Pecan Pie Balls

Oh wow, these Pecan Pie Balls caught my eye fast. They look sweet and cozy. And I was like, yep, I need one now.

When I took a bite, it tasted just like pecan pie. The nuts are crunchy, and the filling is soft. It felt warm and happy.

I kept wanting more because they’re so good. All the pie flavor in one little bite. And I thought, you’ll love this too.

So yeah, let’s make these together. It’s super easy. And the taste is totally worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: If you love the warm, nutty, and caramelized flavor of pecan pie, you’ll find these little bites just as addictive.
• Perfect for Gifting: These pecan pie balls make an excellent gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Simple and Easy: This recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• No-Bake Delight: No oven needed! These pecan pie balls are rolled and set in the refrigerator.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the ingredients and steps, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Food Processor or Chopping Knife: To chop the pecans into small pieces.
• Baking Sheet: To place the pecan pie balls while they set in the fridge.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate almond bark.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible pecan pie balls (measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Pecan Halves: A star ingredient, pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor to the balls. Finely chop them for an even texture.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These crumbs serve as the base, giving the balls a nice crunch and helping to bind the ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar: The sweet, caramelized flavor of brown sugar is perfect for mimicking the taste of traditional pecan pie.
• Vanilla Extract: For a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the mixture stick together, making it easy to form the balls.
• Pure Maple Syrup: The syrup gives these balls an authentic pecan pie flavor while keeping them moist.
• Chocolate Almond Bark: A sweet coating that hardens as it cools, turning each ball into a delectable, bite-sized treat.

Variations for Pecan Pie Balls

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable! Here are some variations to try if you want to add your personal touch:

• Add a Dash of Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon can give these pecan pie balls a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for autumn or the holidays.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap the chocolate almond bark for dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet coating.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.
• Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: If you enjoy sweet-and-salty treats, add a little sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for extra flavor.
• Try Honey: Swap out the maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweet profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to get started. Follow these easy steps to make your own pecan pie balls!

1. Chop the Pecans

The first step in making pecan pie balls is preparing the pecans. You’ll want to finely chop them so that they blend well into the mixture. You can use a food processor to chop them into small pieces, or you can finely chop them by hand with a knife. The pieces should be small enough to give the balls a nice texture, but not so fine that they turn into powder.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, and brown sugar. Give everything a good stir to ensure the dry ingredients are well mixed.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the vanilla extract, melted butter, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined, and the mixture starts to form a dough-like consistency.

4. Form the Pecan Pie Balls

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to roll it into balls. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. If you find that the dough is too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.

5. Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark

To coat your pecan pie balls, you’ll need to melt the chocolate almond bark. Break the bark into pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. You can also melt it on the stovetop using a double boiler if you prefer.

6. Coat the Pecan Pie Balls

Once the chocolate is melted, dip each pecan pie ball into the chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. You can use a fork or a skewer to help dip the balls into the chocolate and then tap off any excess. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Set the Pecan Pie Balls

After coating all the balls, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened and the balls are set.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate has set, your pecan pie balls are ready to be served! These little bites of heaven are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just treating yourself, these pecan pie balls will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls

These pecan pie balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet snack or dessert after a meal.
• As a Gift: Package them up in a decorative box or jar and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• At Parties: These little bites are perfect for any event, from holiday gatherings to birthdays, and will surely impress your guests.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat during the colder months.
• On a Dessert Table: Add them to a dessert spread or dessert platter along with cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats.

Storing Pecan Pie Balls

These pecan pie balls are great for make-ahead desserts. If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• In the Refrigerator: Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. The cool temperature will help keep the chocolate coating firm.
• In the Freezer: If you want to make them ahead of time, pecan pie balls freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Ball)
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	10 mg

Note: The nutritional values above are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Balls are a delicious and simple way to enjoy the flavors of a classic pecan pie in bite-sized form. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s both rich and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, these pecan pie balls are sure to become a favorite.