Pecan Pie Balls are everything you love about pecan pie without the fuss of baking or making a crust. They’re quick to prepare, require only a few ingredients, and are easy to make ahead. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crunchy pecans, caramel-like sweetness, and smooth chocolate coating. They’re also great for gifting, snacking, or dressing up your holiday dessert spread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pecans, finely chopped or crushed
Graham cracker crumbs
Brown sugar
Maple syrup or corn syrup
Vanilla extract
Salt
Cream cheese (optional, for a creamier texture)
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (for coating)
Coconut oil or shortening (optional, to smooth the melted chocolate)
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract until a sticky dough forms. If using cream cheese, add it here for a creamier texture.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
While the balls chill, melt the chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil or shortening until smooth.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating it fully, then return to the baking sheet.
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or chill briefly in the refrigerator.
Bourbon Pecan Balls: Add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist.
White Chocolate Coating: Use melted white chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet.
Add a Crunch: Mix in chopped toffee bits or mini chocolate chips.
Coconut Touch: Add shredded coconut for a Southern-style variation.
Graham-Free: Substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
Storage/Reheating
Store Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
These treats do not require reheating and are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Do I have to bake these?
No, this is a no-bake recipe. Just mix, chill, and dip in chocolate.
Can I use store-bought chopped pecans?
Yes, but make sure they’re finely chopped or pulse them in a food processor for best texture.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can substitute with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread cookies.
Is cream cheese necessary?
It’s optional. It adds a creamy texture and helps bind the mixture but can be omitted for a firmer, more pie-like filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making in advance. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening when melting the chocolate to help it coat more evenly.
Can I freeze pecan pie balls?
Absolutely. Place in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt well and balance the sweetness of the filling, but you can use milk or white chocolate based on preference.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies as a substitute.
Are these safe for nut allergies?
No, since pecans are the main ingredient. Avoid or find a nut-free alternative if accommodating allergies.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful twist on the traditional holiday dessert, offering all the comforting flavors of pecan pie in a quick and easy, no-bake form. With their sweet, nutty filling and smooth chocolate shell, they’re sure to become a favorite for entertaining, gifting, or treating yourself any time of year. Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer—you’ll be glad you did.
Pecan Pie Balls are a no-bake dessert that captures the rich, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie in bite-sized, chocolate-covered form. Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifts, they’re quick to make, easy to store, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups pecans, finely chopped or crushed
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup or corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 oz cream cheese (optional, for creamier texture)
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract until a sticky dough forms. Add cream cheese if using, and mix until fully incorporated.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
While chilling, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil or shortening in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating it completely, then place back on the baking sheet.
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.
Once set, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Add a splash of bourbon for a boozy twist.Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter variation.Substitute graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.Mix in shredded coconut or toffee bits for added flavor and texture.These freeze well—perfect for make-ahead desserts or gifts.
