Pecan Pie Balls

Pecan Pie Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic pecan pie, combining all the rich, nutty flavors into a bite-sized treat. These little balls of joy are made with finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar, giving you the same sweet and nutty flavor you love from pecan pie—without the need for baking! With a touch of maple syrup, rum extract, and a drizzle of semi-sweet chocolate, these decadent little bites will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a homemade gift, these Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of pecan pie in a more convenient, no-bake form. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No-Bake Convenience

These Pecan Pie Balls don’t require any baking, making them quick and easy to prepare without turning on the oven.

2. Rich, Nutty Flavor

The combination of finely chopped pecans and graham cracker crumbs gives the Pecan Pie Balls that perfect nutty and sweet taste of a traditional pecan pie.

3. Perfect for the Holidays

These bite-sized treats are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a special homemade gift that everyone will love.

4. Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these Pecan Pie Balls in no time.

5. Delicious Chocolate Drizzle

The semi-sweet chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence and gives these treats a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

• Finely chopped pecans
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Light brown sugar (packed)
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Pure maple syrup
• Rum extract
• Light corn syrup
• Semi-sweet chocolate baking bars (chopped)

Variations

• Add a Dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For a warm, spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer taste, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the drizzle.
• Swap Maple Syrup for Honey: For a different sweetener flavor, replace maple syrup with honey.
• Add a Splash of Bourbon: Instead of rum extract, you can add a small splash of bourbon for an extra depth of flavor.
• Use Different Nuts: Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique take on the recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, then add the maple syrup, rum extract, and corn syrup. Stir to combine the wet ingredients until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir well to form a sticky dough.

Step 4: Form the Balls

Once the mixture is well combined, roll it into small bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle

Chop the semi-sweet chocolate bars into small pieces and melt them in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.

Step 6: Drizzle the Chocolate

Using a spoon or a fork, drizzle the melted chocolate over the pecan balls, covering them with a generous layer of chocolate.

Step 7: Chill the Balls

Place the tray of pecan pie balls into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set and the balls firm up.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate has hardened, serve the Pecan Pie Balls and enjoy their sweet, nutty, and decadent flavor!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep the Balls Small: Keep the pecan pie balls bite-sized for easy serving and eating. You want them to be small enough to pop in your mouth without a mess.
• Chill Before Dipping in Chocolate: Let the balls chill for a few minutes before dipping them in chocolate to help them hold their shape better.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is fully melted and slightly cooled to avoid softening the mixture too much.
• Make Ahead: These Pecan Pie Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
• Try Different Toppings: If you want to add extra flavor, consider sprinkling the balls with sea salt or finely chopped pecans on top of the chocolate drizzle.

How to Serve

• Serve these pecan pie balls as a sweet treat for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or parties.
• They also make great gifts! Package them up in a cute tin or jar and tie a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Perfect for a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these treats, place them on a tray in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

These pecan pie balls are best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of nuts?

Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure they are finely chopped.

2. How long can I store these pecan pie balls?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

3. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Balls?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

4. Can I make these without the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, the pecan pie balls are delicious on their own, but the chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.

5. Can I substitute the rum extract?

If you don’t want to use rum extract, you can use vanilla extract, or add a splash of bourbon for a deeper flavor.

6. Do I have to use corn syrup?

The corn syrup helps hold the mixture together, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with honey.

7. How many balls does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 20-25 pecan pie balls, depending on the size you roll them.

8. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

9. Are these pecan pie balls gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free, these pecan pie balls are naturally gluten-free.

10. Can I add more maple syrup for extra sweetness?

You can add a little more maple syrup if you like things sweeter, but be careful not to make the mixture too wet.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect sweet treat for anyone who loves the flavors of pecan pie but wants something simpler and more portable. These no-bake balls are filled with crunchy pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and a touch of maple syrup, all coated in a rich layer of semi-sweet chocolate. Whether you’re serving them at a party or gifting them to loved ones, these decadent little bites will always be a hit. Easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying, these Pecan Pie Balls are a must-try recipe for any dessert lover.

Print