls

• Chill for Firmness: Freeze the mixture for an hour to help balls maintain their shape and make chocolate coating easier.
• Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Use microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning and achieve silky texture.
• Customize Coatings: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate for different flavor profiles and visual appeal.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust maple syrup quantity to match your preferred sweetness level without compromising ball structure.
• Perfect Dipping Technique: Use a fork to gently lift and drain excess chocolate, ensuring clean, even coating on pecan balls.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Balls the Right Way

• Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Pack balls in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for 2-3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Remove frozen balls from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Do not microwave to prevent chocolate from melting.
• Ensure chocolate coating remains intact during storage. If balls develop condensation, gently pat dry with paper towel before serving.

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Balls for a Sweet Finish

• Complement the rich chocolate coating with a bold, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, which cuts through the sweetness and enhances the pecan's nutty flavor.
• Serve alongside a robust espresso or a creamy cappuccino to balance the dessert's sweetness and provide a warm, aromatic contrast to the chilled chocolate balls.
• Pour a smooth Kentucky bourbon with caramel undertones that echoes the maple syrup and nutty pecan notes, creating a decadent Southern-inspired dessert experience.
• Offer cold whole milk or a creamy almond milk to cool down the rich chocolate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, sweet pecan balls.

Creative Ways to Switch Up Your Pecan Pie Balls

• No-Bake Vegan Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free oats, use coconut oil instead of butter, swap maple syrup with agave nectar, and use dairy-free dark chocolate for coating. Perfect for plant-based diets.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour, use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, replace maple syrup with sugar-free syrup, and coat with sugar-free chocolate. Ideal for low-carb lifestyles.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, use gluten-free cookie crumbs, and keep the rest of the recipe similar. Great for those with nut allergies.
• Spiced Flavor Boost: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice to the mixture for an extra warm, aromatic touch. Creates a festive flavor profile perfect for holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Want to Make Pecan Pie Balls Again and Again

• Perfect for busy bakers who want a delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• No baking required, just simple mixing and shaping makes this recipe incredibly easy for all skill levels.
• Bite-sized and chocolatey, these pecan pie balls are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations where guests love portable sweets.
• Swap chocolate types, add different nuts, or experiment with flavor extracts to make this recipe uniquely yours.

What You Need to Make Pecan Pie Balls at Home

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy foundation for the no-bake dessert.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty flavor and signature texture of pecan pie.
• Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel-like sweetness to the mixture.
• Maple Syrup: Enhances rich, warm flavor profile with natural sweetness.

• Melted Butter: Helps bind ingredients and adds rich, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers warm, classic baking flavor.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall sweetness.

• Chocolate Wafers: Creates smooth, glossy chocolate shell for finished treat.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy handling and clean workspace.

Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Irresistible pecan pie balls combine Southern charm with bite-sized indulgence, offering a sweet twist on classic holiday desserts. Nutty, creamy morsels blend traditional pie flavors into perfect party-ready treats you’ll devour with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Nuts and Base:

• 2 cups pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Sweeteners and Binding:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Flavoring and Coating:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 15 ounces (425 grams) dark chocolate melting wafers (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

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Instructions

1. Craft a delectable mixture by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, rich brown sugar, golden maple syrup, velvety melted butter, fragrant vanilla extract, and a delicate touch of salt in a spacious mixing bowl until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges.
2. Meticulously shape the aromatic mixture into petite, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, gently positioning each orb onto a parchment-paper-lined baking tray.
3. Transfer the nascent confections to the freezer, allowing them to solidify and develop a firm texture for roughly 60 minutes.
4. Prepare the chocolate coating by gradually melting chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe vessel, employing brief 30-second intervals and stirring between each session to ensure a silky, smooth consistency.
5. Delicately submerge each chilled pecan sphere into the molten chocolate using a fork, permitting excess coating to cascade back into the bowl before returning the enrobed treat to the parchment-lined surface.
6. Expedite the chocolate’s crystallization by placing the chocolate-covered delicacies in the refrigerator, enabling them to set for approximately 20 minutes before serving at a cool room temperature or directly from the chilled environment.

Notes

• Keep ingredients at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture binding.
• Use food processor to quickly crush graham crackers into uniform fine crumbs for smoother consistency.
• Choose high-quality dark or milk chocolate for luxurious coating that complements pecan’s rich flavor.
• Customize recipe by adding small amounts of bourbon or cinnamon for sophisticated flavor variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 157
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg