Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
These Pecan Pie Balls are bite-sized treats that capture the classic flavors of pecan pie with a rich, buttery pecan and graham cracker base coated in smooth melted chocolate. Perfectly sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced with vanilla extract, these no-bake dessert balls are easy to make, chill, and coat for a delightful indulgence ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime a sweet bite is needed.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 pecan pie balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating and Garnish
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Extra chopped pecans (for garnish)
- Prepare the mixture: Gather all ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined for an even flavor. In another bowl, cream together softened butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a spatula until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If too dry, add maple syrup gradually to adjust consistency. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll the balls: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator again for 30 minutes to further firm the balls, making them easier to coat.
- Coat with chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth, taking care not to overheat. If too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut or vegetable oil to thin. Remove chilled pecan balls and dip each into the melted chocolate using a fork or toothpick, coating completely. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing back on parchment. Garnish with chopped pecans while chocolate is still wet. Repeat for all balls, reheating chocolate as needed to maintain dipping consistency.
- Chill and serve: Place the coated pecan pie balls back in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For extra indulgence, pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or roll in alternative coatings like crushed graham crackers or chocolate sprinkles for variety.
Notes
- You can add a splash of bourbon or a pinch of sea salt to the mixture for an elevated flavor.
- If your chocolate seizes, stirring in a small amount of oil can help restore smoothness.
- Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized pecan pie balls.
- Store pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To make the coating process easier, work quickly before the chocolate hardens.
Keywords: pecan pie balls, no bake dessert, chocolate coated treats, holiday sweets, bite sized desserts, easy pecan recipe