Heavenly Pecan Pie Balls Recipe: Bite-Sized Bliss in Minutes

Delectable no-bake pecan pie balls dance between decadent dessert and irresistible snack.

These sweet treats capture the essence of classic Southern comfort with every delightful bite.

Rolling together rich pecans, smooth cream cheese, and graham cracker crumbs creates a magical confection that melts in your mouth.

The simple recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.

No oven needed means you can whip up these delightful spheres of goodness in minutes.

Perfectly portioned and easy to share, pecan pie balls will become your new favorite crowd-pleasing dessert.

Dive into this delicious recipe and watch everyone fall in love with these bite-sized delights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 23

All Ingredients For Pecan Pie Balls

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a delightful crunchy foundation that binds the entire mixture together with classic cookie sweetness.
• Chopped Pecans: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and satisfying texture that defines the authentic pecan pie experience.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a cohesive, sticky mixture.
• Maple Syrup: Introduces a luxurious, natural sweetness with woodsy undertones that complement the pecans.
• Melted Butter: Ensures ingredients stick together and creates a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the depth of other ingredients.

• Chocolate Wafers: Provides a glossy, decadent exterior that transforms the balls into an irresistible treat.

Set Up To Make Pecan Pie Balls

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients into a sticky, moldable dough.
• Parchment paper: Essential for lining the baking sheet and preventing sticking.
• Baking sheet: Needed to hold and shape the pecan balls.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Crucial for smoothly melting chocolate wafers.
• Fork: Ideal for dipping and coating pecan balls in melted chocolate.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Directions To Make Pecan Pie Balls

• Flavor Foundation

Combine graham cracker crumbs, pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Your goal is creating a delectable mixture that sticks together like a delicious dream.

• Ball Creation

Gently roll the mixture into bite-sized spheres using your hands. Each ball should be roughly the size of a golf ball, packed with nutty goodness and sweet potential.

• Chill Zone

Place your freshly formed balls onto a parchment-lined tray and send them into the freezer. Let them hang out and firm up for about an hour, developing their magical texture.

• Chocolate Bath

Melt chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring gently between short heating intervals. The chocolate should transform into a silky, smooth coating ready to embrace your pecan spheres.

• Chocolate Dipping

Carefully dunk each chilled ball into the molten chocolate. Use a fork to help you navigate, ensuring an even, luxurious chocolate jacket that completely covers each morsel.

• Final Touches

Return the chocolate-covered balls to the refrigerator. Allow them to rest until the chocolate sets, creating a perfect shell around the nutty interior. Serve these decadent treats whenever dessert cravings strike.

Ways To Enhance Pecan Pie Balls

• Pecan Pie Ball Mastery: Expert Tips and Delicious Twists
• Texture Perfection: Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before rolling to prevent sticky hands and create smoother, more uniform balls.
• Chocolate Coating Hack: Use a dipping fork or slotted spoon to ensure even chocolate coverage and minimize messy drips.
• Dietary Swap Magic: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version. Swap maple syrup with honey or agave for alternative sweetness.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different chocolate coatings like dark, white, or milk chocolate. Sprinkle crushed pecans or sea salt on top for extra crunch and gourmet flair.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Store uncoated balls in the freezer for up to 3 weeks. Dip in chocolate just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.

Best Time To Serve Pecan Pie Balls

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the pecan pie balls on a decorative tray with festive toothpicks for easy grabbing during gatherings or holiday celebrations.
• Dessert Gifting Delight: Package these bite-sized treats in cute mason jars or clear gift boxes tied with ribbons for a homemade, thoughtful present that will impress friends and family.
• Coffee Companion Treat: Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage as a delectable sweet snack that complements morning coffee or afternoon tea with its rich, nutty flavor.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Create a stunning dessert display by mixing these pecan pie balls with other small treats, offering guests a variety of bite-sized indulgences that look professionally prepared.

Easy Storage Guide For Pecan Pie Balls

• Fridge-Ready Storage: Keep the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the balls up to 2 weeks in advance and freeze them in a sealed container, perfect for unexpected guests or quick dessert cravings.
• Smart Layering Technique: When storing, place wax paper between layers to prevent the chocolate-coated balls from sticking together, keeping each bite looking picture-perfect.
• Temperature Wisdom: Allow chilled balls to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps soften the chocolate and enhances the rich, nutty flavor profile.

Nutty Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Homemade pecan pie balls deliver southern dessert magic in bite-sized form. Rich nutty clusters combine classic pie flavors with convenient no-bake preparation. Dessert enthusiasts savor these irresistible treats that welcome warm hospitality.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) pecans, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 15 oz (425 g) dark chocolate melting wafers (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

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Instructions

1. Mixing: Combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive, moldable texture.
2. Shaping: Roll the mixture into compact, uniform balls approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring each sphere is tightly packed and smooth.
3. Chilling: Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for one hour to stabilize their structure and enhance their consistency.
4. Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring periodically to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency without burning.
5. Dipping: Use a fork to carefully submerge each chilled pecan ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off for an even, elegant coating.
6. Finishing: Place the chocolate-covered balls back on the parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until the chocolate shell completely hardens, creating a delectable, ready-to-serve treat that can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent texture and flavor, preventing overly dry or too sticky balls.
• Chill for Structural Integrity: Freezing helps balls maintain shape during chocolate coating and enhances overall firmness.
• Chocolate Melting Technique: Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning, ensuring smooth and glossy coating.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives, use dark chocolate for vegan version, or replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg