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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Shaping: Roll the mixture into compact, uniform balls approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring each sphere is tightly packed and smooth.
- Chilling: Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for one hour to stabilize their structure and enhance their consistency.
- Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring periodically to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency without burning.
- 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.
- 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